Program Manager Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Chicago, IL

Description

At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It’s why we’re coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we’re headed. We’re proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.

The Manager of ITS Strategic Initiatives is responsible for program management and leading GTM efforts and strategic initiatives within the Government Integrated Technology Solutions (ITS) organization. This individual will work closely with and, at times, on behalf of the broader government ITS leadership team. This individual will own the program coordination and management of monthly, quarterly, and annual initiatives that drive meaningful profitable growth for the organization. Strategic initiatives will include projects led or co-led by this individual and that are considered high priority for the government ITS organization, including acting as the project manager for the Secure Enclave strategic program in support of our Federal business (inclusive of delivery enhancements and near-term sustainment/continuous improvement). These efforts will often be cross-functional and collaborative with other organizations within CDW.

What you will do:

• Lead strategic, cross-functional programs for Government ITS, serving as project manager for near-term priorities (including the Secure Enclave initiative for our Federal business)by defining scope, building integrated plans, and driving delivery through key milestones and sustainment/continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain program governance across strategic initiatives (e.g., operating cadence, integrated plans, RAID logs, decision tracking, and executive-ready status reporting), ensuring clear accountability, predictable execution, and timely escalation.
• Coordinate stakeholders across Government ITS, GIS/security, product/engineering, Sales, Operations, and external partners/vendors to remove blockers and deliver compliant outcomes that support Federal workflows (including requirements related to CUI/CMMC).
• Partner with leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute additional strategic projects across the Government business (including government GTM work), translating strategy into measurable deliverables, timelines, and success metrics.
• Create, implement, and provide visibility to senior leadership on ITS engagement with Sales, Marketing, PPM, and OEM partners—establishing best-in-class engagement practices, action plans, and mechanisms to track progress and outcomes.
• Represent ITS as the “voice of our technical practices” on key cross-functional initiatives, interfacing directly with stakeholders from Sales, Orchestration, R&D, PPM, Analyst Relations, and other corporate functions to align priorities and remove friction.
• Create and deploy layered GTM across ITS practices, including communication, messaging, and enablement strategies (training, office hours, readiness materials) that help coworkers execute effectively—especially as processes and tools change.
• Support ITS executive leaders in executive reporting, communications, and strategy documentation, ensuring concise narratives, clear metrics, and decision-quality materials.
• Manage and lead teams of program/project management and GTM/enablement professionals in the execution of programs that support cross-functional and cross-practice initiatives.
• Lead efforts to infuse consistency across ITS practices to implement GTM and enablement strategies more effectively.
• Support consistent and structured partner engagement within the practices where required with partner leadership ensuring alignment, action planning and execution.

What we expect of you:

• Bachelor’s degree  and 5+ years of progressive leadership experience OR, 9 years of progressive leadership experience
• Proven approach to build and execute strategic plans
• Ability to drive change and execute large-scale initiatives
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to various CDW locations, meetings, or partner sites
• Demonstrated program/project management experience delivering cross-functional initiatives end-to-end (planning, milestones, dependencies, risks/issues, stakeholder management, and executive reporting).
• Experience operating in or supporting regulated / security-forward environments (e.g., compliance-driven processes, secure environments, auditability, change control), a plus.
• 8+ years’ experience within ITS organization or closely related practice, a plus.
• Experience supporting Federal/government customers or internal teams; familiarity with concepts like CUI and CMMC/NIST-aligned requirements, a plus.
• Experience leading or partnering on GTM / enablement motions (internal communications, training/readiness, playbooks, rollout adoption), a plus.
• Experience driving outcomes through influence without authority across Product/Engineering, Security, Sales, and Operations, a plus.

• Pay range: $ 120,000 - $ 170,000 depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of 25% subject to terms and conditions of plan Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/ Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials  

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next.

Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.