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SVP, Program Management Delivery

Chicago, IL

Merge Storytelling and Technology

We bring together the minds and passions of creative pioneers, tech innovators, and data explorers to help ambitious clients solve business challenges and rise to the top. MERGE has enduring client partnerships with American Express, T-Mobile, LG, Subway, Kate Spade NY, Coach, The North Face, Meta, Adobe, BlueCross BlueShield, Abbott, Astellas, Supernus, CSL, GE Healthcare, Broward Health, Indiana University Health, Nationwide, and Morgan Stanley. With offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Montreal, New York City and Los Angeles. MERGE uses a talent-to-task process that enables clients to think higher and feel deeper about their customers. 

Promote Health, Wellness & Happiness

We are committed to promoting health, wellness and happiness in the world by partnering with purpose-driven clients in purpose-driven industries in healthcare, life science, and consumer products. Our deep vertical expertise and category insights stem from decade-long partnerships with our top clients.

Emerge to the Top of Your Career

At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.

Senior Vice President of Program Management and Delivery 

Deliver Excellence. Elevate Talent. Scale with Intelligence.

At MERGE, we’re building the agency of the future—where creativity meets technology, and strategy drives measurable outcomes. We're looking for an experienced and dynamic SVP of Program Management and Delivery to lead our efforts for a key client, representing a significant portion of our business ($10-20M in annual revenue). In this pivotal role, you'll be responsible for ensuring the successful execution and delivery of all programs and projects for this client, fostering strong relationships, and driving continued growth. You'll work closely with the Lead Client Service Leader, Lead Technology Leader, and Lead Creative Leader to create a seamless and integrated approach to client success.

What you'll do

  • Strategic Program Leadership: Own the overall program strategy and roadmap for a key client, aligning with their business objectives and our company's capabilities.
  • Delivery Excellence: Lead and mentor a team of program and project managers to ensure on-time, on-budget, and high-quality delivery of all client engagements.
  • Client Partnership: Act as a senior point of contact for the client, building deep relationships, understanding their evolving needs, and proactively identifying opportunities for expanded partnership.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner seamlessly with the Lead Client Service Leader to manage client expectations and satisfaction, the Lead Technology Leader to ensure technical excellence and innovation, and the Lead Creative Leader to drive impactful creative solutions.
  • Financial Management: Oversee the financial performance of the client's programs, including forecasting, budgeting, and ensuring profitability.
  • Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges, and develop mitigation strategies to keep programs on track.
  • Process Improvement: Continuously optimize program management and delivery processes to improve efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.
  • Team Development: Recruit, retain, and develop a high-performing team of program and project management professionals.

An Entrepreneurial Growth Driver

You possess a strong entrepreneurial mindset, thriving in dynamic, high-growth environments (similar to startups or challenger brands) and demonstrate a readiness to scale impact. You’re skilled at building, iterating, and driving initiatives forward with ambition and agility.

An Enterprise Operator

You know what “good” looks like at scale. You’ve operated $ 10 M-20 M+ portfolios, understand enterprise dynamics, and bring a pragmatic lens to every execution challenge.

A Team-First Executive

You believe in the power of people and systems. You build teams that run well without you, and you enable leaders to lead, not just execute. You value casting the right talent to solve client challenges.

A Change Agent

You know how to evolve legacy models, shift mindsets, and lead through ambiguity. You’ve turned siloed functions into cross-functional engines of growth.

What You'll Bring

  • 15+ years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing significant client accounts (preferably $10-20M+ in annual revenue).
  • Background in agency, technology and consulting is a bonus 
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering complex programs and projects in a fast-paced, client-centric environment.
  • Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
  • Strong business acumen and experience managing large client budgets and forecasts.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across diverse internal teams (e.g., client services, service offerings such as media, data and analytics, technology, creative).
  • Strong understanding of program management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).
  • Strategic thinking with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing client needs and business opportunities.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree preferred.

#LI-VM1

#LI-HYBRID

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.

The salary range for this role is $164,350 - $197,250, based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.  

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

And here’s how we live our values at MERGE

  • Ability. Mastering our craft
  • Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset
  • Humility. Collaborating for shared success

MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be!

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