Senior Strategic Program Lead, Payments (Hybrid)

Early Warning; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Maven Family Planning

Job summary

Early Warning Services, LLC is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead very large, complex programs and cross‑functional teams. You will establish governance, track risks, manage budgets, and ensure timely delivery aligned with strategic goals.

The role requires deep PMO experience across Agile and Waterfall SDLC, with focus on quality and compliance. In this role you will mentor PMO staff, define roadmaps, and drive continuous improvements while coordinating with executives, vendors, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Project Management and/or Computer Science or related field.
• PMP certification or related certifications or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 8+ years of related experience in program management
• Demonstrated program management experience and leadership in business and technical environments
• Experience in financial institutions or regulatory industries and/or software development with data processing, applications, and communications
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, work independently, meet tight deadlines, and solve problems
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills for executive interaction
• Self-starter who balances results, collaboration, and strategic influence
• Proactive in identifying process improvements and efficiency gains
• Experience with Agile and Waterfall SDLC methodologies

Responsibilities

• Understand portfolio priorities and drive outcomes within the program and projects.
• Manage multiple interrelated projects to align with strategic objectives.
• Align project plans and interdependencies to ensure roadmap success.
• Conduct program-level governance reviews for on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Monitor progress, mitigate risks, and resolve issues across the program.
• Establish best practices, templates, and tools to improve effectiveness.
• Coach/Mentor PMO team members on policies and procedures.

Skills

PMP certification

Agile / SDLC

Leadership

Program governance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/CS

Job description

Early Warning Services, LLC is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead very large, complex programs and cross‑functional teams. You will establish governance, track risks, manage budgets, and ensure timely delivery aligned with strategic goals.

The role requires deep PMO experience across Agile and Waterfall SDLC, with focus on quality and compliance. In this role you will mentor PMO staff, define roadmaps, and drive continuous improvements while coordinating with executives, vendors, and