Technical Project Program Manager Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Job Summary:
OUTFORM is seeking a Senior Technical Project Manager to own and drive complex, high-visibility technology initiatives from concept through global deployment. The role requires a seasoned technical leader to manage the full lifecycle of technology programs, ensuring successful execution while building strong relationships with various stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
• Provide senior-level oversight across multiple concurrent technology programs, ensuring technical feasibility, design excellence, and flawless execution within scope, timeline, and budget.
• Evaluate project opportunities, define high-level architecture, determine resource needs, and guide teams through complex decision-making.
• Lead the development and integration of hardware, software, and physical display systems, ensuring seamless performance in demanding retail environments.
• Build and maintain high-trust relationships with engineers, designers, fabricators, and manufacturing partners across global time zones.
• Define technical requirements, develop comprehensive technology BOMs, and guide sourcing, procurement, and estimation strategies.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients, translating their goals into actionable technical plans and delivering executive-level communication.
• Oversee large-scale project roadmaps, risk mitigation strategies, and milestone tracking across multiple parallel workstreams.
• Maintain and evolve technical documentation, including wiring schematics, integration maps, digital die lines, and BOMs.
• Define and implement documentation standards, QA processes, and best practices for installation, support, and troubleshooting.
• Lead internal and external status meetings, delivering clear updates to senior stakeholders.
• Personally evaluate, test, and validate technology solutions as part of pre-sale exploration, prototyping, and client demonstrations.
• Build quick-turn prototypes and technology demos that support new business development and innovation initiatives.
• Act as a tier-two escalation point for complex troubleshooting, ensuring issues are resolved swiftly and root causes are understood.
• Partner with technology vendors to scope, assess, and co-develop solutions tailored for retail activation.
• Operate as the central hub between engineering, design, production, sourcing, and client teams—translating technical details into clear, actionable insights.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages experimentation, knowledge sharing, and creative problem-solving.
• Anticipate communication gaps and proactively bridge them across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to scaling technical project management capabilities across the organization.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent work experience accepted.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a technical project management role within experiential, retail, hardware, software, or systems integration environments.
• Strong foundation in both hardware and software systems with ability to engage in deep technical discussions.
• Proven track record managing large, multi-stakeholder programs with competing priorities.
• Exceptional communication and leadership presence with demonstrated client-facing skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the time (domestic and international, including China).
• Availability for weekly calls with teams in China across time zones.
Preferred:
• Prior experience with LED systems, digital signage, and retail technology highly preferred.
• Familiarity with wiring schematics, integration maps, and technology BOMs.
• Hands-on technical aptitude (e.g., PC building, coding, home networking, video editing, or interactive technology tinkering).
• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, QA processes, and installation standards.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies.
• Ability to translate complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
• Experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders.
Company:
Outfom is a retail agency and manufacturer that specializes in combining strategic thinking. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Miami, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.