IT Project / Program Manager
Location: Chicago, IL or Peoria, IL
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days onsite per week)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Pay Rate: $67-$71/hour
Overview
We are seeking an experienced IT Project / Program Manager to join Cat Digital’s Application Program Management team. In this role, you will lead complex software development initiatives, manage cross-functional teams, and drive the successful delivery of enterprise-scale digital solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing projects from inception through implementation, working closely with software engineering teams, product managers, business stakeholders, and leadership teams.
This is a highly visible role responsible for aligning teams, establishing project governance, driving organizational change, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end project and program management activities across multiple software development initiatives.
- Develop project charters, define scope, establish governance, and drive alignment among stakeholders.
- Manage project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk mitigation, reporting, and execution.
- Partner with software engineering teams, product managers, and business leaders to deliver enterprise applications and digital platform integrations.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across matrixed organizations.
- Drive organizational alignment and support large-scale business and technology transformation efforts.
- Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, dependencies, and roadblocks.
- Produce executive-level reporting, presentations, project metrics, and status communications.
- Coordinate activities from concept through prototype, pilot, implementation, and post-launch support.
- Lead decision-making processes and ensure accountability across multiple project teams.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 10+ years of relevant experience, OR
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Information Technology, or a related field and 8+ years of relevant experience
- Degree completion date must be clearly listed on the resume.
Experience
- 10+ years of project management experience leading projects from initiation through successful delivery.
- 10+ years of direct project management experience supporting software engineering teams within Agile development environments.
- Proven experience leading cross-functional, matrixed teams and driving stakeholder alignment.
- Experience creating and managing project charters, schedules, project plans, and governance frameworks.
- Experience managing complex organizational change initiatives.
- Strong strategic planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
Technical Skills
- 5+ years of experience with Azure DevOps (VSTS) and Confluence.
- Working knowledge of Power BI.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.
- Strong understanding of Agile software development methodologies.
- Experience managing enterprise-scale technology projects and programs.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional leadership and team collaboration skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to influence stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification.
- SAFe certification.
- Change Management certification.
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
- Scrum Master experience in addition to project/program management experience.
- Experience working within large enterprise organizations.
- Experience supporting eCommerce applications, digital platforms, or service-based software solutions.
What We’re Looking For
Successful candidates will demonstrate a proven track record of delivering complex technology initiatives while effectively leading cross-functional teams. This role requires a strategic thinker who can establish project structure, align stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and drive successful outcomes across large enterprise environments.
Important Considerations
- This is not a Scrum Master-only position. Candidates must have significant Project/Program Management experience leading multifunctional teams.
- Consistent job tenures of less than 18 months may not be considered.
- Candidates must be able to work onsite in either Chicago, IL or Peoria, IL three days per week. Candidates outside the area must be willing to relocate at their own expense and be available to work onsite from day one.
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