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

Technical Program Manager, Spend

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$77K - $135K/yr

Facilitate program planning sessions, Scrum-of-Scrums, release readiness reviews, executive ... Experience managing enterprise cloud-based software delivery programs, with Microsoft Azure ...

Enterprise Program Manager

Naperville, IL ยท Hybrid

$82K - $180K/yr

Establish and maintain Agile program governance - sprint cadences, backlog health, release planning ... Identify, track, and proactively manage risks, issues, and dependencies across concurrent programs ...

Scrum Master - Release Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$76 - $115/hr

... Change Management|Change Management Technical Skills 3 Technology|DevOps|Continuous delivery ... Develop user training programs, documentation, and support frameworks to ensure a smooth transition ...

New

Sr Program Mgr, Product

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$130 - $140/hr

Drive readiness for major releases, launches, and platform changes through the commercialization ... Manage program governance, including status reporting, executive updates, escalation management ...

New

Program Manager, Senior

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

The Sr Program Manager will play a critical role in advancing a future-ready insurance platform and ... multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs), value streams, or large solution constructs. * Strong ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL

$110K - $110K/yr

Efficiently manages multiple, and often competing, large or otherwise complex program schedules and ... release and approval processes for each deliverable Assist in resource planning based on project ...

AI Program Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$54.09 - $64.09/hr

Partner on release planning, change management, and operational handoffs; ensure post-launch ... programs with clear outcomes in regulated environments Strong Agile expertise (Scrum/Kanban) and ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

Efficiently manages multiple, and often competing, large or otherwise complex program schedules and ... release and approval processes for each deliverable Assist in resource planning based on project ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL

$110K - $110K/yr

Monitor the document generation, review, release and approval processes for each deliverable ... Formal program management qualification/certification * Familiarity and/or experience with ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

Monitor the document generation, review, release and approval processes for each deliverable ... Formal program management qualification/certification * Familiarity and/or experience with ...

Showing results 21-40

Program Release Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$47

$83

How much do program release manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for program release manager in Chicago, IL is $47.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $63.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program release manager?

Program Release Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and deployment of software releases or program updates within an organization. They ensure that all aspects of a release, from development and testing to deployment and documentation, are completed on time and according to quality standards. Program Release Managers work closely with cross-functional teams to minimize risks, resolve issues, and ensure a smooth release process. Their role is critical in maintaining the stability and reliability of software products while enabling new features and improvements.

How does a program release manager typically coordinate with development and QA teams during a product release cycle?

A Program Release Manager acts as a central point of communication between development, quality assurance (QA), and other cross-functional teams to ensure smooth and timely product releases. They facilitate regular meetings to track progress, address roadblocks, and synchronize release schedules. By managing dependencies and enforcing adherence to release processes, they help ensure that code is thoroughly tested and integrated before deployment. This role often requires balancing technical details with big-picture planning, making strong collaboration and organizational skills essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program release manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Release Manager, you need strong project management skills, expertise in release planning, and a background in IT or software development, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as PMP or ITIL. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Git, Jenkins, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you coordinate cross-functional teams and manage complex release schedules. These competencies are essential for ensuring timely, high-quality software releases and minimizing risk in fast-paced technical environments.

What is the difference between Program Release Manager vs Release Coordinator?

AspectProgram Release ManagerRelease Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple releases, manages release schedules, coordinates cross-team efforts, and ensures quality and timing of releases.Assists in planning and executing specific release tasks, manages release documentation, and supports communication between teams.
Required SkillsProject management, communication, risk management, technical understanding of release processes.Organizational skills, attention to detail, communication, familiarity with release tools.
Work EnvironmentTypically works in a project management or release management team within IT or software development.Works closely with release teams, developers, and QA teams, often in a collaborative environment.

The Program Release Manager has a broader, strategic role overseeing multiple releases and coordinating efforts across teams, while the Release Coordinator focuses on executing specific release tasks and supporting the release process. Both roles require strong communication and organizational skills, but the Program Release Manager typically has more responsibility for planning and risk management.

What are popular job titles related to Program Release Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Program Release Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Program Release Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Program Release Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Release Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,101 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Technical Program Manager, Spend

Vizient

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$77K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

When you're the best, we're the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves. We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future.

    Summary:


    In this role, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a strategic portfolio of technology initiatives supporting Vizient's Spend Management platform. You will partner with engineering, product, architecture, and business leaders to translate strategic priorities into executable delivery plans while driving alignment across multiple engineering organizations. You will oversee complex cross-functional programs spanning cloud infrastructure, enterprise architecture, data engineering, AI/ML, and corporate technology, ensuring successful delivery through proactive management of dependencies, risks, budgets, governance, and program outcomes.

    Responsibilities:

    • Lead execution of projects within a portfolio of complex technology initiatives supporting Vizient's Spend Management products and platform.
    • Partner with Engineering, Product Management, Enterprise Architecture, and business leaders to translate strategic objectives into executable program roadmaps.
    • Drive end-to-end program planning, governance, milestone tracking, and successful delivery across multiple Agile engineering teams.
    • Coordinate delivery across Cloud Engineering, Platform Engineering, Data Engineering, AI/ML, Security, Corporate Technology, Enterprise Architecture, and Research & Development teams.
    • Manage cross-team dependencies, risks, issues, and resource alignment to ensure successful program execution.
    • Facilitate program planning sessions, Scrum-of-Scrums, release readiness reviews, executive governance meetings, and other cross-functional forums.
    • Lead technical programs involving cloud platform modernization, enterprise SaaS applications, data platforms, analytics, AI and Generative AI solutions, API integrations, and platform services.
    • Maintain integrated program plans, dependency maps, RAID logs, executive dashboards, and delivery metrics to provide visibility into program health.
    • Support engineering organizations through release planning, production readiness, deployment coordination, and operational transition activities.
    • Develop executive-ready communications, steering committee materials, and governance reporting that clearly communicate delivery progress, risks, resource capacity, and key decisions.
    • Influence cross-functional teams and executive leadership without direct authority to achieve strategic business and technology outcomes.

    Qualifications:

    • Relevant degree preferred. Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
    • 2 or more years of relevant experience required.
    • Demonstrated experience leading large, cross-functional technology programs supporting software engineering organizations.
    • Strong knowledge of Agile software development methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, and Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) practices.
    • Experience managing enterprise cloud-based software delivery programs, with Microsoft Azure experience preferred.
    • Working knowledge of cloud architectures, APIs, system integrations, enterprise SaaS applications, data platforms, and modern software engineering practices.
    • Exceptional organizational, communication, facilitation, and client relationship management skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
    • Experience developing executive dashboards, governance reporting, program metrics, and portfolio-level delivery insights.
    • Experience leading enterprise data, analytics, AI, digital transformation, cloud modernization, or platform transformation initiatives preferred.
    • Experience with Azure DevOps, Jira, Confluence, GitHub, Microsoft Azure, and modern DevOps practices preferred.
    • PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), SAFe, or equivalent certification preferred.

    Estimated Hiring Range:

    At Vizient, we consider skills, experience, and organizational needs in our compensation approach. Geographic factors may adjust the range estimate and hires typically fall below the top range. Compensation decisions are tailored to individual circumstances. The current salary range for this role is $77,400.00 to $135,400.00.

    This position is also incentive eligible.

    Vizient has a comprehensive benefits plan! Please view our benefits here:

    http://www.vizientinc.com/about-us/careers

    Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

    The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.