Program Manager – PM1708

R.W. Mercer Co.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development support

Remote or hybrid work options

Contract extension potential

Collaborative environment

Job summary

R.W. Mercer Co. is seeking an experienced Program Manager for a full-time contract role in Chicago. You will plan, coordinate, and deliver complex programs, working with leaders across operations, technology, product, marketing, and finance to ensure on-time, on-budget outcomes.

The role emphasizes governance, risk management, and clear communication with executives. Flexible work options include remote or hybrid arrangements depending on program needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of program management experience among related disciplines.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects/workstreams simultaneously.
• Knowledge of Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication for executives and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with PM tools like MS Project, Jira, Asana, Smartsheet, or Monday.com.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of multiple programs from initiation to completion.
• Develop program plans, timelines, budgets, resources, and performance objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across operations, tech, product, marketing, and finance.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Prepare reports and dashboards on milestones, risks, budgets, and deliverables.
• Facilitate stakeholder reviews, meetings, and executive updates.
• Ensure programs comply with organizational policies and quality standards.

Skills

Program management experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Risk and dependency management

Analytical decision making

Ability to work independently

Budget and resource planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Jira

Asana

Smartsheet

Monday.com

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager (PM1708) to join our team on a full-time contract basis. The Program Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering complex programs that support organizational priorities and business objectives. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership to ensure programs are executed efficiently, delivered on schedule, and aligned with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of multiple projects and programs from initiation through completion.
• Develop program plans, timelines, milestones, budgets, resource requirements, and performance objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across operations, technology, product, marketing, finance, and other business functions.
• Establish program priorities and ensure projects remain aligned with organizational strategy and business requirements.
• Monitor program progress, identify risks and dependencies, and develop mitigation strategies to keep initiatives on track.
• Manage project schedules, deliverables, resources, and competing priorities while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Facilitate program meetings, stakeholder reviews, status updates, and executive presentations.
• Prepare regular reports and dashboards outlining program performance, milestones, risks, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure expectations, responsibilities, and timelines are clearly understood.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and program delivery methodologies.
• Manage changes to program scope, timelines, resources, and priorities while maintaining appropriate documentation and approvals.
• Support budget management, resource allocation, vendor coordination, and contract-related activities as required.
• Ensure programs comply with organizational policies, quality standards, and applicable requirements.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and serve as a central point of coordination throughout the program lifecycle.
• Provide guidance and support to project managers, coordinators, and team members involved in program delivery.
• Continuously evaluate program outcomes and recommend improvements for future initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in program management, project management, operations, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of project and program management methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches.
• Excellent organizational, planning, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with executives and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with project management and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, Smartsheet, Monday.com, or similar platforms.
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, resources, risks, and program dependencies.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and manage competing priorities.
• PMP, PgMP, Scrum Master, or similar certification is a plus.

Compensation & Contract Benefits

Annual Contract Rate: $105,000 – $145,000 per year, commensurate with experience, qualifications, program complexity, and scope of responsibility.

Contract Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Contract Duration: Initial contract term with potential for extension or renewal based on program requirements and performance.

Professional Development: Opportunities for training, professional development, and relevant certification support.

Flexible Work Options: Potential for remote or hybrid work arrangements depending on program and organizational requirements.

Performance Opportunities: Potential for contract extension and expanded responsibilities based on successful program delivery.

Collaborative Environment: Work alongside cross-functional teams and organizational leaders on strategic initiatives with meaningful business impact.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.