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Strategic Programs Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Omnicom

Strategic Sourcing Manager

Skokie, IL · Hybrid

$123K - $159K/yr

Project and Program Management Strategic Sourcing Manager IMS is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Manager for our Procurement and Strategic Sourcing team! Join a dynamic procurement organization dedicated ...

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Strategic Programs Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$67.5K

$123.1K

$166.4K

How much do strategic programs manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic programs manager in Chicago, IL is $123,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,500.00 and $142,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a strategic programs manager do?

A Strategic Programs Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing key projects or initiatives that align with an organization's long-term goals. They collaborate with various departments to ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. Their role includes setting program objectives, monitoring progress, managing resources, and communicating results to senior leadership. Strategic Programs Managers play a vital part in driving organizational change and ensuring that critical initiatives support overall business strategy.

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

Strategic Programs Managers frequently work with teams across departments—such as product, marketing, operations, and finance—to align program goals with organizational priorities. They facilitate communication between stakeholders, manage timelines, and resolve roadblocks to drive projects forward. Effective collaboration often involves leading regular status meetings, clarifying roles, and ensuring all teams are informed about milestones and changes. This collaborative approach not only fosters accountability but also helps identify innovative solutions and ensures programs deliver maximum impact.

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

To excel as a Strategic Programs Manager, you need strong project management abilities, analytical thinking, and a background in business or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with project management software (such as Asana, Trello, or MS Project) and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These qualifications are crucial for aligning cross-functional initiatives with organizational goals and ensuring successful program execution.

What is the difference between Strategic Programs Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectStrategic Programs ManagerProject Manager
Primary FocusOversees multiple programs aligning with strategic goalsManages individual projects to meet specific objectives
ResponsibilitiesDevelops strategies, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, ensures program successPlans, executes, and closes projects within scope, time, and budget
CredentialsOften requires business or management certifications, experience in strategic planningTypically requires project management certifications like PMP
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-departmental, executive-level collaborationProject teams, operational settings, specific project focus

The Strategic Programs Manager focuses on aligning multiple initiatives with organizational strategy, while the Project Manager concentrates on executing individual projects. Both roles require strong planning and coordination skills, but the Strategic Programs Manager operates at a higher, more strategic level, often working with senior leadership to drive long-term goals.

What is a strategic programs manager?

A strategic programs manager oversees the planning, execution, and coordination of complex projects and initiatives aligned with an organization’s long-term goals. They often work cross-functionally, utilize project management tools, and require strong leadership and communication skills to ensure successful outcomes.

What is the average salary for a strategic programs manager?

The average salary for a strategic programs manager typically ranges from $90,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those in high-demand sectors may offer higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What are popular job titles related to Strategic Programs Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Strategic Programs Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Strategic Programs Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Strategic Programs Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Strategic Programs Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Strategic Programs Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,160 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Strategic Program Manager, Operating Model Transformation

Aon Corporation

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Aon rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 154 rated financial services

Job description

Are you a Program Manager (non-technical) ready for a change in your career? This could be a phenomenal opportunity to explore!
We are seeking talent to support Aon Business Services (ABS) in a multi-year strategic Operating Model Transformation. Reporting to the Director of Program Management for partnering closely with an Internal Consulting team and collaborators across the enterprise, this role is responsible for running the governance, planning and performance management framework that enables successful delivery of the transformation across solution lines, regions, and functions.
This is a hybrid role with the flexibility to work both virtually and from one of our US offices.
Aon is in the business of better decisions
At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organization, we are united through trust as one engaged team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed!
What the day will look like
Key Responsibilities
Program Planning & Delivery Management
  • Build and maintain the collaborative transformation roadmap, including scope, achievements, critical path, and interdependencies across workstreams
  • Facilitate identification, assessment, prioritization, and mitigation of program risks and dependencies, ensuring regulatory, compliance and operational risks are considered in all program activities
  • Raise critical risks and recommended solutions to senior collaborators, and partner with workstream leads to baseline plans, monitor progress, and implement corrective actions where delivery risks emerge
  • Drive planning, measurement and tracking of progress and benefits realization, ensuring alignment to the defined argument and strategic outcomes
  • Support resource planning and allocation within assigned projects, including tracking team capacity and flagging resource constraints

Program Governance & Control
  • Enable and maintain the governance framework for the operating model transformation, including steering committees, program approvals, and design workshops
  • Define and administer standards, templates, and processes for program planning, status reporting, risk/issue management, and change control
  • Ensure decisions, actions, and dependencies are documented, tracked, and resolved in a timely manner
  • Manage the program calendar, including steering meetings, forums, and key decision achievements

Collaborator Management & Communication
  • Cultivate positive relationships with business leaders, key collaborators, and cross-functional partners to ensure agreement and engagement in transformation roadmap
  • Develop and implement a clear communication and reporting strategy tailored to executive sponsors, business leaders, and delivery teams
  • Produce high-quality program reporting (e.g., dashboards, status reports, executive packs) that provide clear insight into progress, risks, and decisions needed
  • Support change management activities in partnership with Change/HR/Communications teams, including impact assessments and engagement plans

Change Enablement & Continuous Improvement
  • Support changes and redesigns to the target operating model, including processes, organization, governance, and technology impacts, when challenges arise
  • Ensure that design decisions are traceable to strategic objectives and translated into clear implementation plans
  • Help define and monitor adoption and readiness metrics (e.g., training completion, process adherence, stabilization key performance indicators)
  • Coordinate pilots, phased rollouts, and post-implementation reviews, incorporating lessons learned into future releases
  • Continuously refine PMO processes based on feedback, metrics, and lessons learned

Skills and experience that will lead to success
  • 5+ years of proven experience in project/program management, preferably with a consulting firm
  • Hands-on experience establishing Global Capability Centers (GCCs) or Centers of Excellence (COEs), including operating model design, process transition, and governance framework setup
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-workstream transformation programs (e.g., operating model redesign, shared services, process re-engineering, or large-scale systems implementation)
  • Experience supervising or managing people.
  • Experience working in a matrixed, global organization with senior executive collaborators

Additional Skills and Competencies:
Discretion and Impact, Complexity and Problem Solving, Collaboration and Interaction, Organization Skills, Communication
For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances.
Aon is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Aon hires that candidate.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pay Transparency Laws:
The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $120,000 to $150,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.
This position is eligible to participate in one of Aon's annual incentive plans to receive an annual discretionary bonus in addition to base salary. The amount of any bonus varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan.
Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long-term incentive awards at Aon's discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.
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About Aon

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Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1992

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