Program Manager – Legal Strategy & Operations

Program Manager – Legal Strategy & Operations
(Associate, Global Legal Strategies & Policy)
North Chicago, IL (Hybrid – Onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; Remote Monday & Friday)
12 months initial contract (with potential for extensions)
$91-$97/HR based on benefit selection  
 
Orion Group is seeking a Program Manager of Legal Strategy & Operations to support a dynamic legal program portfolio within a high-performing, cross-functional environment for our pharmaceutical client in North Chicago, IL.
 This role partners closely with program leadership to drive the development, implementation, and execution of strategic legal and business initiatives.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in project or program management, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to leverage data and technology, including AI tools, to enhance team effectiveness and execution. This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and can manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Support program leadership in developing and executing program management strategies aligned to team goals and objectives
• Coordinate and drive project execution from ideation through completion across matrixed, cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with stakeholders across multiple functions to support strategic initiatives and resource alignment
• Assist in defining project objectives, timelines, and execution plans for both short- and long-term initiatives
• Facilitate workshops, team sessions, and problem-solving events to drive alignment and outcomes
• Prepare clear, concise, and compelling presentations to communicate project progress and insights to stakeholders, including senior leadership
• Support transition of initiatives to functional teams for ongoing execution and sustainability
• Contribute to organizational effectiveness initiatives, including process improvement and team capability development
• Leverage data, analytics, and technology tools to support decision-making and enhance program delivery

 
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• 2–5+ years of experience in project management, program management, operations, or a related field
• Experience working in a complex, cross-functional or matrixed environment
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality

 
Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting organizational effectiveness, team facilitation, or internal consulting initiatives
• Exposure to data analytics tools and ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations
• Experience with AI tools, workflow automation platforms, or project lifecycle management systems (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar technologies)
• Background in change management, instructional design, or team development

 
Key Competencies

• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
• Dependability and strong ownership mindset
• Strategic problem-solving abilities
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills
• Tech-forward mindset with a willingness to learn and adopt new tools

People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.