Program Manager

Program Manager/ Portfolio Manager
Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: 6 months contract+ with extension

We are seeking an experienced Business Relationship Manager (BRM) to serve as the strategic liaison between life sciences business functions and IT. The BRM partners with senior business leaders to understand strategic priorities, define technology roadmaps, manage demand, and ensure successful delivery of digital transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong business consulting, program management, stakeholder management, and technology leadership skills with experience in regulated healthcare or life sciences environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary IT/business relationship owner for assigned business functions.
• Build trusted relationships with Directors, Senior Directors, and Vice Presidents.
• Understand business strategy and translate it into an IT roadmap.
• Lead demand management, portfolio planning, and prioritization.
• Partner with business and delivery teams to define solution approaches.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives across data, AI, cloud, analytics, automation, and enterprise applications.
• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives and executive communications.
• Coordinate with architecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, application, and vendor teams.
• Review Statements of Work (SOWs), estimates, budgets, and delivery plans.
• Lead governance meetings, steering committees, and executive reviews.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, quality, and regulatory standards.

Required Experience

• 8–12+ years of IT experience.
• 5+ years in Business Relationship Management, Program Management, Portfolio Management, or IT Consulting.
• Experience working directly with executive stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience managing cross-functional global teams.
• Experience in Healthcare, Medical Devices, Pharma, Diagnostics, or other regulated industries preferred.
• Experience managing vendors and strategic partners.