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Strategic Initiatives Manager - IT

Job Details

Rockford IL Headquarters - Rockford, IL
Chicago IL Madison Ave - Chicago, IL; Lincolnshire IL - Lincolnshire, IL; Remote Chicago Madison - Chicago, IL; Remote Lincolnshire - Lincolnshire, IL; Remote Rockford - Rockford, IL
Full Time
$110900.00 - $161000.00 Salary/year
Strategy - Planning

Do you get energized by turning big ideas into real-world results? Are you the person who can bring clarity to complex projects, unite teams around a vision, and make technology work smarter for people? At Savant Wealth Management, we’re on a mission to build one million ideal futures — for our clients, our team, and the communities we serve — and we’re looking for a Strategic Initiatives Manager who can help make that vision a reality.
 
For nearly 40 years, Savant has served as a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and businesses seeking clarity and confidence in their financial lives. As a fee-only, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm, we guide clients through investments, financial planning, tax and business consulting, estate planning, trust services, and family office support. At the heart of Savant is a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and a commitment to helping clients build their ideal futures.
 
This role is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy, technology, and collaboration. It’s more than project management — it’s about creating sustainable solutions, championing change, and delivering results that matter.
 
 
The Strategic Initiatives Manager can expect to focus in the following areas:
 
 

Drive IT-Dependent Business Initiatives

  • Run cross-functional, IT-dependent projects (e.g., workflow automations, dashboard development) from kickoff through delivery.
  • Use Agile methods (sprint planning, backlog management, daily stand-ups) or hybrid approaches to keep teams moving and priorities clear.
  • Break down business goals into technical tasks, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Track progress with dashboards, burn-down charts, and velocity metrics; flag and resolve blockers early.
  • Manage dependencies and risks across IT and business teams to keep timelines and budgets intact.

Shape Our Products and Tools

  • Translate business needs into user stories, acceptance criteria, and test cases that guide technical teams.
  • Partner with internal resources to design, build, and validate solutions.
  • Drive UAT (user acceptance testing) and feedback loops to ensure tools deliver real business value.
  • Continuously refine features and processes based on metrics and end-user feedback.

Lead Vendor Partnerships

  • Coordinate vendor activities during implementations, integrations, and upgrades.
  • Hold vendors accountable to timelines, SLAs, and technical requirements.
  • Ensure seamless onboarding, data migration, and system hand-offs between vendor and internal teams.

Champion Change and Collaboration

  • Embed change management into execution — ensuring communications, training, and adoption plans are part of every rollout.
  • Work side by side with business and IT teams to smooth hand-offs and accelerate adoption.
  • Document and share playbooks, runbooks, and process updates so improvements stick.

 

 

A couple things to note about our Strategic Initiatives Manager - IT position:

 
  • Location: This position can be based out of any of our regional Chicago offices, with the flexibility to drive to our Rockford, IL and Downtown Chicago location.
  • Work Model: Initially we will expect more in-office time, but once you're fully up and running, we will discuss the potential for you to work in our hybrid model of 3 days in office and 2 from home.
  • Typical Hours: Standard business hours with flexibility based on business needs.

What We’re Looking For
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (MBA, MPA, or similar is a plus).
  • 7+ years managing complex projects and product initiatives — ideally in financial services.
  • A background in agile project management with a heavy focus on delivering results within the IT function.
  • A track record of turning big ideas into reality with measurable business results.
  • Skilled at translating business needs into clear, actionable requirements.
  • Confident communicating with everyone from technical teams to executives.
  • Data-driven decision maker who seeks out feedback and metrics to guide improvements.
  • PMP® or equivalent preferred.
 
The Traits That Make You a Great Fit
 
  • Big-picture thinker who can see how every project fits into our long-term strategy.
  • Problem-solver at heart who loves digging into challenges and finding practical, scalable solutions.
  • Self-starter who takes ownership and drives results without needing constant direction.
  • Collaborator who thrives working across departments and with external partners.
  • Change leader who helps others embrace and adapt to new ways of working.
  • Clear communicator who can adjust your style for technical or executive audiences.
  • Detail-oriented doer who ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
  • Adaptable when priorities shift, with a steady focus on delivering value.
  • Embodies Savant’s core values of excellence, integrity, lifelong learning, respect, growth, and servant leadership.
 
Why Join Us?
 

Our Vision: Transform personal and financial dreams into goals and goals into reality.
Our Mission: To build one million ideal futures for our clients, our team, and the communities we serve.
 
We are a team with distinct backgrounds and diverse views. We believe in collaboration, innovation, excellence, doing what’s right, and helping our team provide world-class service. Our culture is described through our corporate values of excellence, integrity, lifelong learning, respect, growth, and servant leadership. We are dedicated to living these values through our daily interactions with each other, our clients, and our communities.
 
 
The Perks:
 
At Savant, we are committed to supporting our employees' as well as investing in their well-being and growth. We take a market-based approach to compensation. The expected base salary range for this role nationally is $110,900.00 - $161,00.00. However, final base pay will be carefully determined based on several factors, including responsibilities, skills, relevant experience, geographic location, and market conditions. Additionally, this role may be eligible for other forms of compensation and benefits. 
 
In addition to compensation. We also offer a benefits package designed to enhance both your personal and professional life. Below is an overview of our offering and the specific benefits available for this role can be discussed in detail during the hiring process.
 
  • Benefit Eligibility on Day One: Enjoy immediate access to a robust benefits package starting on your first day of employment.
  • Choice of Medical Plans: Select from two medical plans tailored to fit your needs.
  • Health & Wellness Accounts: Opt for a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to manage your healthcare expenses.
  • Flexible Dental Coverage: Choose between two dental plan options for optimal oral health.
  • Vision Insurance: Keep your eyes healthy with our vision insurance plan.
  • Company-Paid Life & AD&D Insurance: Feel secure with fully covered basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment benefits.
  • Company-Paid Disability Coverage: Rest easy knowing you’re covered with both short-term and long-term disability plans.
  • 401(k) with Company Match: Invest in your future with both Roth and Traditional 401(k) plans, featuring a per pay period company match.
  • Generous Paid Time Off: Benefit from PTO that increases with your years of service, at least 11 paid holidays each year, a paid day each year for your Savantiversary, and enjoy shorter work weeks with our Summer Hours. 
  • Additional Leave and Time Off Benefits: Personal leave, parental leave, professional development paid time, and bereavement pay are just a few examples of how you will be supported with time off and other benefits during life's most critical moments.
  • Dress Code: Enjoy a “Dress for Your Day” approach to your style. We offer wardrobe flexibility based on office culture, client expectations, and your daily schedule.
  • Employee Recognition: Enjoy monetary awards through our recognition program.
  • Team Incentive Plans: Participate in our team incentive plan for additional earning opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access support through our Employee Assistance Program whenever you need it.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Take advantage of various discount programs for additional savings.
  • Wellness Reimbursements: Get reimbursed for gym memberships and other wellness programs to stay fit and healthy.
  • Additional Perks: Get reimbursed for your warehouse club memberships and receive an allowance for Savant Swag.
 
Take your career to new heights, apply today!
 
 
 
All applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
 
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting.
 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the incumbent in this position. Any combination of equivalent education and work experience will be considered.
Savant Capital LLC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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