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Programs Manager Jobs in Gilberts, IL (NOW HIRING)

rf IDEAS

Principal Program Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Own end-to-end delivery of a portfolio of concurrent, high-complexity programs, aligning scope ... Establish and continuously champion program management standards, tools, and governance across the ...

Fermilab

Emergency Management Program Manager

Batavia, IL · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

... programs to ensure compliance with DOE and institutional requirements. Oversees continuity planning, manages critical program documentation, and directs readiness activities such as assessments ...

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Programs Manager information

What does a programs manager do?

A Programs Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating multiple projects or initiatives within an organization. They ensure that these programs align with the company’s strategic goals, manage resources, set timelines, and track progress. Programs Managers work closely with project managers and team members, addressing any issues that arise and ensuring that deliverables are met on time and within budget. Their role often involves communicating with stakeholders, developing program strategies, and measuring the overall success of the programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a programs manager?

To thrive as a Programs Manager, you need strong project management skills, strategic planning abilities, and often a bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project, as well as certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, is highly valuable. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help Programs Managers motivate teams and coordinate across departments. These skills ensure effective execution of programs, alignment with organizational goals, and the successful delivery of projects on time and within budget.

How does a programs manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

Programs Managers frequently serve as the main point of coordination between various departments such as product development, marketing, finance, and operations. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear milestones, and ensure alignment on project goals and timelines. Effective Programs Managers are proactive in identifying potential bottlenecks and work closely with stakeholders to resolve issues quickly. This collaborative approach not only helps in delivering successful outcomes but also fosters a culture of open communication and teamwork across the organization.

What is the difference between Programs Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectPrograms ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often PMP or related certificationsBachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects and teams, strategic focusSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries including tech, healthcare, and non-profitsCommon in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and career pathClarifying support functions and entry-level roles

The Programs Manager typically oversees multiple projects, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term goals, requiring advanced certifications and experience. In contrast, the Project Coordinator supports project teams with administrative tasks, often serving as an entry point into project management. Both roles are vital in organizations but differ in scope, responsibilities, and seniority.

How much does a programs manager earn?

The average salary for a programs manager varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually. Factors such as industry, organization size, and certifications like PMP can influence compensation levels.

What pays more, a project manager or a programs manager?

Programs managers typically earn higher salaries than project managers because they oversee multiple projects and strategic initiatives, requiring broader skills and experience. While project managers focus on specific projects, programs managers handle complex, organization-wide programs, often with greater responsibility and compensation.

What cities near Gilberts, IL are hiring for Programs Manager jobs?

Cities near Gilberts, IL with the most Programs Manager job openings:

Programs Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programs Manager job openings in Gilberts, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Principal Program Manager

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

rf IDEAS
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about rf IDEASexternal

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Major Areas of Responsibility / Essential Functions
  • Own end-to-end delivery of a portfolio of concurrent, high-complexity programs, aligning scope, schedule, cost, and quality with organizational strategy.
  • Establish and continuously champion program management standards, tools, and governance across the organization.
  • Serve as the primary program-level interface to executive leadership, translating program status, risk, and trade-offs into clear business decisions.
  • Lead cross-functional teams (engineering, product management, quality, operations, supply chain, and marketing) without formal authority, driving accountability and alignment.

Specific Responsibilities
  • Build and maintain integrated master schedules across hardware, firmware, and software workstreams, modeling scenarios and stress-testing critical paths.
  • Lead proactive risk management: identify, quantify, and mitigate program risk, flagging emerging issues before they impact delivery.
  • Conduct resource capacity planning and demand forecasting across the program portfolio to anticipate bottlenecks.
  • Own program financials: budget, cost tracking, and forecast-to-actual variance reporting.
  • Allocate resources, budget, and hours across the program portfolio, and proactively adjust allocations as priorities, risks, or constraints shift.
  • Drive structured after-action reviews and retrospectives; convert lessons learned into process improvements and playbooks.
  • Translate product and business requirements into detailed, phase-gated implementation plans.
  • Track, evaluate, and communicate the impact of program-level changes, maintaining a clear decision and change log for stakeholders.
  • Prepare status reports, executive summaries, meeting notes, and program documentation, using AI tools to accelerate drafting where helpful, with sound judgment on review and accuracy before distribution.
  • Evaluate and pilot new program and project management tools, capabilities, and workflows; recommend adoption where they create measurable efficiency or quality gains.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Exceptional communication, organization, and executive-level documentation skills; able to distill complex, multi-workstream programs into clear narratives for senior leadership.
  • Demonstrated strategic leadership, sound judgment, and interpersonal influence across all levels of the organization, including without direct authority.
  • Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-changing, ambiguous environment and to bring structure to complexity.
  • Strong working fluency with AI-enabled productivity tools and a demonstrated track record of applying them to improve program outcomes.
  • Comfort using data and analytics to drive proactive rather than reactive program management.
  • Positively influences managers, peers, cross-functional teams, vendors, and customers; skilled at building consensus among competing priorities.
  • Deep commitment to quality and to internal and external customer outcomes.
  • Advanced proficiency in modern program/project management platforms (e.g., Atlassian, Monday.com, Microsoft Project or equivalent) and collaboration tools.
  • Able to operate with a high degree of autonomy and minimal direct supervision, while keeping stakeholders appropriately informed.
  • Curiosity and adaptability toward emerging tools and ways of working, with a bias toward experimentation balanced by rigorous risk and quality review.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required (engineering or related technical field strongly preferred; advanced degree a plus).
  • Typically requires ten or more years of related experience, including significant experience leading complex new-product development programs and managing multiple concurrent, high-complexity programs at a portfolio level
  • Project Management Certification (PMP) or Agile/SAFe certification a plus.

Physical Demands
None specified.
Work Environment
Hybrid - 3 days onsite in Schaumburg, IL, 2 days WFH.
Behavioral Assessment
In addition to supplying your resume, we ask that you complete our Behavioral Assessment through Predictive Index at the following link:
https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/B3WV/PrincipalProgramManager_Jul2026_154237
Tips:
  1. Complete the assessment in a quiet place, free from interruption, in one session.
  2. Take as much time as you wish to complete the assessment - it typically takes less than 7 minutes.
  3. Please use one of the following browsers: Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.

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