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Vendor Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager, Senior

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

The Sr Program Manager will play a critical role in advancing a future-ready insurance platform and ... Oversee/align vendor SOWs, contractual compliance, financials, and delivery quality within internal ...

Private Label Program Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 ... Partner with vendors to ensure print quality, compliance and timely execution. * Conduct warehouse ...

Technical Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Collaborate with offshore and other vendors f. Effective Risk and Issue Management through on time ... Program management skills f) Agile projects experience g) Analytical skills, decision making and ...

Senior Program Manager

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

$111K - $111K/yr

Senior Program Manager Benefits : Gexpro Services offers a comprehensive benefits package that ... Oversee supply chain including managing key vendor relationships, guarantee parts are ordered ...

Drive accountability across contractors, consultants, vendors, and project teams. * Support ... Experience leading QA/QC, Program Management, or Project Management efforts on large-scale ...

Drive accountability across contractors, consultants, vendors, and project teams. * Support ... Experience leading QA/QC, Program Management, or Project Management efforts on large-scale ...

Program Managers lead the program's strategy, implementation, and delegation and will work closely with business resources and stakeholders, internal technology teams, and various vendors and third ...

Advanced Program Manager

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Program Managers lead the program's strategy, implementation, and delegation and will work closely with business resources and stakeholders, internal technology teams, and various vendors and third ...

Consultant, Senior Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$119K - $120K/yr

Consultant, Senior Program Manager Description Our client is seeking a highly experienced senior ... Coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors - Align IT, business stakeholders, and third-party ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

As the Senior Program Manager, Strategic Programs, you will lead enterprisescale digital ... Serve as the primary point of contact for thirdparty vendors and external partners. * Provide ...

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Showing results 21-40

Vendor Program Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$35.9K

$96.5K

$168.1K

How much do vendor program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for vendor program manager in Illinois is $96,535.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vendor program manager do?

A vendor program manager oversees relationships with external suppliers and service providers, ensuring that vendor contracts, performance, and compliance meet organizational standards. They coordinate vendor onboarding, monitor service delivery, and optimize vendor performance using tools like vendor management systems, often requiring strong negotiation and project management skills.

How does a vendor program manager collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor performance aligns with organizational goals?

A Vendor Program Manager works closely with internal teams such as procurement, operations, legal, and finance to align vendor services with the company’s objectives. Regular cross-functional meetings, clear communication of expectations, and performance reviews are essential parts of this collaboration. The role often requires mediating between vendor capabilities and internal requirements, ensuring that service levels, compliance, and cost-effectiveness are consistently met. This collaborative approach helps drive continuous improvement and maximizes the value derived from vendor relationships.

What is the difference between Vendor Program Manager vs Vendor Account Manager?

AspectVendor Program ManagerVendor Account Manager
Primary FocusOverseeing vendor programs, strategy, and process improvementsManaging relationships and sales with individual vendor accounts
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping vendor programs, ensuring compliance, optimizing vendor performanceBuilding client relationships, negotiating contracts, driving account growth
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, strategic planning, vendor managementCustomer-facing, sales-oriented, relationship management
Required SkillsVendor management, project coordination, communicationSales skills, negotiation, customer service

The Vendor Program Manager focuses on developing and managing vendor programs and processes, while the Vendor Account Manager concentrates on maintaining and growing relationships with individual vendors or clients. Both roles require strong communication skills but differ in strategic versus relationship-driven responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Vendor Program Manager, you need expertise in vendor relationship management, contract negotiation, and supply chain processes, often supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and relevant certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help build trust and ensure alignment between vendors and internal teams. These skills are critical to maintain cost efficiency, mitigate risks, and ensure reliable delivery of goods and services within an organization.

What is a vendor program manager?

A Vendor Program Manager is responsible for overseeing relationships and programs with third-party suppliers or vendors to ensure that goods and services are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards. They coordinate vendor selection, negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and resolve any issues that arise. Their role is crucial in optimizing vendor performance, reducing costs, and maintaining strong partnerships to support the organization's strategic goals.

How much do vendor program managers make in the US?

Vendor Program Managers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles or those in high-cost areas may offer higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

Is a vendor program manager a good job?

