Manager, Program Management
Pearson · LK
Job Title: Manager, Program Management
Description: We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the delivery of complex, cross-functional technology initiatives. Partnering closely with Engineering, Product Management, Architecture, Quality Engineering, and UI/UX teams, you will drive program execution, manage risks and dependencies, and ensure alignment with business objectives. This role aligns to industry level titles such as Technical Program Manager, Technology Program Manager, Delivery Manager.
Location: Sri Lanka
The Role
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and detail-oriented Manager, Program Management, to lead cross-functional programs that deliver impactful outcomes across the organization. This role requires a strong background in program delivery, team coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment to organizational goals. The ideal candidate will manage multiple complex initiatives, ensuring timely execution, high quality, and measurable results.
What You'll Own
Program Leadership & Execution
- Lead end-to-end planning and execution of strategic programs spanning multiple teams or departments.
- Define and manage scope, goals, deliverables, dependencies, and milestones across projects within a program.
- Ensure alignment with business goals and drive programs forward through ambiguity and complexity
- Lead execution of program initiatives, ensuring alignment to project goals and timelines.
- Translate project objectives into actionable plans and ensure operational excellence.
Cross-functional Coordination
- Coordinate team resources and individual contributors across projects.
- Collaborate across teams and supporting functions to deliver shared outcomes.
- Act as a central point of contact and communication between project teams, executives, and stakeholders.
People Leadership & Development
- Directly manage and provide leadership to Project Managers, setting clear expectations, priorities, and performance objectives.
- Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and feedback to Project Managers to strengthen their delivery, leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Provide direction and support to Project Managers in managing project execution, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.
- Foster a high-performance culture through accountability, recognition, continuous feedback, and development.
- Conduct regular performance and development conversations, identifying opportunities to build individual capability and strengthen overall team effectiveness.
- Encourage continuous learning, adaptability, and effective ways of working across the Project Management team.
- Support Project Managers in navigating complex delivery challenges and provide guidance on escalation and decision-making where required.
Risk & Issue Management
- Identify program-level risks, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate issues when necessary.
- Track and resolve program impediments and interdependencies that impact timelines or deliverables.
- Proactively resolve risks or bottlenecks to keep initiatives on track.
- Make decisions within established parameters, escalating broader risks to higher tiers.
Process & Governance
- Establish clear expectations to drive efficient operational processes.
- Apply required competencies across Governance (Today) and Change Leadership (Future).
Performance & Reporting
- Monitor progress and report on key metrics to ensure operational success.
- Track and report performance metrics while tracking skills development in Progress Monitoring and Data Literacy.
About You
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in Computing or Information Technology/Management.
- 10+ years of program management experience in a technology or product-driven organization.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale programs with multiple workstreams and stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of project and program management tools (e.g., Jira, Jira Product Discovery, Confluence, Smartsheet, MS Project).
- Experience with all project methodologies.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to solving complex problems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PMP/ CSM/ PMI-ACP Certification are preferred
- Experience working with distributed teams and/or global delivery models.
- Background in software development or product lifecycle management is a strong plus.
- Ability to drive cultural change, influence without authority, and navigate matrixed organizations.
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