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

SOC Manager

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$150K - $180K/yr

... programs Own and enhance incident response playbooks and processes Technology & Tools Manage and ... third-party SOC providers as needed Strategy & Collaboration Contribute to the cybersecurity ...

SOC Engineer

Homewood, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Contribute to the advancement of the security monitoring program through thought leadership and ... Provide secondary support for the log management and Security Information and Event Monitoring ...

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Soc Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$110.7K

$161.7K

How much do soc program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for soc program manager in Chicago, IL is $110,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a program manager a high paying job?

A program manager role typically offers a high salary compared to many other positions, especially in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare. Compensation depends on experience, location, and the size of the organization, with senior or specialized program managers earning higher wages. Strong project management skills and certifications such as PMP can also influence earning potential.

What are common challenges faced by a Soc Program Manager during cross-functional project coordination?

Soc Program Managers often navigate complex projects that require collaboration between various departments, such as engineering, operations, and product teams. A common challenge is aligning differing priorities and timelines among stakeholders, which can impact project milestones. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential to ensure all teams remain informed and engaged. Additionally, managing resource constraints and adapting to shifting project scopes are skills frequently called upon in this role.

Is SOC an entry-level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) Program Manager is typically a mid- to senior-level role that requires several years of experience in cybersecurity, security operations, or related fields. It is not generally considered an entry-level position, as it involves managing teams, developing security strategies, and overseeing incident response processes. Entry-level roles in cybersecurity usually include positions like SOC analyst or security technician, which may serve as stepping stones toward a program management role.

What are SOC Program Managers?

SOC Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the operations, strategy, and effectiveness of a Security Operations Center (SOC). They manage teams of analysts, ensure the implementation of cybersecurity policies, and coordinate incident response activities. Their role often includes developing security processes, managing budgets, and reporting security metrics to senior leadership. SOC Program Managers act as a bridge between technical security staff and business leaders to ensure organizational security goals are met.

What does an SOC manager do?

An SOC (Security Operations Center) manager oversees cybersecurity teams responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats and incidents. They coordinate security protocols, manage security tools like SIEM systems, and ensure compliance with security policies to protect organizational assets.

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

To thrive as a SOC Program Manager, you need a solid background in cybersecurity, risk management, and incident response, usually supported by a degree in information security or related field and relevant experience. Familiarity with SIEM tools, threat intelligence platforms, and certifications like CISSP or CISM is highly valued. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills are crucial for effectively managing teams and coordinating security initiatives. These skills ensure the development and execution of robust security operations, helping organizations detect, respond to, and mitigate threats efficiently.

What is the SOC code for a program manager?

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for a program manager typically falls under 11-1021, which includes general and operations managers. This code covers roles responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating activities within organizations, often requiring leadership skills and project management experience.

What is the difference between Soc Program Manager vs Security Analyst?

AspectSoc Program ManagerSecurity Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires security certifications like CISSP, CISM, or PMPOften holds certifications such as Security+, CEH, or GIAC
Work EnvironmentManages security operations centers, oversees teams, and develops security programsMonitors security alerts, investigates incidents, and implements security measures
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, government agencies, and security firmsFound across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and tech

The Soc Program Manager focuses on overseeing security operations and managing teams, while the Security Analyst primarily monitors and responds to security threats. Both roles require relevant certifications and are integral to organizational security, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Soc Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Soc Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Soc Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Soc Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Soc Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 74% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,700 per year, or $53.2 per hour.
Principal Technical Program Manager, Cyber Defense

Principal Technical Program Manager, Cyber Defense

Transunion

Chicago, IL

$132K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


TransUnion rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

TransUnion's Job Applicant Privacy Notice

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Team Overview

TransUnion's Cyber Defense organization helps protect the enterprise by strengthening detection, incident response, threat intelligence, and security operations capabilities across the business. The team supports the broader TransUnion story by helping the business respond effectively to cyber risk, continuously improve from incidents and near-misses, and provide leadership with clear visibility into Cyber Defense health, priorities, and progress. This role reports to the SVP, Cyber Defense. This is a hybrid position and involves regular performance of job responsibilities virtually as well as in-person at an assigned TU office location for a minimum of two days a week.

Role Overview and Core Responsibilities

  • Serve as a key leader and strategic partner to the Head of Cyber Defense, increasing operational rigor, learning velocity, and executive effectiveness across the organization.

  • Build and own the Cyber Defense closed-loop learning system, connecting incidents, near-misses, detections, and exercises into a continuous improvement engine that drives durable changes across people, process, and technology.

  • Own the post-incident review framework and cadence, driving blameless, high-quality reviews focused on systemic improvement while tracking remediation actions to closure.

  • Define, implement, and evolve Cyber Defense operational metrics, including detection effectiveness and coverage, response quality and speed, and learning throughput, ensuring metrics drive leadership decisions rather than reporting alone.

  • Operate the Detection Council as a structured decision-making forum, owning agendas, materials, follow-through, prioritization of detection gaps, strategic coverage decisions, and cross-team alignment.

  • Lead critical cross-functional Cyber Defense initiatives end-to-end, managing milestones, risks, dependencies, execution blockers, and escalations with clear options and trade-offs.