A vendor program manager oversees relationships and contracts with external suppliers, ensuring that vendor services meet organizational needs. The role typically requires strong project management, negotiation skills, and knowledge of procurement processes, and it can offer opportunities for career advancement and competitive compensation. Job satisfaction depends on the organization, industry, and individual preferences for managing external partnerships.
What are popular job titles related to Vendor Program Manager jobs in Illinois? For Vendor Program Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vendor Program Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Vendor Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Vendor Program Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Vendor Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Vendor Program Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,535 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Program Manager, Senior

Independence Pet Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Established in 2021, Independence Pet Holdings is a corporate holding company that manages a diverse and broad portfolio of modern pet health brands and services, including insurance, pet education, lost recovery services, and more throughout North America.
We believe pet insurance is more than a financial product and build solutions to simplify the pet parenting journey and help improve the well-being of pets. As a leading authority in the pet category, we operate with a full stack of resources, capital, and services to support pet parents. Our multi-brand and omni-channel approach include our own insurance carrier, insurance brands and partner brands.
As part of the broader JAB Pet Services ecosystem, IPH collaborates closely with affiliated companies in the UK and Europe to drive alignment, knowledge sharing, and technology strategy consistency across regions.
Job Summary:
Independence Pet Holdings (IPH) is seeking a collaborative, results-driven Sr Program Manager to partner closely with Transformation Program Business Owners and Senior Business Leaders in leading complex projects and initiatives as part of a high-impact enterprise transformation. This role will manage projects and initiatives that are focused on optimizing business processes and modernizing core enterprise systems. The Sr Program Manager will play a critical role in advancing a future-ready insurance platform and operating model that strengthens operational efficiency, scalability, and the customer experience.
The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to drive cross-functional and enterprise-wide alignment, manage complex program and project interdependencies, and ensure disciplined execution and delivery of strategic initiatives. This role requires demonstrated experience leading programs within a scaled agile (SAFe) delivery framework and operating across complex, global organizational environments to deliver outcomes on scope, schedule, and budget. Industry experience in Pet insurance is preferred but not required, along with hands-on experience deploying SaaS technology solutions and exposure to applying AI-enabled business solutions.
Job Location: Remote or Hybrid - Chicago, IL - once a month
Main Responsibilities:
  • Lead coordinated program/project delivery as part of IPH's global insurance transformation, guiding execution across MGAs, system integrators, and business and technology teams.
  • Partner with global System Integrators (SI) to define delivery scope, dependencies, performance metrics, and integration across insurance value streams.
  • Apply Scaled Agile (SAFe) principles to structure ARTs, coordinate planning, manage dependencies, and drive iterative delivery across distributed teams.
  • Oversee/align vendor SOWs, contractual compliance, financials, and delivery quality within internal and external work groups
  • Collaborate with all technology teams including Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, Data, and Platform teams to ensure end-to-end insurance solution integrity.
  • Drive program/project program reporting that track KPIs and manage risks, issues, and drive business change management with strong controls and timely escalation.

Qualifications:
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in program management, leading large, complex initiatives.
  • Proven experience managing external integration partners with accountability for delivery outcomes, contractual compliance, and cross-partner integration.
  • Strong understanding of insurance value streams, including quote-to-bind, policy lifecycle management, billing and payments, rating engines, underwriting, claims adjudication, and agent and customer servicing.
  • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional, virtually staffed programs with budgets exceeding $10M.
  • Proficiency with the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), including experience coordinating across multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs), value streams, or large solution constructs.
  • Strong business and technical acumen, with the ability to align complex insurance workflows to enabling technology solutions.
  • Proven financial management and contractual oversight skills within large, SOW-driven vendor and partner ecosystems.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively influence and update senior executives and diverse cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology Management, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications
  • SAFe, PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certifications.
  • Experience operating within global, matrixed organizational environments.
  • Direct experience implementing EIS or other core insurance platforms.
  • Master's degree in Business, Technology Management, or a related field.

#iph
All of our jobs come with great benefits including healthcare, parental leave and opportunities for career advancements. Some offerings are dependent upon the location of where you work and can include the following:
  • Comprehensive full medical, dental and vision Insurance
  • Basic Life Insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Company paid short-term and long-term disability
  • 12 weeks of 100% paid Parental Leave
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Personal Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays and company-wide Wellness Day off
  • Paid time off to volunteer at nonprofit organizations
  • Pet friendly office environment
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Group Pet Insurance
  • On the job training and skills development
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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