Director of TPM, Infrastructure

As the Director of Technical Program Management at Databricks, your primary responsibilities will include leading and mentoring a team of TPMs, developing KPIs for program effectiveness, collaborating with product and engineering teams to drive alignment, and managing stakeholder relationships. You'll need to define the execution strategy for critical projects and ensure high-quality delivery while simultaneously navigating the complexities of the infrastructure landscape.

To qualify for the Director of TPM role at Databricks, you should have a B.S. in Computer Science or a related field, along with 15+ years of experience managing engineering or TPM teams. Experience with cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, or GCP is essential, along with solid skills in project planning, risk management, and influencing cross-group collaboration.

Success as the Director of TPM at Databricks involves being proactive in identifying high-impact programs, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and effectively communicating strategies and statuses. Your ability to mentor and grow your team while defining and implementing robust processes will also be crucial. It's all about balancing strategic vision with day-to-day operational excellence.

In this role, you can expect to work on a variety of strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the infrastructure and operations of Databricks' platforms. From automating processes to improving deployment pipelines, your projects will be hands-on and collaborative, involving large-scale technical initiatives that directly impact company priorities and customer satisfaction.

Databricks offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) plan, equity awards, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and more. Additionally, employees have access to a personal development fund to encourage continuous learning, which is integral to growth in the fast-paced tech industry.

I believe in fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, where each TPM feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. I prioritize open communication and regular check-ins to ensure everyone is aligned on goals and responsibilities, enabling us to tackle complex initiatives effectively.

I've implemented various process improvements by leveraging metrics and KPIs to identify inefficiencies. By engaging stakeholders in defining these processes and regularly assessing their effectiveness, I've successfully driven adoption across multiple teams.

Building trusting relationships is key to successful cross-functional collaboration. I prioritize understanding each team's dynamics, fostering open communication, and aligning our objectives. This approach helps in navigating diverse stakeholder groups effectively.

I start by identifying potential risks during the planning phase, followed by evaluating their impact and probability. Implementing a proactive risk mitigation plan and maintaining open lines of communication with all stakeholders allows me to address issues timely and effectively.

Success is measured using KPIs that reflect both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. I believe in setting clear, actionable goals from the outset and constantly monitoring our progress against these metrics to ensure we meet our objectives.

I have hands-on experience with AWS and Azure, which allows me to guide infrastructure initiatives from a technical standpoint. Understanding these platforms helps in driving alignment with engineering teams and fosters smoother project execution.

In a prior role, I managed a project with conflicting stakeholder demands. I held a series of alignment meetings where we established common goals, allowing us to redirect efforts and deliver a successful project outcome. Open communication proved vital in overcoming the hurdles.

I regularly follow industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in networking groups. Staying informed about advancements in program management, DevOps, and cloud technologies helps me apply the latest strategies and tools to my work.

Mentorship is crucial, as it not only develops team members' skills but also strengthens the overall team's capabilities. By investing time in mentoring, I can help TPMs grow and thrive in their roles, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

I prioritize projects based on their strategic impact and urgency, using a clear framework that includes stakeholder input. Regular reviews and updates ensure that I can adapt to any changes promptly and allocate resources efficiently.