Lead Project/Program Manager

Apex Systems; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

401K with company match

Health, dental, vision ins.

HSA option

Job summary

Apex Systems in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lead Project/Program Manager to serve as the dedicated PM for the Partnerships business unit. The role requires embedding with the Partnerships team, leading both program and project management efforts, and building governance and roadmaps for strategic initiatives.

The successful candidate will bring 10-15+ years of PM experience, strong executive presence, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while partnering with senior leadership to drive outcomes.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of project/program management experience.
• Senior-level PM capable of leading the Lead role.
• Strong executive presence and experience leading complex initiatives.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and build structure.

Responsibilities

• Function as both Program Manager and Project Manager for the Partnerships organization.
• Embed within the Partnerships team and attend key meetings.
• Learn the business quickly and understand partnership strategies and offerings.
• Build project plans, timelines, status reporting, and roadmaps.
• Coordinate delivery of partnership initiatives including financial products and promotions.
• Identify risks, issues, dependencies, and resource gaps.
• Improve communication and coordination across stakeholders.
• Act as a strategic partner to the business.

Skills

Project management

Program management

Stakeholder management

Executive presence

Ambiguity handling

Job description

Lead Project/Program Manager

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Role Overview

This role will serve as the dedicated Program/Project Manager for a rapidly growing Partnerships business unit. This is a high-priority area for the organization that currently lacks dedicated project management resources. The ideal candidate will provide immediate support by bringing structure to evolving initiatives and building strong partnerships with leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as both Program Manager and Project Manager for the Partnerships organization.
• Become embedded within the Partnerships team and attend all key meetings.
• Learn the business quickly and understand partnership strategies and offerings.
• Build project plans, timelines, status reporting, and roadmaps.
• Coordinate the delivery of partnership-related initiatives, including financial products, credit card offerings, promotions, and digital ecosystems.
• Identify risks, issues, dependencies, and resource gaps.
• Improve communication and coordination across stakeholders.
• Act as a strategic partner to the business.

Required Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of project/program management experience.
• Experience as a senior-level Project Manager capable of converting into a Lead role.
• Strong executive presence and experience leading complex business initiatives.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and build structure.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Experience developing project plans, schedules, and governance processes.
• Hybrid business/IT project management background with an application focus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Financial services industry experience.
• Experience supporting deposit products, consumer lending products, or banking/financial product launches.
• Strategic operations or business strategy exposure.
• Ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders.

Work Arrangement

• This is a hybrid position requiring two days onsite per week.
• Preferred onsite days are Tuesday and Thursday.

Company Culture & Benefits Overview

• Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
• Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection.
• We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure.
• Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts.
• In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA.
• Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach.
• You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [e-mail] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

Additional Information

UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.