Program Manager

Program ManagerOur client, a leading independent investment management firm, is seeking an experienced Program Manager for a 6 month contract in Atlanta, GA. This role is hybrid with 4 days per week onsite. The Program Manager will lead the implementation of a global Vendor Management System (VMS) in partnership with our VMS partner. This role will serve as the client-side project/program lead, responsible for coordinating a cross-functional "tiger team" and ensuring delivery in alignment with VMS partner's implementation methodology and timeline. The individual will act as the central decision-maker and escalation point, driving execution, governance, and stakeholder alignment across Procurement, HR, Technology, Finance, Legal, and other critical functions.Program Leadership & GovernanceServe as Invesco's primary program lead and decision authority for the VMS implementationDefine program goals, scope, and success metrics, aligned to enterprise workforce strategyEstablish governance framework, including steering committees, working groups, and escalation pathwaysAct as primary escalation point for project risks, issues, and conflictsProject Execution & DeliveryAssemble and coordinate the cross-functional project teamOversee execution across implementation phases (planning, discovery, design, build, testing, deployment)Monitor project progress to align with VMS partner's recommended timelineMaintain integrated project plan and ensure milestone adherenceCross-Functional CoordinationLead and coordinate workstreams that include, but are not limited to:HRIS (data extraction and validation)Technology (integrations, requirements, testing)Procurement (supplier migration, reporting)Billing/Finance (invoice design and transition)Legal (contracts and escalation frameworks)Security/Facilities (onboarding/offboarding processes)Communications (change management and adoption)Vendor & Stakeholder ManagementAct as the primary interface with VMS partner's implementation leadershipEnsure alignment on deliverables, timelines, and dependencies between internal and vendor teamsProvide regular updates to executive stakeholders and facilitate decision-makingChange Management & AdoptionLead organizational readiness and adoption activitiesPartner with Communications Lead to drive effective messaging and stakeholder engagementFacilitate workshops, training alignment, and rollout strategyBasic Qualifications5+ years of project/program management experienceDemonstrated experience leading enterprise system implementationsProven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams in complex environmentsStrong stakeholder management and executive communication skillsPreferred QualificationsExperience leading end-to-end enterprise-level VMS implementation (e.g., Magnit, Beeline, VNDLY, Fieldglass) on the client sideExperience in contingent workforce programs, MSP models, and VMS workflowsBackground in financial services or regulated industriesFamiliarity with HRIS/ERP systems (e.g., Workday, Oracle)PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification are preferred but not requiredKey CompetenciesStrategic thinking and program leadershipRisk identification and mitigationCross-functional collaborationExecutive communication and influenceChange management and stakeholder engagementCritical Success FactorsDelivery aligned to VMS partner's implementation milestones and timelineStrong cross-functional alignment and governance disciplineProactive risk management with effective escalation handlingSuccessful adoption and rollout of VMS platform across business unitsReporting & Stakeholder AlignmentPrimary Stakeholders:Procurement Leadership (Program Sponsor)HR / HRISTechnology / Integration TeamsFinance / BillingLegal & ComplianceVMS Implementation TeamPay Rate $106.70 - $108.70