Unlike a Project Manager who focuses on a single scope or LOB, the Program Manager operates at a portfolio level - connecting strategy to execution across functions, managing interdependencies, and driving accountability for outcomes that span multiple teams.
This role does not own client strategy or day-to-day delivery tasks. It owns cross-functional orchestration and program-level success.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead multi-workstream programs spanning multiple Lines of Business
- Align project plans across LOBs to ensure sequencing and dependency management
- Establish unified program timelines and milestones
- Ensure cohesive execution across all participating teams
- Translate strategic initiatives into coordinated execution plans
- Partner with AMs, PMs, Directors and functional leaders to align priorities
- Ensure programs remain aligned to intended business outcomes
- Identify cross-functional dependencies and mitigate conflicts
- Proactively manage risks that impact multiple teams or clients
- Escalate systemic or enterprise-level risks to Director, PMO and executive leadership
- Establish program-level reporting and dashboards
- Provide executive-ready updates on program health
- Ensure standard PMO processes are applied consistently across workstreams
- Partner with WFM and LOB PM Managers to ensure resource plans support program milestones
- Flag capacity constraints that may impact cross-LOB execution
- Support prioritization decisions when conflicts arise
- Facilitate alignment across Strategy, Client Ops, PM and functional leadership
- Lead cross-functional program meetings
- Ensure clarity in roles, decision-making authority, and accountability across participating teams
Required Skills & Experience
- 8-12+ years in program or complex project management within a services, agency, or matrixed organization
- Proven experience leading cross-functional, multi-team initiatives
- Strong understanding of portfolio-level planning and dependency management
- Experience operating within a PMO structure
- Strong executive communication and stakeholder alignment skills
- Ability to manage ambiguity and drive structured outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority
- Experience working within task-based and reporting systems (e.g., Teamwork, Asana, Monday, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience within marketing, digital, or professional services organizations
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification
- Experience leading enterprise-wide operational or transformation initiatives
- Experience working across multiple business units or global teams
- Exposure to financial oversight of large-scale initiatives
