At Associated Electric Cooperative, we're committed to providing reliable energy to the communities we serve with passion and precision. We're a tight-knit team dedicated to keeping the lights on and the energy flowing smoothly across our expansive network!

From technical to operational to professional disciplines, our team brings a wide variety of skills, talents, and expertise to the table. We believe in both dedicating ourselves to excellence and investing in your growth.

Associated Electric Cooperative is seeking a Program Manager to help run IT as a high-performing, business-focused organization. This strategic role sits within the IT Business Office—a team launched by the CIO to lead the transformation of Information Services into a service-oriented, value-driven function. Over the past two years, we've reimagined how IT delivers value to the enterprise: introducing a product management-informed financial model, setting new benchmarks for vendor performance, and fostering a culture that ranks among the highest in employee engagement. We’ve laid a strong foundation, and now we’re looking for a leader to build on that momentum by driving the next phase of maturity.

If you’re someone who thrives on helping organizations grow—with a strong business mindset grounded in financial operations, strategic sourcing, and talent management—and you’re passionate about equipping teams with resources and enabling them to make smarter decisions and clearly demonstrate value to the enterprise, this is your opportunity to shape how IT is fundamentally run and we invite you to apply.

What you'll do:

As a Program Manager in the IT Business Office, you will lead and mature practice areas that enable IT to operate strategically and effectively. You’ll work closely with Accounting, Procurement, HR and IS leaders to deliver tools, processes, and governance that elevate organizational performance.

• Lead the development and adoption of the IT Financial Management practice - including budgeting support, service modeling, and benchmarking - so IS leaders to manage cost and value like a business.
• Build and scale strategic sourcing capabilities, including negotiation frameworks, vendor evaluations, maturity tracking, and training to empower smarter contracting decisions.
• Own the product strategy for financial and sourcing tools, including enhancements to the IT module within Project Hub and other evaluation frameworks.
• Advance IT Talent Management practices in partnership with HR, supporting workforce planning, onboarding, performance management and strategic sourcing.
• Partner across IS to drive adoption of these practices, facilitate collaboration, and monitor maturity and impact over time.

What you’ll need:

• An associate’s degree in a STEM field (or equivalent technical training/certifications), and 3+ years of experience in program management, business operations, or an equivalent role.
• Experience standing up or maturing cross-functional programs in partnership with Finance, HR, and Procurement departments.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to translate operational goals into processes, tools, and actionable practices.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to present to senior leaders and align stakeholders around shared goals.
• Demonstrated experience in IT vendor management and strategic sourcing, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and cost optimization.

What Associated provides:

• We are committed to rewarding talent with top pay. Your efforts will be recognized with a total compensation package that reflects your experience and contributions.
• Plan for your future with confidence! We offer a robust 401(k) program with a generous employer match to help you build the financial future you deserve.
• We know how important work-life integration is. Recharge with PTO and enjoy paid holidays, ensuring you have time to unwind and pursue your passions outside of work.
• Your health matters to us! Stay covered beginning on your first day of employment with our premier healthcare plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.

At Associated Electric Cooperative, all of our 700+ employees across MO/AR/OK territory play a crucial role in powering our mission! Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find endless opportunities for career development here. Join us in an environment where your contribution is valued, and your career can thrive as we work together to keep the lights on!

Ready to Energize your career? Visit our website at www.aeci.org/careers to learn more about Associated and apply for a position. 

Equal Opportunity Statement:

AECI is fully committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. Please reference the contact information below if you require assistance in filling out an application. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to an appointment.

An equal opportunity employer and provider/disability/veteran.