Program Manager Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have a job they love, work in a great environment, grow their career & enjoy a positive balance.

As a family-owned retailer we take pride in offering a competitive benefit package designed to support you & your life. It is one of the reasons we have been named a Forbes Best Employer for seven consecutive years!

• Associates hired into a full-time role will become eligible for the following benefits effective their 91st day of full-time employment: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Ancillary Benefits, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Etc.
• All major Holidays & Birthday off
• Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career
• Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more!
• Internal recognition programs that support an engaged workplace
• 401(K) with company match

• Base pay between $106,500-$130,000/yr

The pay listed for this position may vary based on experience. Please note, compensation decisions are contingent on the facts and conditions for each job opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as, training and experience, the position’s work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.

Please note salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Blain’s Farm & Fleet position description for accurate pay range information.

The IT Program Manager oversees the successful implementation of multiple IT projects and project teams to ensure they align with the organization’s strategic goals. The IT Program Manager is responsible for ensuring projects are executed efficiently, resolving risks and issues, and driving the successful delivery of technology solutions. This role requires technical and functional expertise, with a strong understanding of the various technologies, systems, and processes that support the retail domain.  Activities include strategic planning, resource management, and effective leadership to ensure that projects within the program are completed on time, within scope, and on budget. The IT Program Manager will lead cross-functional teams, including Business Analysts and Software Engineers to drive success across projects. 

• Program Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement program strategies, resources, schedule and work plan, that align with organizational objectives and ensure cohesive project execution.
• Project Oversight: Oversee, monitor and manage multiple projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, scope, and budgets.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a cross functional team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment for optimal performance  
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on program progress, risks, and issues.
• Risk and Issue Management: Identify, mitigate and resolve risk and issues promptly to minimize impact on program objectives across
• Budget Management: Prepare and manage program budgets, optimizing resources for maximum productivity and cost efficiency
• Process Improvement: Continuously monitor and improve program performance, quality, and efficiency at regular intervals 
• Alignment with Business Goals: Ensure IT solutions and project outcomes are aligned with the organizations business strategy and operational needs.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to meet business needs and deliver value

• 5+ years of experience in IT project or program management, with a proven track record of managing large-scale IT programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business, or a related field is preferred
• Strong technical foundation including hands on experience with various IT departments (infrastructure, software, systems architecture), technologies, systems, and processes
• Outstanding working knowledge of change management principles and performance evaluation processes
• Proven ability to solve problems creatively
• Strong familiarity with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices
• Understanding of IT architecture, systems, and infrastructure to ensure program alignment with technical goals
• Knowledge of methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and PMI standards.
• Proficiency with budgeting processes, cost forecasting, and financial oversight to manage program budgets effectively.
• Understanding of risk identification, mitigation strategies, and issue resolution.
• Advanced knowledge of how IT supports business processes and the strategic importance of aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals.
• Proficiency in resource allocation, capacity planning, and workload distribution.

Blain Supply, Inc and Blain’s Farm and Fleet (collectively “Blain’s”) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize the importance of diversity and creating an inclusive culture in order to leverage the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. Blain’s does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any applicable legally protected status. Our goal is to continue to be recognized as an employer of choice and we have received Forbes Best Mid-Sized company to work for an unprecedented 7 years in a row.

• 5+ years of experience in IT project or program management, with a proven track record of managing large-scale IT programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business, or a related field is preferred
• Strong technical foundation including hands on experience with various IT departments (infrastructure, software, systems architecture), technologies, systems, and processes
• Outstanding working knowledge of change management principles and performance evaluation processes
• Proven ability to solve problems creatively
• Strong familiarity with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices
• Understanding of IT architecture, systems, and infrastructure to ensure program alignment with technical goals
• Knowledge of methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and PMI standards.
• Proficiency with budgeting processes, cost forecasting, and financial oversight to manage program budgets effectively.
• Understanding of risk identification, mitigation strategies, and issue resolution.
• Advanced knowledge of how IT supports business processes and the strategic importance of aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals.
• Proficiency in resource allocation, capacity planning, and workload distribution.