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Program Project Management Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

PMO Manager

Naperville, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $145K/yr

This position requires an individual with deep expertise in project and program management, organizational leadership, and process optimization. Key Job Responsibilities: * PMO Leadership & Strategy ...

PMO Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

This position requires an individual with deep expertise in project and program management, organizational leadership, and process optimization. Key Job Responsibilities: * PMO Leadership & Strategy ...

212514 Project Manager

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$96K - $114K/yr

Qualifications * 10+ years of experience in program/project management and in a corporate IT environment. * Experience with payroll, tax, accounting, and financial processes and technology.

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Program Project Management information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$22

$55

$80

How much do program project management jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for program project management in Chicago, IL is $55.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.81 and $63.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who earns more, BA or PM?

In project management, Program Managers (PMs) typically earn higher salaries than Business Analysts (BAs) due to greater responsibilities, experience requirements, and leadership roles. PMs often oversee multiple projects and teams, requiring advanced skills and certifications like PMP, which can lead to higher compensation. Salary differences vary by industry and location but generally favor PMs for higher pay.

What is program project management?

Program project management is the discipline of overseeing and coordinating multiple related projects within an organization to achieve strategic business objectives. It involves planning, executing, and monitoring projects to ensure they align with broader organizational goals, efficiently use resources, and deliver expected outcomes on time and within budget. Program project managers facilitate communication among stakeholders, manage risks, and help resolve issues that may impact the success of the program. This role is critical for organizations that need to manage complex initiatives requiring collaboration across different teams and departments.

What is the difference between Program Project Management vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram Project ManagementProject Coordinator
CertificationsPMP, PgMP, CAPMPMP, CAPM (optional)
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, strategic focusSupports individual projects, operational focus
ResponsibilitiesAligns projects with organizational goals, manages program portfoliosAssists with scheduling, documentation, and communication
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, consultingUsed across industries for project support roles

Program Project Management involves overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives, requiring advanced certifications and a focus on alignment with organizational goals. Project Coordinators support individual projects with operational tasks. While Program Project Managers handle broader strategic oversight, Project Coordinators focus on day-to-day project support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Project Manager, you need expertise in project planning, risk management, budgeting, and a relevant degree or certification such as PMP or PRINCE2. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive teams and stakeholders toward common goals. These abilities are crucial for delivering projects on time, within scope, and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

What is a program project manager?

A program project manager is a professional responsible for overseeing multiple related projects within a program to ensure they align with organizational goals. They coordinate resources, manage schedules, and communicate with stakeholders to deliver value across projects, often using project management tools and methodologies like PMI or Agile. Strong leadership, planning, and risk management skills are essential for this role.

What is the highest paid project management job?

The highest paid project management roles are often executive-level positions such as Program Managers, Portfolio Managers, or Chief Project Officers, especially in industries like finance, technology, and engineering. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications like PMP or PgMP, and strong leadership skills, with salaries reaching into six figures or higher depending on the organization and location.

Can a project manager work as a program manager?

A project manager can transition to a program manager role, as both positions require strong leadership, planning, and communication skills. However, program managers typically oversee multiple related projects and need a broader strategic perspective, often requiring experience in portfolio management and certifications like PgMP. While some skills overlap, program management involves higher-level coordination and stakeholder management.

How does a Program Project Manager typically balance multiple projects and ensure alignment with organizational goals?

Program Project Managers often oversee several projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills. They regularly coordinate with cross-functional teams, set clear milestones, and use project management tools to track progress. Regular communication with stakeholders and leadership helps ensure all projects align with the organization's strategic objectives. Balancing competing demands is a common challenge, but effective planning and proactive risk management are key to success in this role.
Infographic showing various Program Project Management job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,520 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Director, Project Management (Personal Care)

PLZ Aeroscience

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations and most importantly, the development of our people. Whether at our manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers you the support you need to create the career you want, through engagement, equity and inclusion, and opportunity.
From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ produces more than 2,500 different aerosol and liquid products in our facilities across the continent. We know that being the partner of choice for our clients starts with being the partner of choice for our employees. Learn more at www.plzcorp.com/careers or visit https://youtu.be/XYNIFpLQIJY
The Director, Project Management & Master Data is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing and developing a high-performing team that drives operational excellence, cross-functional alignment, and growth with customers. This role provides direction for the PM and Master Data Management functions, ensuring the team is focused on delivering key initiatives that strengthen customer relationships, improve execution, and support business objectives, while ultimately bringing innovative beauty products to life from concept through commercialization. In close partnership with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, the Director builds team capability, establishes scalable processes, and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement to deliver strong results for the organization and its customers.
Key Responsibility:
  • Lead the analysis, selection and roll-out of PMO tools that enable the integrated delivery model;
  • Provide the necessary training and facilitating skills to drive transformation activities and ensure long term adoption;
  • Divisions strategy and provides optimal portfolio value. This includes documenting all key decisions and action items;
  • Own the logistics plan for stage-gate decision process and core team meetings;
  • Plan and deliver allocated product launches end-to-end;
  • Ensure functional area deliverables are understood, cross-functionally aligned, execution of deliverables and timelines are on track;
  • Bring a deep background in Portfolio, Program & Project management;
  • Partner with the cross functional teams to facilitate an effective, cross-functional governance process to enable portfolio status and health;
  • Leads project quality and post-mortem functions to mitigate and address project delivery challenges in support of continuous improvement efforts;
  • Prepares regular, thorough and articulate executive summaries for senior leadership on project and team performance;
  • Leads interviewing and hiring process in assigned areas and provides direct input into performance evaluations;
  • Ensures adherence to practices, procedures, precedents, policy and Executive Leadership direction;
  • Develop and employ strategies to bring alignment and true partnership between finance, technology and business stakeholders at PLZ.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 5+ years management experience
  • Certification in Project Management is highly preferred;
  • 10+ years of experience in new product development and project management required;
  • Experience with SAP or equivalent ERP system
  • Proven track record of successfully managing new product introductions from concept to commercialization
  • Exceptional influencing and team development skills;
  • Proficient in Project Management Software;
  • Ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams;
  • Strong Microsoft Project and Excel skills;
  • Position requires organizational and planning skills as well as strong oral and written communications;
  • Superior organizational skills, must be able to manage multiple projects with high priority;
  • The ability to work/lead others through aggressive challenges, obstacles, deadlines and changes is required;
  • Ability to perform root cause analysis on issues encountered during project delivery and devise course correction and 'get to green' plans;
  • Business first - focuses on customers and clients, business/financial acumen;
  • Inspire others, create vision and strategy, and energize others.

Compensation:
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $160,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $185,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Dependent on the position offered, other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.
PLZ Corp offers a robust suite of benefits including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision benefits.
  • Company paid Life and Short-Term disability.
  • Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance.
  • 401k & company provided match.
  • Paid Time Off
  • Bonus incentive programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.