Program manager job description

Your guide to finding and hiring the right person for your organization

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Job description

How to write a program manager job description

Attracting and hiring the ideal program manager begins with a compelling job description. The basics are simple: A program manager job description should be direct and concise. Using simple language, tell potential candidates how their work will influence the success of your company. Introduce your organizational values and culture to entice applicants who share the same ideals and vision.

Make sure each item in the lists of objectives, responsibilities, and qualifications accurately reflects the expectations for the program manager role. Review the lists carefully, removing anything that isn’t applicable or crucial. Keep the lists brief, with no more than six bullets in each.

Program manager job description template

This sample job post will introduce your organization’s culture and values, while helping potential candidates understand how they’ll contribute from Day 1.

Sample program manager job description

[Company X] prides itself on delivering efficient and effective solutions across a wide range of industries. Our success is largely dependent on the stellar ability of the program management team. We’re currently searching for an experienced program manager to join our ranks and continue this tradition. The ideal candidate will have a sharp business mind and proven ability to strategize and implement high-level program initiatives. As a natural leader, this person should have strong talent for project coordination and delegation. Ultimately, the program manager should be motivated by a desire to optimize productivity and nurture program success from inception to completion.

Objectives of this role

Strategize, implement, and maintain program initiatives that adhere to organizational objectives
Develop program assessment protocols for evaluation and improvement
Maintain organizational standards of satisfaction, quality, and performance
Oversee multiple project teams, ensuring program goals are reached
Manage budget and funding channels for maximum productivity

Responsibilities

Work closely with project sponsor, cross-functional teams, and assigned project managers to develop the scope, deliverables, required resources, work plan, budget, and timing for new initiatives
Manage program and project teams for optimal return on investment, and coordinate and delegate cross-project initiatives
Identify key requirements for cross-functional teams and external vendors
Develop and manage budget for projects and be accountable for delivering against established business goals/objectives
Work with other program managers to identify risks and opportunities across multiple projects within the department
Analyze, evaluate, and overcome program risks, and produce program reports for managers and stakeholders

Required skills and qualifications

Five or more years of experience in an upper-management role, preferably in program management
Exceptional skills in leadership, time management, facilitation, and organization
Experience in managing stakeholders
Working knowledge of digital marketing
Outstanding knowledge of change management principles and performance evaluation processes