Program Manager

The Program Manager is responsible for driving the execution of cross-functional programs in alignment with strategic business priorities and goals. This role plays a critical part in enabling successful implementation across multiple teams by facilitating decision-making, engaging stakeholders, assessing change management needs, and managing risk. The Program Manager will lead large-scale programs spanning multiple business units, involving several workstreams and/or projects. Responsibilities include managing resources, developing and tracking milestone plans, coordinating complex interdependencies, and communicating effectively across diverse audiences all within an agile development environment.

Program Managers focus on delivering projects that achieve intended business outcomes through the integration of product and technology, business processes, and change management strategies. While leadership skills and the ability to critically understand both the problem and the solution are more important than technical skills, a technical background is often necessary to effectively navigate competing interests.

Essential Skills

Leadership

• Strong executive communication skills with the ability to deliver messaging at the right level of detail and context to enable productive dialogue.
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and collaborate with key stakeholders to drive alignment and progress.
• Ability to synthesize complex information quickly and effectively.
• Influential leadership through relationship building rather than authority.
• Operates as a trusted advisor to project partners, program sponsors, and key stakeholders.
• Defines success criteria in partnership with stakeholders and aligns the team toward those objectives.

Critical Thinking

• Applies critical thinking to identify and understand the interdependencies between technology, operations, and business needs.
• Possesses functional acuity to evaluate how solutions address intended outcomes.
• Anticipates potential risks and issues and proactively identifies mitigation strategies and removes roadblocks.

Stakeholder Management

• Establishes effective governance structures to ensure stakeholders remain engaged and informed throughout program delivery.
• Ensures stakeholder requirements are captured and reflected in the solution and project timeline.
• Maintains ongoing communication with stakeholders regarding progress, challenges, and key decisions.

General Program Management

• Independently manages a variety of complex projects across one or more business lines.
• Oversees daily program activities and resources; leads program management meetings.
• Willing to step in and support the team directly with deliverables when needed.

Scope / Schedule Management

• Manages program scope and change requests effectively.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive plan for all program phases, ensuring visibility for relevant stakeholders.
• Monitors and controls key outcomes; resolves conflicts, dependencies, and addresses issues on the critical path.

Resource Management

• Develops detailed resource estimates based on planned activities.
• Collaborates with resource managers to ensure the right talent is in place to meet objectives on time.
• Delegates responsibilities and tasks appropriately across resources.

Reporting and Communication

• Reports on success metrics, testing, deployment activities, and achievement of defined success criteria.
• Provides regular status updates on milestones, deliverables, dependencies, risks, and issues.
• Delivers effective written and verbal communication that clearly summarizes progress, blockers, and decisions needed.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor s degree preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.

Certifications (Preferred):

• PMP (Project Management Professional)

Experience:

• 5 8 years of experience in project or program management with a Bachelor s degree.
• Experience managing teams either directly or through project structures.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to complete routine assignments with minimal supervision and general guidance on new tasks.
• Comfortable working with diverse problems requiring analysis and creative problem-solving.
• Makes sound judgments in selecting methodologies and approaches to achieve outcomes.
• Skilled at communicating across all organizational levels, particularly with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates impact through collaboration with peers, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
• Applies a full understanding of program management principles to creatively resolve complex issues.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation capabilities.
• Committed to upholding high professional and ethical standards in a diverse workplace.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving business environment with shifting priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.