Jobs › Northern Trust

Sr Manager, Program Manager

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $114,700–$194,900 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the largest program you have led with multiple project teams. How did you keep it on time and budget?

What they are checking: Whether they have really managed complex, multi-team programs rather than single projects.

Tell me about a time two business stakeholders wanted conflicting things from your program.

What they are checking: Whether they can resolve conflicts between powerful stakeholders and keep the program moving.

How do you lead project managers who report to you so they grow and take ownership?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage and develop a group, not just run projects themselves.

What would you do

How do you report program status to top management so they get the real picture?

What they are checking: Whether they report honestly and clearly, including bad news, rather than showing everything as green.

A critical project in your program is slipping, and the date cannot move. What are your options?

What they are checking: Whether they know the levers of scope, resources and sequencing and can present trade-offs clearly.

How do you decide when to stop or reshape a project that is not delivering value?

What they are checking: Whether they have the judgment and courage to recommend stopping work rather than finishing it out of habit.

About the work

How do you make sure projects in your program follow the corporate architecture standards?

What they are checking: Whether they understand architecture governance, which the posting includes in this role.

How do you measure whether a program delivered the business results it promised, not just the features?

What they are checking: Whether they track outcomes, which the posting calls demonstrated results.

How do you manage dependencies between projects owned by different teams?

What they are checking: Whether they track and actively manage cross-team dependencies, a common cause of program failure.

How do you manage program budgets and forecast costs as plans change?

What they are checking: Whether they keep financial control over complex work and flag overruns early.

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The full job description

As published by Northern Trust.

About Northern Trust As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service. Major Duties :1. Manages the business unit¿s IT Projects group(s). Oversees, plans and directs the activities for the group(s), ensuring that the business objectives are met. 2. Responsible for leading, planning, managing and directing multiple complex projects consisting one or more project teams. 3. Tracks project progress with respect to time, budget and demonstrated results. Communicates progress to top management and modifies schedules as required. 4. Manages the development, communication and maintenance of the corporate systems architecture for a major area within IT projects. Assures the related corporate architecture is consistent with disaster recovery plan objectives. 5. Determines staffing needs, makes hiring and firing decisions, handles salary administration and ensures resources are available to accomplish priorities. Provides leadership and guidance to staff, fostering an environment that encourages employee participation and teamwork. 6. Assists in the development, implementation and communication of an overall strategy to meet the business unit and corporate strategic plan. Directs the activities of the group towards accomplishing those objectives. 7. Develops and manages programs to support risk management and compliance programs and activities for their assigned group. 8. Assumes accountability for the performance management, career development and diversity programs in assigned groups. Knowledge :Requires excellent planning, conceptual, consulting and communication skills, analytical ability, strong judgement and management skills and the ability to interact with senior business areas and IT management staff. Knowledge of business strategy development is preferred to assist in the long term planning and management of profitability/performance of the group. Leadership and organization skills are required to direct the activities of the group. Skills in translating broad strategic intent into tactical plans and directions. Must have excellent negotiation and conflict management skills. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written also required. Experience :Requires a college or university degree and/or relevant proven work experience in Computer Science or related discipline, at least five, typically seven or more years of diverse experience in multiple areas of technology or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. At least three years supervising technical staff. Salary Range: $114,700 - 194,900 USD Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component. Work Authorization Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa). Working with Us As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve. Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities. Reasonable Accommodation Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com , or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

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