Principal Project/Program Manager

Blue Cross NC; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition reimbursement

401k match

PTO

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Annual incentive bonus

Job summary

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is seeking a Principal Project/Program Manager to lead enterprise‑level programs, translate clinical needs into vendor solutions, and manage end‑to‑end program design, implementation and evaluation.

The role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration with nursing and healthcare vendors, and requires strong leadership, planning, and performance management to ensure program success. Hybrid‑Flex and expansive growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required).
• 8+ years of experience in related field.
• In lieu of degree, 10+ years of experience in related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement and manage multiple/large complex programs on an enterprise level.
• Coordinate interdepartmental functions to minimize delays and review deliverables.
• Develop program strategy and supporting business case with major deliverables.
• Lead program management team in directing program requirements and progress.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communication

Leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Contract management

Job description

Job Description

The Principal Project/Program Manager will lead, plan, design, and develop multiple, larger and/or more complex programs on an enterprise level. Translate clinical needs into effective vendor/program solutions, particularly around modules used by internal nursing teams. Provide full end to end program management including strategic planning, needs analysis, content development, program design, implementation, administration and monitoring, data analysis and program evaluation.

What You'll Do

• Plan, develop, implement and manage multiple/and or large complex programs on an enterprise level. Coordinate interdepartmental functions in order to minimize delays; work with program/project team members on a regular basis to review deliverables and ensure deadlines are met.


• Identify, analyze and understand target audiences and their specific program needs.


• Develop program strategy and supporting business case. Lead/direct the development of the strategic approach for the program, its major time frames and a definition of its major deliverables to address needed goals and outcomes.


• Develop the overall program plan and create high-level plans to guide detailed planning at the component level.


• Lead the program management team in establishing program direction, identifying interdependencies, communicating program requirements, tracking progress, making decisions, and resolving conflicts and issues.


• Confer with team to explain program/project and individual responsibilities for functions and phases of programs/projects. Responsible for effective assignment and use of staff, contractors and consultants to maximize the application of their capabilities and their contribution value for cost to the program. Manage and change assignments in the program within agreed upon decision-making authority.


• Direct and coordinate activities concerned with implementation and carrying out objectives of programs.


• Establish and monitor performance metrics and goals for programs, including process measures, outcomes measures and financial measures. Document and present program results through operational reports, outcomes studies, presentations and publications.


• Monitor all program project executions, progress to plan and production of major deliverables, intervening when necessary to review the current state and direct adjustments to plans and execution.


• Own and make needed decisions to ensure the successful resolution of all issues, problems and changes within the program that do not alter or defer significantly from the agreed upon milestones and major deliverables.


• Direct the development and maintenance of plans, practices and assignments to identify, quantify and contain the occurrence and potential impact of risks and risk events on the execution of a program and its likelihood of success.


• Evaluate programs to ensure they meet program goals.


• Identify specific program evolutionary needs and/or changes and direct the development of appropriate approach, plans and/or deliverable alterations focused on optimizing success and goal achievement.


• Develop and manage budgets to control expenditures in accordance with budget allocations, together with the conformance to timing, limits and usage of funding as agreed upon in the spending plan for the assigned program(s).


• Ensure that programs meet appropriate regulatory and accreditation standards. Ensure that the program fully cooperates with the organizational governance functions and provides oversight for the definition and exercise of regular iteration and reporting required by organizational governance policies.


• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate, administer and monitor program contracts to ensure vendors meet service level agreements.

What You Have

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required)


• 8+ years of experience in related field.


• In lieu of degree, 10+ years of experience in related field.

Bonus Points

• Senior-level experience leading complex programs and projects from strategy through execution.


• Experience with vendor management, contracting, and strategic partnerships.


• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, align stakeholders, and drive timely decisions.


• Experience conducting opportunity assessments and translating insights into actionable plans.


• Strong healthcare or clinical knowledge, with the ability to partner effectively with nurses, clinical teams, and healthcare vendors.


• A balanced background in program management and healthcare, with the ability to move between strategic thinking and hands‑on execution.

What You’ll Get

• The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of health care delivery with a team that's deeply invested in the community


• Work-life balance, flexibility, and the autonomy to do great work


• Medical, dental, and vision coverage along with numerous health and wellness programs


• Parental leave and support plus adoption and surrogacy assistance


• Career development programs and tuition reimbursement for continued education


• 401k match including an annual company contribution


• Learn more

Where You'll Work

Our Hybrid-Flex approach is built on presence with a purpose - giving you flexibility to work remotely with intentional in-person connection - that supports a workplace that's flexible, connected, and future focused.

In a Hybrid-Flex role, you'll work in the office at least two days a week for collaboration and connection. In a Remote-Flex role, you'll work virtually, with a few in-office visits each year for meaningful moments that matter.

Whether your role is Hybrid-Flex or Remote-Flex depends on the nature of the work and distance from our Durham headquarters. We welcome candidates from outside the local area and in any states listed on this job posting. Onsite expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Salary Range

At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market-price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs.Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus*, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs.

*Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance.

$107,901.00 - $172,642.00

Skills

Business Process Improvements, Implementation Management, Process Improvement Initiatives, Process Improvements, Project Management, Project Management Oversight, Project Performance Management (PM), Project Plan Development, Resource Management, Resource Planning