What does a Program Manager do?
A Program Manager strategically directs an ensemble of coordinated projects, products, and organisational initiatives. They work closely with multiple project managers to align their efforts, leverage interdependencies and address issues that may not be visible at the individual project level.
Program Managers view individual project outcomes in the context of the broader organisational objectives and direct their effort towards a long-term vision. They work closely with executive leadership, reporting to and advising them on the broader progress of an organisation towards its objectives and recommending changes.
In summary, Program Managers facilitate the efficient, synchronised operation of a broad range of an organisation’s activities, ensuring that the efforts of project managers and their teams are directed towards company objectives in the most cost-effective, intelligent manner possible.
Management Account skills and qualifications
Being an important, senior role, the precise skillset of a Program Manager will vary according to the needs of the organisation. Depending on the specific industry your business operates in, you should look for Program Managers with formal qualifications in business or business administration, management, engineering, construction, marketing , IT or computer science.
In addition, important skills for a Program Manager include:
- Strong leadership, communication and management skills
- Ability to understand the different business practices that will exist in a large organisation
- Strong sense of regulatory requirements and necessary reporting procedures
- High-level organisational skills, including the ability to multitask and prioritise when dealing with a diverse array of competing demands
- Excellent stakeholder management skills
- Ability to create and execute long-term strategies
- Ability to remain calm in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
- Ability to handle and analyse large volumes of data
Program Manager experience requirements
It’s important that Program Managers have sufficient prior experience in positions of similar management responsibility . For example, requesting at least five years’ experience working in a management role on successfully completed, major projects is a good idea. Look particularly for participation in projects that have been recognised by the relevant industry, for example, by receiving awards or special distinctions.
High-performing Project Managers with positive recommendations from former employers can make good candidates for consideration for a Program Manager role. However, for very large and complex projects, it is advisable to look for applicants who already have some years of experience working in a similar role. Experience in large, complex organisations is a must.
Program Manager education and training requirements
Program Managers should have at least a tertiary undergraduate qualification under their belt, preferably in business or a related field. For larger and more complex roles, a master’s degree is looked on favourably – in particular, a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a Master’s in Project Management (MPM).
Further options to request from candidates include the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or the Advanced Diploma of Program Management.
Holding any of the above certifications will ensure that your candidate not only has the relevant professional experience, but also that they have devoted a substantial amount of time to understanding the art of Program Management in an academic context.
Program Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Program Manager is $123,647. Meanwhile, Senior Program Managers command an average salary of $132,699.
Actual salaries offered for specific positions will vary according to the exact requirements of the role, the experience of the candidate, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Program Manager job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Program Manager and a Project Manager?
While Project Managers direct a single project for an organisation, Program Managers oversee a number of inter-related programs and other activities. Their ultimate goal is to successfully carry out a business strategy, whereas Project Managers are concerned solely with the completion of their own projects. Program Managers generally have more managerial duties than Project Managers and command higher salaries. In addition, a Project Manager may be hired as a temporary, contract position or move between projects within their organisation, whereas Program Managers are more likely to be permanently assigned to a particular role in their business.
Why does an organisation need a Program Manager?
By leveraging the emergent interdependencies between different projects, a Program Manager can recognise hidden benefits including cost-saving and resource optimisation. They can ensure a company’s overall vision is being upheld and advanced on an individual project level, assisting to bolster internal culture and employee motivation.
What role does data play in program management?
Data is playing an increasingly important role in program management, as the ability of businesses to gather detailed information about their projects increases. Program Managers should use data to thoroughly analyse all of the projects under their supervision. This will allow them to make better, more informed decisions.
What distinguishes a senior Program Manager from a junior Program Manager?
In addition to more workplace experience – Program Managers might have more than six years of experience in the role before they are considered senior – completion of further study could be a major distinguishing attribute. Certifications such as an MBA, MPM or PMP are the hallmark of a senior Program Manager.
Is a Program Manager a temporary or fixed position?
While Project Managers may be required only for the duration of a particular project, Program Managers may be required indefinitely, managing the life-cycle of consecutive projects, from planning through execution and completion. They can therefore carry through the benefits of own project onto the next, retaining the insights and experiences of each individual project and re-applying them across the rest of an organisation.
How can Program Managers influence individual team-member performance?
With their high-level view, Program Managers help to ensure multiple teams are assigned achievable levels of work and are resourced accordingly. They can ensure expectations of Project and Product Managers are reasonable and provide them with the broader context and higher-level motivation for their work. They can also respond to developments in one team that might be of benefit to another team.
For example, if a task is completed earlier than expected in one project, the resources may be temporarily reallocated by a Program Manager to another project.
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