Project/Program Manager | Agile | AI Programs | Azure DevOps | Chicago, IL (Locals Only)

The Program Manager will manage multiple related projects, oversee program planning and execution, manage dependencies, risks, budgets, communications, metrics, and reporting, while ensuring successful delivery aligned with overall digital strategy., * Manage delivery of platform features and capabilities across multiple development and Scrum teams.

• Manage multiple projects concurrently and ensure successful, timely delivery.
• Lead the planning and execution of program and project deliverables.
• Manage project charters, program plans, communications, metrics, reporting, budgets, and dependencies.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to less experienced Project Managers.
• Interface with technical teams, management, business resources, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Use cloud platform knowledge, digital processes, and business acumen to guide cross-functional teams.
• Define program scope, goals, success indicators, and expected business benefits.
• Identify, document, manage, and mitigate program risks and issues.
• Serve as a primary communicator regarding project and program status.
• Use Agile or Waterfall methodologies based on program requirements.
• Apply modern delivery practices, including DevOps, Continuous Integration, and Continuous Delivery.
• Prioritize program requirements in collaboration with Product Owners and stakeholders.
• Develop communication plans and stakeholder management plans.
• Create and manage stakeholder registers and effectively manage stakeholder expectations.
• Provide regular program updates to business stakeholders and consumers.
• Create and manage dependencies across active projects.
• Develop and manage program budgets, including rough-order-of-magnitude estimates, actual spend tracking, and quarterly forecasts.
• Use visual tools and dashboards to communicate program status.
• Document program artifacts, including lessons learned, in a shared and accessible environment.
• Evaluate program team needs and identify opportunities to add resources or improve technical skills.
• Mentor Project Managers and support successful program delivery.
• Drive adoption and promote successful implementation of program deliverables.
• Collaborate effectively with global and cross-functional teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field with 11+ years of professional experience in Project/Program Management.
• Master’s degree with 9+ years of relevant experience is also acceptable.
• Experience managing large programs or working within enterprise organizations.
• Experience managing multiple software development projects or programs.
• Experience working in large, matrixed organizations.
• Familiarity and prior experience leading cross-organizational system testing teams.

Required Technical Skills :

• 9+ years of Agile Project/Program Management experience.
• Experience delivering AI programs.
• Technical education or background in development, engineering, or technology management.
• Strong knowledge of Azure DevOps, Power BI, and Confluence.
• Experience managing software development projects and programs.
• Experience with Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Knowledge of DevOps, Continuous Integration, and Continuous Delivery practices.
• Strong understanding of software delivery and program dependencies., * Scrum Master certification.
• Familiarity with the Application Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Familiarity with manual and automated system testing techniques.
• AWS Cloud certifications.

Required Soft Skills :

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership, relationship-building, and human relations skills.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive issues to resolution.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complex programs.
• Strong organizational, planning, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to mentor and lead Project Managers and cross-functional teams.