CRE&FM Program Manager

Zurich is seeking an experience Program Manager, this role reports to the Head of CRE Projects and serves as an extension of the Head of CRE Projects managing company’s workplace and office interiors program, with primary responsibility for overseeing and managing the outsourced project management service provider (PMSP). This role ensures that the provider delivers consistent, high-quality project execution across the company’s office portfolio, meeting corporate standards for design, budget, schedule, and employee experience. This is a hybrid role based in the Schaumburg Headquarters or the Chicago office, with travel up to 20%.

The Program Manager acts as the corporate owner’s representative, bridging business strategy with outsourced project delivery, while partnering with internal workstreams, and functional stakeholders to create effective, sustainable, and engaging workplace environments. The primary role is to ensure all deliverables are achieved on time to support the transaction group’s activity, budgets can be developed externally with oversight of the PM service provider or internally by the Program Manager. 

Core Background Preferences:

• Work history should include positions with a contractor or developer; additional experience within a corporate real estate (CRE) group or service provider is strongly preferred.
• Ideal candidate will demonstrate a progressive career path beginning in contractor/developer roles, advancing into corporate real estate workplace delivery.
• Strong experience with the full spectrum of CRE budgeting, including all workstreams required for successful workplace delivery.
• Proficiency in developing end-to-end budgets for corporate office workspace, covering all categories such as:
• MSA service providers (e.g., architects, MEP engineers)
• Project Management service provider
• Miscellaneous consultants
• General contractors
• Security vendors
• Furniture vendors
• Internal IT and AV groups for budgeting support
• Demonstrated knowledge of regional cost contributors and the ability to make appropriate budget adjustments based on market conditions.
• Effective ability to manage architectural design spend, providing cost-reduction solutions to ensure fiscal discipline.
• Progressive experience in managing architectural design aspects of corporate workplace projects with a strong focus on cost control.
• Experience collaborating with internal change management and business transformation teams to align workplace delivery with broader organizational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Governance Leadership:

• Provide corporate-level governance and oversight of the outsourced project management service provider (PMSP).
• Define, implement, and enforce program / design standards, processes, and reporting requirements for all office interiors projects.
• Monitor provider performance against contractual obligations, KPIs, and SLAs.

Vendor Management & Accountability:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the outsourced provider at the program level.
• Hold the provider accountable for cost, schedule, risk management, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction across all projects.
• Participate in regular performance reviews, escalate issues as necessary, and drive continuous improvement initiatives with MSA providers.
• Partner with Procurement on vendor contracts, work orders, and renewals.

Financial & Risk Management:

• Manage the overall program budget and financial reporting, consolidating project-level data from the outsourced provider.
• Evaluate and recommend approval of budgets, and change orders submitted by the provider.
• Proactively identify portfolio-level risks and ensure mitigation plans are implemented by the PMSP.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Represent the workplace program to workplace delivery partners, providing executive level summaries, financial summaries, and progress reports.
• Ensure the provider delivers effective communication and assist internal change management group with deliverables to support their activity with business units.
• Partner with Facilities, IT and Audio Visual, to align workplace projects with enterprise goals and employee needs.

Strategic Alignment:

• Translate corporate workplace strategy into project programs executed by the outsourced provider.
• Ensure design and construction outcomes reflect the company’s culture, brand, and evolving hybrid work strategy.
• Lead the development and refresh of workplace standards, design guidelines, and project management playbook.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree and 6 or more years of experience in program/project management within corporate workplace, interiors, or real estate.
  OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 8 or more years of experience in program/project management within corporate workplace, interiors, or real estate.
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 6 or more years of experience in program/project management within corporate workplace, interiors, or real estate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Certifications (PMP, PgMP, LEED, WELL AP)
• Experience working in a contractor, developer, or corporate real estate/workplace role.
• 3 years’ or more experience managing outsourced service providers or third-party project management firms.
• Proven success delivering large, complex, multi-million-dollar office interiors or tenant improvement projects.
• Proficiency with program management and workplace technology platforms (MS Project, Excel, MS Office 365, MS Teams, AutoCAD/Revit,).
• Understanding of workplace design, construction, and delivery processes.
• Executive communication, contractor negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to self-perform projects if desired.
• Ability to balance strategic oversight with detail-oriented financial and schedule management.
• Willingness to travel 20% for project oversight and vendor engagement, familiarity with alternative remote technology methods preferred.

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. The compensation indicated represents a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for geographic differentials pertaining to the location where the position may be filled. The proposed salary range for this position is $108,200.00 - $161,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.  

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission. 

Location(s): AM - Schaumburg, AM - Chicago
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
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