Overview
IT Program Manager – API Platform Deployment – Hybrid (Chicago, IL)
Rate: $85.00+ per hour
Employment Type: Contract
Position Overview
We are seeking a strategic and technically adept IT Program Manager to lead the rollout of an enterprise API management platform. This role will guide the integration of tools such as Kong and support a portfolio of over 100 applications. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong blend of technical infrastructure knowledge, program leadership, and stakeholder engagement. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape how API strategy and cloud services are operationalized across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the rollout of enterprise integration platforms, such as Kong, with features like Dev Portals, API Products, and access controls.
Oversee end-to-end program execution including planning, resourcing, risk management, stakeholder communication, and budgeting.
Ensure alignment between platform capabilities and business requirements across multiple functional areas.
Facilitate workshops and discussions to establish governance, share best practices, and drive successful adoption.
Coordinate with infrastructure and application teams to ensure integration between OS, database, and application layers.
Manage timelines, dependencies, and vendor relationships (including SOW review, procurement coordination, and issue resolution).
Monitor implementation progress and eliminate blockers, ensuring agile delivery cycles are followed.
Conduct technology audits and maintain disaster recovery and security standards.
Forecast financial requirements, analyze variances, and take corrective action to remain within project budgets.
Serve as a vocal advocate for delivery excellence, challenging assumptions and presenting creative, viable solutions when needed.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or related discipline.
7+ years of IT program or project management experience with exposure to infrastructure and application development environments.
Experience deploying API platforms (e.g., Kong or similar) and managing large-scale integration portfolios.
Familiarity with infrastructure components (OS, DB, applications), CI/CD pipelines, and hybrid Agile/Scrum methodologies.
Strong leadership, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, with a high comfort level communicating with executive leadership.
Experience managing vendors, reviewing contracts/SOWs, and tracking procurement and financial workflows.
Proficient in Jira or similar project management tools.
PMP Certification required.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Terraform, cloud environments, or infrastructure-as-code.
Financial acumen, including understanding of capital and operational expenditure processes.
Familiarity with API Management concepts, even if not a core expertise.
Work Schedule & Location
Work Model: Hybrid
Location: Chicago, IL (on-site presence required for key meetings or workshops)
Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
If you are a technically fluent and solutions-driven program leader with experience managing complex API or infrastructure initiatives, we encourage you to apply.
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