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

TEKsystems

QAQC Program Manager

Chicago, IL

$65 - $125/hr

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

TEKsystems

QAQC Program Manager

Chicago, IL

$65 - $125/hr

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

Wintrust

Advanced Program Manager

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$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 ...

Wintrust

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 ...

Voyage Advisory

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 ...

Voyage Advisory

Consultant, Senior Program Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$118K - $119K/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 ...

Abbott

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 ...

Posted today

Abbott

Senior Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/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 ...

Posted today

TEKsystems

GCP Program Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$76 - $86/hr

The Program Manager will lead the overall strategy, governance, execution, and adoption efforts for ... vendor relationships, resource planning, and financial governance • Coordinating large ...

Softchoice

Agile Program Manager

Chicago, IL

As an Agile Program Manager for Managed Services, you will own a portfolio of strategic and ... Coordinate with ITSM Administrators, Application Developers, Platform Engineers, and vendor ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsVendor Program JobsVendor Program Manager JobsVendor Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Vendor Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.1K

$102.7K

$178.9K

How much do vendor program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for vendor program manager in Chicago, IL is $102,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $117,000.00 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 Chicago, IL? For Vendor Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vendor Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Vendor Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Vendor Program Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Vendor Program Manager job openings:
Vendor Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vendor Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,705 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Associate Program Manager

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Aurora, IL • On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!
Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)
  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program - up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working environment

The Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) business unit of Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a leading innovator in helmet mounted display technology. We have an opening for an Associate Program Manager (PM) in our Aurora, IL office to support development and production programs in the military market.
This position will report to the Director of Program Management and requires close coordination with other departments including Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Business Development, and Contracts. Coordination with Thales Group offices in other countries may also be required to successfully execute joint programs.
Responsibilities
  • Management of multiple assigned projects ensuring compliance with all Thales program management processes and procedures, including development of program plans, task definitions, schedules, budgets, program technical requirements, resource requirements and risk management on all assigned programs.
  • Provision of timely reporting to senior program management leadership with details on program status and performance.
  • Conduct regular cross-functional meetings to review status towards objectives and identify issues early in the program.
  • Responsible for customer communication and satisfaction, including follow-on business quotes and proposals.
  • Management of technical and financial risks and ability to lead/conduct of technical reviews.
  • Responsible for acting as Capture Lead for specific proposal efforts, while supporting additional proposal efforts with budget and schedule information.
  • Responsible for ensuring coordination of activities with subcontractors, vendors and suppliers as necessary to support assigned programs.
  • Responsible for ensuring effective scope directions from the customer and suppliers are appropriately processed through the contract.
  • Coordinate and foster proper communication between the customer and the program team.

Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in related technical field.
  • Minimum of 2 - 4 years' experience as an engineer (software, electrical, mechanical, systems, etc.). Previous Program Management experience preferred.
  • Basic accounting and financial knowledge and profit-oriented business sense as well as effective negotiating skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
  • Computer proficiency required and experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience managing small teams, working effectively in a matrix team structure, setting business growth objectives and achieving results.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications
  • US government/ DOD contracting experience/ understanding of required processes for reporting through major defense contractors highly preferred.
  • Commercial Avionics Industry background.
  • Experience working cross functionally along with a familiarity of full product lifecycle for complex systems.
  • Experience with avionics modification programs for either fixed and/or rotary wing.
  • EVMS experience.
  • PMP certification.
  • Conversational fluency in French or Korean.

The annualized pay range for this role is $88,562-$113,163 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 10%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact the recruiter at careers@thalesdsi.com.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.
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