Lead end-to-end delivery of a retail systems modernization MVP focused on customer workflows (Search, Quoting, Inventory, Payment). Manage discovery, scope, API-based integrations, UX alignment, device readiness, stakeholder communication, risk/scope, and rapid pilot rollout readiness.
Role Overview
We are looking for a strategic Program Manager to lead a high-visibility initiative focused on modernizing retail systems. You will be responsible for orchestrating the end-to-end delivery of an MVP centered on customer-facing workflows. This role requires a unique blend of technical oversight—managing API-based integrations—and operational excellence to ensure a successful pilot rollout and future vertical expansion.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Orchestration: Lead a structured discovery phase to validate workflows, refine MVP scope, and align technical architecture with user experience goals.
- Functional Oversight: Manage the delivery of core customer-facing modules, specifically Search, Quoting, Inventory, and Payment workflows.
- Technical Integration: Partner with engineering teams to oversee the alignment of the UX layer with the API and routing layers connecting to legacy backend systems.
- Hardware & Device Strategy: Coordinate device assessments and readiness to ensure software compatibility across the physical retail environment.
- Stakeholder Management: Facilitate communication between UX, Technical Architecture, and Business teams to maintain a unified vision for the platform.
- Risk & Scope Management: Ensure operational tasks (e.g., WMS or receiving functions) remain outside the current MVP scope while maintaining a clear roadmap for future waves.
- Pilot Readiness: Drive the execution of a rapid pilot rollout, ensuring all core POS capabilities are stable and validated for real-world use.
Required Experience & Skills
- Program Leadership: Proven experience managing complex, multi-phase digital transformation programs in the Retail or Fintech sectors.
- Technical Delivery: Strong understanding of API-first architectures and integrating modern front-ends with legacy "heritage" systems.
- Lifecycle Management: Expert in navigating the transition from a "Discovery" phase into a "Build" and "Pilot" phase.
- POS Domain Knowledge: Prior experience delivering Point of Sale (POS) solutions or transactional systems (Payments/Inventory).
- Strategic Planning: Ability to manage a "phased method" of delivery, balancing immediate value with long-term platform scalability.
Compensation, Benefits and Duration
Minimum Compensation: USD 72,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 252,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full time employees.
This position is available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post.
Photon Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
11 East Adams Street Suite 1100, Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
Similar Jobs
Agency • Information Technology
Lead and deliver complex programs across product development, software implementation, and operational improvements. Plan, execute, manage budgets, stakeholders, timelines, quality, and program reporting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors, ensure customer satisfaction and team performance, and apply SDLC and project management best practices.
Agency • Information Technology
Lead the launch and ongoing management of a new program, coordinating internal teams and external partners, developing project plans, tracking progress, reporting to executives, resolving issues, and driving continuous process improvements.
Top Skills:
AsanaExcelJIRAMicrosoft ProjectPowerPointSmartsheetWord
Agency • Information Technology
Lead end-to-end program planning, execution, and delivery across cross-functional teams. Define scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and KPIs; monitor progress; manage stakeholders; enforce quality and process improvements; mentor project managers and drive program-level reporting and performance.
Top Skills:
AgileAsanaHybridJIRAMicrosoft ProjectWaterfall
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
