Program Release Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Overview:
At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer's and partner's needs and solve their challenges.
Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.
You'll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about-locally and globally.
Come make an impact every day at Zebra.
What We're Looking For:
This role manages the development and implementation of strategic Supply Chain initiatives, with a specialized focus on driving and optimizing critical initiatives related to Zebra's enterprise-level Bill of Materials (BOM) management, Item Master, and Resiliency & Risk Management processes and tools.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as project manager - monitoring complex Supply Chain and BOM management programs from initiation through delivery, including planning and directing schedules and overseeing budget/spending.
• Drives Results through Influence - Demonstrates strong influential skills to navigate a matrixed environment, driving consensus and alignment among diverse stakeholder groups (Engineering, IT, GSCR, and Finance) without direct authority.
• Nominates and solicits participation of team members from key stakeholder teams. Oversees the work of the project team involving members from a wide range of disciplines to ensure seamless BOM integration and accuracy across the product lifecycle.
• Organizes cross-functional activities, ensuring completion of the program (i.e., new BOM process rollouts, system integrations) on schedule and within budget constraints. Owns regular meeting coordination, facilitation, and documentation of progress.
• Gathers status updates and provides concise summaries tailored to the audience (including executive read-outs). Owns ensuring alignment from key leaders on milestone achievement before moving the program forward.
• Demonstrates the ability to see cross-functional impacts of decisions, specifically how BOM structures and changes affect manufacturing, procurement, and engineering. Understands the broader business objectives and assumes personal accountability for success.
• Anticipates and addresses obstacles such as data governance hurdles or system data flow issues. Independently engages additional resources and uses influential communication to resolve conflicts or delays.
• Demonstrates knowledge/application of Program Management techniques (PMI PMBOK concepts). Effectively uses project management tools for scheduling and staffing.
• Process Improvement Mindset - Applies structured problem-solving methodologies to improve BOM accuracy and supply chain efficiency.
• Works with very limited supervision on complex or novel problems. May coach or act as an escalation point for level 1 or level 2 Program Managers.
• Ability to pivot and demonstrate flexibility to navigate program complexities and assure path to success.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field, MS preferred
• Minimum Work Experience: 8+ years' experience, plus experience leading teams (directly or indirectly)

Key Skills, Competencies, and Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification: Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred; PMP certification also highly desirable.
• Influence: Proven track record of strong influential skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and present effectively to senior leadership.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing complex Bill of Materials (BOM) transformations, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), or ERP implementation projects.
• Supply Chain Knowledge: Strong understanding of end-to-end Supply Chain operations, Master Data Management (MDM), and Engineering release processes.
• Strategic Collaboration: Experience acting as a liaison between external strategic consultants (e.g., Kearney) and internal stakeholders to drive process stabilization.
• Environment: Ability to navigate and drive alignment in a highly matrixed, global manufacturing environment.
• Communication: Effective in presenting and communicating (verbal and written), and facilitating to peers and senior level audiences

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.
Know Your Rights:
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We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com .
Pay Range:
$122,800.00 - $184,200.00 Annual
Incentive Compensation:
In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance-based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 12% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.
Zebra Total Rewards:
Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive - including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.
Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience.
Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.
Benefits:
We understand the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.
Job Posting Statement:
To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e-mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department.
AI Technology Statement:
Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job-relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy.