Senior Technical Program Manager (Hybrid/Onsite) - job 5 of 10

The Senior Technical Program Manager at our Payment Products Development PMO oversees multiple high-profile technology initiatives, utilizes an agile framework, and collaborates with business and technology experts to ensure project success. Key responsibilities include defining project scopes, creating estimates, developing budgets, facilitating technical discussions, managing program financials, and ensuring compliance with Agile methodologies.

Candidates for the Senior Technical Program Manager position in Austin should possess extensive experience in program and project management, ideally within the technology sector. A strong understanding of Agile methodologies, exceptional communication skills, and a proven ability to manage complex initiatives are essential qualifications. Experience in financial management and conflict resolution will also be advantageous.

The Senior Technical Program Manager plays a critical role in facilitating collaboration across various teams by engaging with technical leads, business partners, and senior management. This role involves conducting quarterly planning sessions, managing change controls, and ensuring clear communications tailored to different audiences, thereby fostering an environment of teamwork and trust.

The Senior Technical Program Manager role offers a hybrid work environment in Austin, which combines the flexibility of remote work with the advantages of in-office collaboration. The expectation for days in the office will be confirmed by the hiring manager, providing a balance that allows for effective teamwork while supporting individual work preferences.

As a Senior Technical Program Manager, you’ll find numerous opportunities for professional growth through continuous improvement initiatives, exposure to complex software programs, and collaboration with senior leaders within the organization. The position encourages mentorship, skill development in financial management, and the promotion of positive change, which can lead to career advancement.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of programs you have managed, focusing on the challenges faced and how you leveraged agile methodologies to successfully navigate them. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to align different teams towards common goals.

Discuss your experience in financial management, detailing your methods for creating budgets, forecasting, and tracking actuals. Emphasize your attention to detail and proactive communication with stakeholders to ensure financial transparency.

Illustrate your conflict resolution strategies, providing examples of disagreements you’ve managed in the past. Talk about how you approach situations with empathy, focus on common goals, and employ negotiation techniques to foster collaboration.

Explain how you establish communication plans and conduct regular check-ins or updates to maintain alignment. Discuss the importance of setting clear expectations and soliciting feedback from team members to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Prepare to outline a specific project, detailing your role from initiation to closure. Highlight the planning process, stakeholder engagement, challenges encountered, and how you drove the project to success while adhering to timelines.

Discuss your familiarity with Agile frameworks, including Scrum or Kanban. Provide examples of how you’ve implemented these methodologies in your projects, emphasizing how they improved project outcomes or team collaboration.

Detail your approach to risk management, including identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies. Discuss how you communicate changes to stakeholders and ensure that projects remain on course despite shifts in scope.

Provide insights into your relationship-building strategies, such as regular updates, personal touchpoints, and empathy in communication. Highlight how you prioritize understanding stakeholder needs and maintaining trust.

Share your techniques for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, such as soliciting team feedback, implementing retrospectives after project phases, and encouraging innovation. Mention any past experiences where your efforts led to positive changes.

Discuss your passion for driving successful outcomes, fostering team collaboration, and navigating complex projects. Highlight how witnessing the success and growth of your team and projects serves as a strong motivation for you.