Program Manager

The Program Manager at lastminute.com plays a crucial role in leading projects from start to finish. Responsibilities include creating project charters, engaging stakeholders, delivering updates to management, and ensuring alignment among cross-functional teams. This role is vital for shaping successful travel experiences for millions of customers.

Candidates for the Program Manager role at lastminute.com should have a degree in a related field, such as Business or IT, and possess at least 3 years of proven experience in project management. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are also essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively across different organizational levels.

lastminute.com offers diverse opportunities for career progression. As a Program Manager, you will develop essential managerial skills and have access to training programs that enhance professional growth. Additionally, the international environment allows for the exchange of innovative ideas across various teams and departments.

lastminute.com promotes a healthy work-life balance through a flexible working schedule and a shorter 36-hour workweek. Employees benefit from half a working day on Fridays to focus on personal growth and productivity, alongside the opportunity for remote work for a given period each year.

The company culture at lastminute.com is inclusive, friendly, and dynamic. With a team of individuals from over 48 nationalities, employees experience a welcoming environment that values unique perspectives. This culture encourages collaboration, creativity, and celebrations of diversity.

Successful Program Managers at lastminute.com need strong project management skills, analytical abilities, and exceptional communication style. Moreover, flexibility and adaptability are vital for managing various stakeholder interactions and aligning project outcomes with business objectives.

lastminute.com offers various perks for its Program Managers, including travel discounts, volunteering days, and training programs via platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Employees are supported during life events with accommodating leave options reflecting their commitment to well-being.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you managed all stages from initiation to completion. Discuss the tools and methodologies (like Agile or Waterfall) you employed, the obstacles you faced, and how your leadership helped guide the project to success.

Demonstrate your ability to build rapport and maintain open communication channels with stakeholders. You can mention specific strategies you use, such as regular updates, feedback loops, and collaborative decision-making to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.

Address the importance of promptly identifying issues, evaluating causes, and communicating with your team. Highlight your ability to prioritize tasks, delegate as necessary, and adjust the project timeline while keeping stakeholders informed and supported.

Choose a specific scenario where you identified a complex problem. Break down the steps you took to analyze it, the solution you proposed, and the outcome. Emphasize your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, showcasing your ability to remain calm under pressure.

Discuss the project management tools you've used, such as Jira, Asana, or Trello. Explain how you utilize these tools to monitor progress, communicate with your team, and ensure project milestones are met effectively.

Discuss any relevant experience you have in preparing and managing project budgets. Talk about how you assess costs, track spending, and align financial resources with project deliverables. Mention any software tools you're familiar with for budget management.

Elaborate on your methods for ensuring alignment, such as conducting kick-off meetings, setting clear objectives, and maintaining ongoing communication. Highlight your approach to soliciting feedback and making sure everyone is on the same page throughout the project lifecycle.

Discuss techniques you’ve used to keep team morale high, such as recognizing achievements, fostering open communication, and promoting a collaborative environment. Provide examples where your leadership style successfully motivated the team during challenging times.

Describe your systematic approach to risk management, including identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and developing mitigation strategies. Emphasize the importance of ongoing risk assessments throughout the project to respond actively to new challenges.

Research lastminute.com’s offerings and align them with your understanding of travel technology. Discuss how their innovative solutions in dynamic holiday packages exemplify the integration of tech in enhancing customer experiences, and express your excitement to contribute to such initiatives.