  • Deliver clear, structured executive communications on Cyber Defense health, translating detection posture, incident trends, program progress, and decisions needed into executive-relevant narratives.

  • Build and maintain the Cyber Defense wins and maturity narrative by capturing key wins, improvements driven by learning, and maturity progress over time.

  • Improve leadership operating rhythm and meeting hygiene by driving clear agendas, documented decisions, and accountable follow-ups across Cyber Defense leadership forums.

Required Knowledge and Experiences

  • 10+ years of experience in Technical Program Management, Security Operations, or Engineering Program Management, with demonstrated ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels in complex, cross-functional environments.
  • Experience working in or alongside Detection & Response, SOC, or Reliability/SRE teams, with sufficient technical depth to engage credibly with detection engineers, incident responders, and threat intelligence analysts.
  • Proven track record building operating systems, including cadences, metrics frameworks, feedback loops, and governance structures that drive measurable organizational improvement.
  • Demonstrated ability to own and run post-incident or post-mortem review programs focused on systemic learning, action tracking, and durable improvement rather than one-off remediation.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Required Technical Skills

  • Cyber Defense, SOC (Security Operations Center), Detection Engineering, SIRT (Security Incident Response Team), and Threat Intelligence operating concepts.
  • Incident response and post-incident review frameworks, including blameless review practices, systemic learning, remediation tracking, and action closure management.
  • Operational metrics design and governance, including detection effectiveness, detection coverage, response quality, response speed, and learning throughput.
  • Cross-functional program management practices, including milestone planning, dependency management, risk escalation, stakeholder alignment, and executive decision support.
  • MITRE ATT&CK and detection operations concepts sufficient to partner effectively with technical security teams.

We're also looking for the preferred skills below. Whether you are proficient or could use some brushing up, we're happy to support your career development and growth in:

  • Cyber Defense, SOC, or Detection Engineering program management experience.
  • Prior Chief of Staff or leadership-adjacent experience in a technical organization.
  • Experience building knowledge management or organizational learning systems that improve how teams capture, share, and apply lessons learned.
  • Financial services, fintech, or similarly regulated enterprise experience.
  • PMP, CISSP, or equivalent program/security management credentials.

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Benefits that support every part of your life:

At TransUnion, we design benefits to help youfeel well, do well, and plan well-from day one.

For Your Health: Enjoyday-one eligibilityfor medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus supplemental plan options. Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select plans. Choose taxadvantagedHSAandFSAaccounts to make everyday care more affordable.

For Your Protection: We've got your back withcompanypaid basic life and AD&D, optionalvoluntary life and AD&Dfor you and your family, andshort and longterm disability. You can also opt into alegal plan,pet insurance, andtravel accident coverage.

For Your Family: Fromadoption assistance and fertility planning coveragetocaregiver support, we're here for every chapter. AccessDependent Care FSA for possibility of an employer match, a complimentaryCare@Workmembership, andup to 12 weeks of paid parental leavewith eligibility for a thoughtful, gradual return.

For Your Future: Build toward what's next with our401(k) with employer matchandEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Tapfinancial wellness resources,career coaching, and optionallongterm care insuranceto plan confidently.

For You: Grow and recharge withtuition reimbursement,flexible time off for exempt employees or paid time off for nonexempt employees, up to 12 paid holidays per year, commuter benefits, employeediscounts,charitable gift matching, andpaid volunteer time off, plus corporate volunteer events that make it easy to give back.

For Your Wellness: Access24/7 supportincluding professionaltherapy,coaching, and emotional wellbeing programs alongside guided meditation and resources that supportphysical, mental, social, and financial wellness.

We are committed to being a place where diversity is not only present, it is embraced. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, TransUnion takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in all levels of employment and develops annual affirmative action plans. Components of TransUnion's Affirmative Action Program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are available for review to any associate or applicant for employment upon request by contacting ERCoE@transunion.com.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

Adherence to Company policies, sound judgment and trustworthiness, working safely, communicating respectfully, and safeguarding business operations, confidential and proprietary information, and the Company's reputation are also essential expectations of this position.

Pay Scale Information:The U.S. base salary range for this position is $168,750.00 - $281,250 annually. *The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this job. At TransUnion, actual compensation is based on careful consideration of additional factors such as (but not limited to) an individual's education, training, work experience, job-related skill set, location, and industry knowledge, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position and market considerations. Regular, fulltime non-sales positions may be eligible to participate in TransUnion's annual bonus plan. Certain positions may be also eligible for long-term incentives and other payments based on applicable company guidance and plan documents.

TransUnion Overview:

At TransUnion, we encourage and are committed to creating a real, positive impact and shared sense of purpose within our Workforce for Good, which empowers our people to grow, innovate and contribute to a better future for our communities and customers. We strive to build an environment where our associates are in the driver's seat of their professional development- while having access to help along the way. We recognize that success comes when our associates thrive both professionally and personally; that's why we prioritize work/life flexibility and offer resources for our teams across the globe to collaborate and drive excellence.

Be a part of our Workforce for Good - you'll work with great people, pioneering products and cutting-edge technology.

TransUnion's Internal Job Title:

Principal, Cybersecurity

Company:

TransUnion LLC

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