Manager, Special Programs

Job Description:

JOB OVERVIEW

The Manager, Special Programs will work closely with the Special Programs team and the business on account management business functions including, but not limited to, vendor activation, contract review, execution and setup, lifecycle vendor and supply chain management activities as well as internal and external inquiry/issue resolution. Responsibilities include documenting processes, roles and responsibilities, researching and clearing bottlenecks within the supply chain, and establishing effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. The Special Programs Manager should be able to manage multiple competing deliverables while delivering excellent service to the client(s).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manages the special program client processes within various business functions including, but not limited to:
  • Vendor activation and SLA/SOW set up and review.
  • Regular supply chain health reviews and vendor management activities
  • Manage the upstream, in-life and downstream vendors involved with the lifecycle activities of customer vehicles and provide support to client(s) where needed
  • Ensure that vendor business reviews, SLAs, and overall performance are managed, while containing and appropriately managing costs for client(s).
  • Works cross-functionally to assist with all client questions/issues and work with program specialists under the Program Director and the business to resolve.
  • Performs functions in accordance with the contractual SLA between Lessee, client(s) and/or vendor(s) within the customer supply chain.
  • Identifies process efficiency opportunities for Wheels and our vendor network to improve upon and grow client satisfaction.
  • Ensures that departmental processes are designed and implemented in a way to mitigate operational risks / losses.
  • Identifies complex problems and reviews related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Other Duties:
  • Communicates with senior and executive leadership and functional area managers regarding status of the program and specific projects.
  • Continuously validates the client setup process to ensure accuracy and maximize efficiency both operationally and financially.
  • Reviews data integrity for all qualitative and quantitative system entries, including billing and reports provided to clients.
  • Constantly improves knowledge of Wheels systems, programs and services. Wheels may provide additional professional skill development.
  • Provides reporting to special accounts as needed to increase client’s ability to manage their business effectively and efficiently, including agreed upon monthly or quarterly metrics.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to ensure overall departmental efficiency.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Number of Direct Reports:

• 4

Number of Indirect Reports:
Budget/PNL Responsibility:
Leadership Responsibilities Strategy:

• This position’s leadership responsibilities involve demonstrating ethics and integrity, developing adaptability, displaying drive and purpose, and exhibiting leadership stature.
• Manages a team of direct reports by providing leadership, coaching and guidance, including regular informal discussions on ongoing projects, coaching meetings on how to improve performance and semi-annual performance reviews.
• Leads the Rapid Response Team and demonstrates informal influence to cross-functional team members.

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS

• Professionally communicates to both internal and external customers and portray the knowledge, confidence, and meticulousness of a manager and team leader.
• Demonstrates above average judgment and decision-making abilities. Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Able to tactfully handle multiple competing longer and shorter-term timelines, while working with team members and direct reports to ensure service excellence towards all work.
• Problem solver, good negotiating skills and the ability to stay objective when interacting with dealers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or five + years of prior client-facing experience required preferably working in the Fleet Leasing, Financial Services or Tech industries.
• Three to five years’ experience managing and developing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous vendor management experience required.
• Fleet operations experience preferred.
• Intermediate level or higher knowledge of a contact management system, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.

CORE VALUES

At Wheels, we believe in fostering a culture that is built on our Core Values and Guiding Principles. We cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation by upholding these values, driving our collective success and growth.

• Integrity – Always act with integrity and honesty.
• One Team – Treat others with dignity and respect; act as a cohesive, inclusive and accountable team that is making a difference.
• Innovation – Drive continuous improvement, spark creativity and embrace next generation thinking.
• Customer Success – Ensure that customer and driver success is at the heart of everything we do.

CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES

At Wheels, leaders are expected to model and champion our cultural attributes through their actions:

• Discipline Drives Quality – Plan the Trip: Think proactively, hold a high bar, follow through by leveraging experience and systems. To produce quality outcomes, we must be intentional and deliberate in everything we do, from big bets to daily execution.
• Intellectually Curious – Fuel Your Minds: Be bold, challenge assumptions, think differently, look outside the box. Strive to unlock your own thinking and create new possibilities.
• Commit and Deliver – Own It: Take responsibility for your work, from start to finish, and be accountable for the results. Think and act like an owner of the business.
• Relationships Matter – Share the Ride: Trust is central, both with key internal and external stakeholders. Relationships are not a side effect of work but a driver of success.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work Environment: This position operates in a professional office environment.
Position Type/Standard Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday thru Friday
Travel: This position may require up to 20% travel
Physical Demands: Speak, hear, and see, and to use hand and fingers for computer keyboard and phone. Sit or stand for extended periods of time. Reach above head to pull paper attachments.

DISCLAIMER

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Our Benefits

Wheels recognizes benefits are a significant part of your employee experience, and we've created a robust benefits package that is market-leading, competitive offerings so you and your family can receive outstanding care. Please click here for an overview of the benefits available to you and your family.

Pay Range:

$73,300-$102,600

The base salary range for this position is listed above. This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan which is based on company performance and individual performance. Compensation ranges are based on several factors including job function, level, and geographic location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience, education, certifications, skill level and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed here.

EEO Statement

Wheels is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employment is contingent on successful completion of drug and background screening.

Wheels is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law. Wheels is committed to taking affirmative steps to promote the employment and advancement of minorities, women, persons with disabilities and protected veterans.

Wheels applies AI-based analysis to application materials to help assess fitness for hire for the specific job being applied for and to recommend job postings that align with the candidate’s skills, by comparing the candidate’s skills to the characteristics and qualifications listed in job postings and/or criteria established by Wheels’ hiring team.

About Us

Wheels Is Committed to Making Our Organization One of the Best Places to Work

As one of the largest fleet management companies in North America, Wheels features a portfolio of 900,000+ vehicles under management across the continent, a global alliance in 61 countries, and a client base that consists of some of the best-known businesses in the world. No matter the industry type or business size, we’re proud to work across sales and service fleets, trucks and equipment, and last mile delivery to ensure we power your potential.

The culture at Wheels is the secret to our 80+ years of success. And the reason people choose to join — and stay with — our team.

When you join the team, you'll work with professionals who are passionate, friendly and smart. We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, combined with the encouragement to continuously learn and grow. From day one, we invest in your long-term development through annual performance goals and reviews, educational and wellness programs, awards and celebrations, and more.

Ready to experience the Wheels culture for yourself?

• 10 years average employee tenure

• 10 times recognized as one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

• 50+ health, wellness and engagement benefits

• 2,500+ online learning programs

Wheels is Invested in the Well-being of the Community and the World We Inhabit

Diversity: Wheels deeply values the strength of diversity both in the communities we serve and our own employee base. This includes treating everyone as equal, respecting and valuing diversity, providing equal opportunity and fostering a safe space to work.

Community: We are heavily involved in the communities where we operate. We offer opportunities for employees to make a positive impact through mentorship and tutoring elementary school students, participating in blood drives, donating to United Way and other charitable organizations in the greater Chicagoland and Toronto areas.

Sustainability: Wheels is actively committed to becoming a cleaner fleet management company through recycling programs, public transportation support and more.

We Are Dedicated to the Safety and Health of our Employees

Our employees are critical to delivering on our commitment to client success, which is why we offer a variety of programs focused on the health and wellness of our people.

Wheels Fosters More Than Just Work Relationships

We hire people who have a customer-focused mindset and a strong collaborative nature. Because at Wheels, customer service and teamwork don't just happen in the office. It is during the informal moments when employee trust is strengthened and friendships are made. We value these moments, which is why we host departmental contests, summer gatherings, family events, holiday celebrations and more.

At Wheels, your well-being is our priority. As part of our commitment to your health and well-being, we’re proud to offer access to the Advocate Health Care Wellness Portal—a personalized platform designed to help you take charge of your health journey.

The 2026 Wellness Program is designed to support you in achieving your personal health goals. Best of all, it’s flexible and fits into your busy lifestyle.

This program is designed to support your overall well-being—physically, emotionally, and financially—by providing tools and incentives that encourage healthy living.