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Project Operations Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Senior Pharma Operations Associate plays a key role in planning and executing complex pharma partner projects, with a particular focus on scientifically rigorous implementation of Tempus' data ...

Business Operations Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$78K - $93K/yr

Business Operations Associate Location: Chicago, IL Office: 3 days/week in South Loop office ... Experience with some combination of: strategic and operational projects, contracts/legal ops ...

Perform additional duties and projects assigned * Must be able to complete all physical ... Senior Associate, Cash Operations Direct Reports: N/A Disclaimer Please note that job ...

Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and cross-functional partners to resolve data-related ... Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a high-volume operational environment ...

In this role, you will support data intake, validation, and quality operations supporting Vizient ... Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and cross-functional partners to resolve data-related ...

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Project Operations Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$27

$54

How much do project operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for project operations associate in Chicago, IL is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Project Operations Associate vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Operations AssociateProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in business, management, or related field; some certifications like PMP or CAPM are a plusUsually a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM can be beneficial but are not mandatory
Work EnvironmentSupports project execution, manages resources, and ensures operational efficiency within project teamsAssists in planning, scheduling, and coordinating project activities and communication
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in consulting, tech, and corporate sectors focusing on project executionWidely used across industries including construction, IT, and marketing for project support

The Project Operations Associate focuses on the operational aspects of projects, ensuring resources and processes run smoothly. In contrast, the Project Coordinator primarily handles planning, scheduling, and communication tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their core responsibilities differ slightly, with the Associate more involved in operational execution and the Coordinator in project planning and coordination.

What are Project Operations Associates?

Project Operations Associates are professionals who support project managers and teams by coordinating project activities, managing documentation, and ensuring that workflows run smoothly. They handle administrative tasks, monitor project timelines, assist with budgeting, and facilitate communication between different departments. Their role is crucial in keeping projects organized, on schedule, and within scope. Ultimately, they help ensure the successful execution of projects by providing operational and logistical support.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Project Operations Associate typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; such high salaries are more common in roles like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship where experience, skills, and performance are key. Certain freelance or business owner positions can reach this income level without formal education, but they often require significant expertise and effort. Most roles with this income level usually demand specialized skills, certifications, or extensive experience rather than just a job title alone.

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

To thrive as a Project Operations Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in business administration or project management. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana, Trello, or MS Project), proficiency in Excel, and sometimes certification such as CAPM are commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for ensuring projects run smoothly, deadlines are met, and stakeholders remain informed and engaged.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, investment bankers, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes significant risk or ownership stakes.

What does a project associate do?

A project operations associate supports project management by coordinating tasks, tracking progress, and ensuring deadlines are met. They often handle administrative duties, communicate with team members, and use tools like project management software to facilitate smooth project execution.

What are some common challenges faced by Project Operations Associates, and how can they be effectively managed?

Project Operations Associates often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as coordinating project schedules, managing documentation, and ensuring clear communication among team members. One common challenge is balancing competing deadlines across several projects while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Effective time management, proactive communication, and familiarity with project management tools are crucial for success in this role. By staying organized and regularly updating stakeholders, Project Operations Associates can help projects run smoothly and efficiently.

What is the role of an operations associate?

A Project Operations Associate supports project teams by coordinating tasks, managing schedules, and ensuring efficient workflow. They often handle administrative duties, track project progress using tools like Excel or project management software, and facilitate communication among team members to meet project goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Operations jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Project Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Operations Associate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Project Operations Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Operations Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Project Operations Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Senior Pharma Operations Associate

