Strategic Program Lead — Remote/Hybrid

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

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.