Program Manager

Program Manager

Remote: Hybrid (2-3 days a week) in Libertyville, IL

The role of the Program Manager is a critical position within the client’s Project Management Office (PMO). This role requires vast experience leading large projects/programs of work within complex and fast-paced organizations, using varying delivery models (waterfall, Agile/scrum, etc.).

Candidate should have experience leading large scale software organization transformational initiatives which include setting up new teams, vendor management and organizational change management. This candidate must possess very high level critical thinking skills as they will be leading the largest transformation effort at our client’s organization.

Candidates should possess exceptional communication skills and be well-versed in partnering with our internal business sponsors at an executive level. In addition, it is expected that Program Managers contribute to the health and strategy of the broader PMO – supporting the director in optimizing delivery methods and ultimately increasing value and customer satisfaction.

Additional skills/experience for this position:

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Participate in client’s project management practices, including work intake (scoping/risk assessment) and all PMO milestone activities
• Leading a large scale organizational transformation which includes new teams being formed with the sight set on a newly created software engineering group
• This candidate will have influence on how to create, execute and implement the strategy on the transformation of the engineering team.
• Provide leadership and motivation to project team members throughout the project life cycle, and confer with project staff to outline work plan
• Establish work plan and staffing for project activities, iterations or phases, and arrange for recruitment or assignment of project personnel
• Perform risk assessment, and implement mitigation plans
• Establish and track spend and costs for all aspects of managed projects.
• Track critical project metrics (depending on delivery methodology).
• Ensure that project goals are accomplished and are in line with business objectives and business value is realized
• Provide program level status reports and dashboards with key metrics to management.
• Continuously benchmark project management and team performance to help leadership identify gaps and address needs

Operational Management

• Direct and manage multiple projects and teams in development from beginning to end.
• Develop full-scale Program plans and associated communications documents.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
• Identify and resolve issues and conflicts within the Program team. Be the escalation point as part of the program escalation point
• Identify and manage Program dependencies and critical path.
• Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations.
• Proactively manage changes in Program scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans.
• Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise Program team members and contractors, and influence them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work.
• Build, develop, and grow any business relationships vital to the success of the Program.

Formal Education & Certification

• University degree or college diploma preferred

Knowledge & Experience

• 10-12+ years direct work experience in a Program management capacity, including all aspects of process development and execution.
• Program Management of transformational software projects which includes organization change management
• Experience in implementation of vendor based teams and newly created software engineering teams.
• 4+ years direct work experience with Agile/Scrum delivery preferred.
• Strong familiarity with project management software, including MS Project and Jira.
• Demonstrated experience in personnel management.
• Technically competent with various software programs, such as MS Office Suite

Personal Attributes

• Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential.
• Can conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Reacts to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.
• Flexible during times of change.
• Ability to read communication styles of team members and contractors who come from a broad spectrum of disciplines.
• Persuasive, encouraging, and motivating.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including upper management, clients, and other departments.
• Ability to defuse tension among Program team, should it arise.
• Ability to bring Program to successful completion through political sensitivity.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products.
• Must be able to learn, understand, and apply new technologies.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment is crucial.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $90.00 - $100.00 per hour

Experience level:

• 10 years

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Libertyville, IL 60048: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Agile: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Libertyville, IL 60048