Senior Pharma Operations Associate

Tempus

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?
Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.
The Senior Pharma Operations Associate plays a key role in planning and executing complex pharma partner projects, with a particular focus on scientifically rigorous implementation of Tempus' data and diagnostic solutions. This role requires advanced training in a quantitative or life science discipline (M.Sc or PhD) and comfort interfacing with both scientific and operational stakeholders.
This position is primarily responsible for customer interaction and success: you will serve as a day-to-day operational point of contact for pharma partners, ensure their needs are understood and translated into executable plans, and drive high-quality, on-time delivery that supports long-term partner satisfaction and expansion
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the primary operational contact for assigned pharma partners, driving a responsive, solutions-oriented, and professional experience.
  • Develop a strong understanding of each partner's strategic objectives and success metrics, and ensure Tempus' work is aligned to those goals.
  • Own recurring partner touchpoints (e.g., status meetings, check-ins, milestone reviews), including agenda setting, facilitation, and follow-up.
  • Proactively communicate project status, risks, and mitigations to partners, and manage expectations around scope, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Collect, synthesize, and relay partner feedback internally; track and close the loop on issues to maintain a high level of trust and satisfaction.
  • Collaborate with Account Management / BD to identify and support opportunities for renewal, expansion, and new workstreams based on partner needs.
  • Perform structured checks on scientific/technical deliverables (e.g., cohort definitions, variable lists, QC summaries, data dictionaries) to ensure they meet partner requirements and are ready for external delivery.
  • Prepare partner-facing materials such as status reports, slide decks, and delivery summaries that clearly communicate results and next steps.
  • Maintain, and interpret analytical dashboards (e.g., Looker, Tableau, Power BI, or similar) to track project performance, timelines, and operational KPIs relevant to customer success.
  • Use dashboard insights and metrics to drive conversations with partners and internal teams about performance, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Assist in designing and operationalizing pilots or new solution types for pharma partners, including structured feedback capture and iteration.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of Pharma Ops processes, templates, and best practices with a focus on customer experience, scalability, and scientific rigor.
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory, privacy, and quality standards, working closely with Legal, Compliance, and Quality.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree, M.Sc or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Pharmacy, or related quantitative/life science discipline).
  • 1-5+ years of relevant experience (may include PhD/postdoc work or industry experience) in pharma/biotech, clinical research, RWE/HEOR, diagnostics, healthcare technology, or other health-data-driven environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret scientific/clinical documentation (protocols, SAPs, SOWs, publications) and translate it into structured requirements.
  • Experience in a client-facing or stakeholder-facing role with a strong focus on relationship management and customer success.
  • Strong organizational and project coordination skills; able to manage multiple partner workstreams and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical/scientific topics to non-technical stakeholders and represent Tempus with external partners.
  • Experience with AI and Generative AI concepts and their application to healthcare, life sciences, or data workflows (e.g., using AI/GenAI to streamline data review, documentation, or analytics).
  • Familiarity with oncology, genomics, and/or precision medicine.
  • Comfort working with structured datasets, spreadsheets, and basic analytics or visualization tools.
  • Ability to generate, maintain, and interpret analytical dashboards (e.g., Looker, Tableau, Power BI, or similar) to monitor and communicate project and customer-success metrics.
  • Understanding of data privacy and regulatory considerations relevant to clinical and real-world data (RWD) datasets.

Preferred:
  • Experience supporting or coordinating pharma-sponsored studies, RWE projects, HEOR analyses, or companion diagnostics programs.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with technical teams (e.g., data engineering, data science, bioinformatics, software engineering).
  • Exposure to project management methodologies and tools (Asana, Jira, Smartsheet, or similar).

Key Competencies:
  • Customer Focus & Success: Centers decisions and communication on partner outcomes, satisfaction, and long-term relationship health.
  • Scientific & Operational Translation: Bridges scientific/clinical requirements and executable operational plans for both internal teams and partners.
  • Detail Orientation & Rigor: Ensures accuracy and completeness in documentation, dashboards, and deliverables.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Works effectively with scientific, technical, and commercial stakeholders.
  • Structured Execution & Problem Solving: Uses tools, metrics, and process discipline to drive predictable delivery and resolve issues quickly.

Illinois Pay Range: $90,000-$118,000
The expected salary range above is applicable if the role is performed from Illinois and may vary for other locations (California, Colorado, New York). Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.