Program Leader I - Employee Apparel Program- HR, Hybrid, Full Time, Days - job 2 of 2

The Program Leader I at Northwestern Medicine plays a crucial role in the HR department by providing planning, support, and overall coordination of employee programs. This includes managing daily operations of the employee and physician apparel program, running reports for improvement projects, maintaining master records of job classifications, leading data processes, and ensuring accurate communication with team members.

To qualify for the Program Leader I position at Northwestern Medicine, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant business experience. Effective communication skills, analytical thinking, and strong proficiency in MS Office Suite are required. Experience with PeopleSoft data management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are also important for success in this role.

Essential skills for the Program Leader I role at Northwestern Medicine include exemplary oral and written communication skills, analytical dexterity, attention to detail, and organizational prowess. Having a collaborative mindset and the ability to adapt to changing conditions are crucial for effectively managing projects and maintaining positive vendor relations.

As a Program Leader I at Northwestern Medicine, you enhance the employee experience by managing the apparel program effectively, responding to employee inquiries, and providing robust metrics that measure program success. Your role also involves fostering good relationships with vendors and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products that meet employee feedback and needs.

The uniqueness of the Program Leader I position at Northwestern Medicine lies in its blend of operational management and employee relations. Not only will you oversee the employee apparel program's logistics, but you will also play a pivotal role in shaping the workplace culture through thoughtful communication and collaboration. This role positively impacts both employees and the organization as a whole.

As a Program Leader I, effective prioritization involves assessing deadlines, impact on stakeholders, and available resources. I would categorize projects based on urgency and importance and keep clear communication with my team and managers to ensure alignment on priorities.

I have hands-on experience working with PeopleSoft, where I learned to read panels, run queries, and manipulate data effectively. Understanding these systems has allowed me to ensure data accuracy and streamline processes, which would be vital in my role as Program Leader I.

Managing vendor relationships requires clear communication and ongoing collaboration. I believe in setting expectations early, tracking progress closely, and providing feedback to ensure that the final products align with employee needs and quality standards in my capacity as Program Leader I.

To support effective communication about the apparel program, I focus on writing clear and informative FAQs, offering regular updates, and facilitating open channels for feedback. Ensuring employees are well-informed helps build trust and engagement in the program.

In a prior role, I encountered a major shift in project direction due to feedback. I immediately gathered my team to reassess our timeline and tasks, communicated changes clearly to all stakeholders, and ensured that everyone was on board with the new priorities to keep the project aligned with organizational goals.

Attention to detail is crucial for a Program Leader I because it ensures accuracy in data management, effective communication, and successful project execution. Every detail counts, especially when it comes to creating reports and metrics that will guide the success of our employee apparel program.

As a Program Leader I, measuring success is often done through key performance metrics, employee feedback, and engagement levels. By collecting data before and after program implementations, I can evaluate improvements and adjust strategies accordingly to ensure continuous enhancement.

For project management, I rely on tools like MS Office Suite (particularly Excel for data analysis) and SharePoint for document organization and collaboration. These tools help me manage timelines, track progress, and easily share information with team members.

Handling pushback requires a listening ear and an open dialogue. I would invite employees to share their concerns and feedback, understand their perspectives, and work collaboratively to identify solutions that could enhance the program while aligning with company values.

I am drawn to the Program Leader I role at Northwestern Medicine because of its commitment to patient-first principles and employee well-being. I believe my skills in project management and my passion for supporting team objectives can significantly contribute to enhancing the workplace culture and overall employee experience.