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 the projects under their supervision. This will allow them to make better, more informed decisions.

What distinguishes a senior program manager from a program manager?

In addition to having 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.

Program Manager Job Description [Updated 2025]

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A program manager is a strategic project management professional who coordinates all the various projects and related functions that make up a program within an organisation. Their duties include aligning multiple company projects towards a broader strategic goal, liaising with a range of collaborators throughout and beyond a business, and creating or terminating specific individual projects.

Program manager duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a program manager can be understood to be similar to those of a project manager, only on a larger scale. That is to say, rather than taking responsibility for a single project, program managers take responsibility for a program – a collection of projects, products and initiatives organised together to achieve a strategic objective.

Program managers carry out all the budgetary, staffing, administrative, organisational and reporting duties of project managers, only at a larger scale. They are also responsible for coordinating a number of different projects, products and initiatives, in alignment with overall company financial goals and strategy.

Program managers also contribute to the creation of such goals and strategies, making them key advisors and decision-makers within large organisations. They may form committees to support their programs, and manage relationships with a broad range of collaborators, both internally and externally, including within industries relevant to the completion of projects.

Some specific duties and responsibilities you might list on your job posting include:

initiating, monitoring and terminating individual projects, products and initiatives in accordance with company strategy
creating and carrying out program strategy encompassing a variety of individual projects
coordinating multiple projects and handling the interdependencies between them
managing program budgets and allocation of funds
working with Human Resources to oversee staffing and allocate resources to various programs
working with marketing and communications departments to raise awareness of company initiatives
implementing program governance procedures and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations across multiple projects
reporting on overall program performance to organisational directors.

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Program Manager Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Essential Qualifications AND Experience(selection criteria)

Proven experience as Programs Coordinator or relevant position
Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous people and understanding of Indigenous culture
Knowledge of and/or experience in management of contracted projects/programs and development of procedures including the ability to work within a funded project according to program guidelines regarding assessment, service provision, reporting and accountability.
Demonstrated ability to ensure program operations are completed in the timeframes required and according to organisation policy and procedures and legislative requirements
Demonstrated knowledge of contracts, budgeting and reporting
Tech savvy, proficient in MSOffice suite
Demonstrated ability to work with diversity and manage multi-disciplinary teams
Demonstrated excellent time-management and organizational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated detail-oriented and efficient
Valid Working with Children card and National Police Check
C- Class Open license with potential to do Passenger Transport Drivers Licence (PTD)

Desirables:

Qualification in social services, case management, counselling or relevant field
Qualification in business administration of relevant field
Experience leading/supervising staff
Experience in Grant Application and report writing
Good communication skills

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $75,000.00 $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Professional development assistance
Salary packaging

Education:

Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree (Required)

Experience:

Program Co-ordinating: 3 years (Required)

Work Authorisation:

Australia (Required)

Ability to Commute:

Wyndham, WA 6740 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Wyndham, WA 6740: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In Deadline: 11/09/2023

Example 2

Who are we?

We are CLX (Customer Led Experience), a one-stop shop covering the entire front-end – from insights to strategy, design, and manufacture, to execution and training.

We specialise in transforming legacy retail models through innovative and impactful solutions, delivering cost efficiencies, and improving customer experiences.

CLX have globally experienced professional teams across the world with offices in Australia, the UK, and the Asia Pacific Region, helping global companies to stand out from the crowd through efficient customer-led experiences.

We are known for our hands-on approach, from development to implementation, delivering on budget, on time, and to the highest of standards every time.

Technical Program Manager - NSW

The role:

Oversee project planning and execution, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements and objectives
Maintain positive client relationships, instilling confidence in our delivery capabilities and driving customer satisfaction
Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring efficient resource allocation and project management
Demonstrate a deep understanding of related technologies
Provide hands-on technical guidance
Support and drive effective planning and decision making
Continually drive operational excellence in all aspects of work
Lead change in complex environments
Resolve any performance related issues
Provide relevant reporting and updates to client and to internal stakeholders

Who are you?

Exceptional verbal and communication
Strong technical skills
Possess commercial acumen
Great time management, planning and organisational skills
A personable and positive attitude
Adaptable to any given situation
Drives accountability and outcomes
Gets into the detail and acts as an operational expert
Act as a business partner
Based in NSW

Education and Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience, managing, supporting or implementing ICT applications
Machine learning experience
Background in project delivery
Experience in a similar role is preferred
Strong understanding of systems and project management
Retail industry experience
Ability to lead a team and develop a high performance culture

To apply, you must qualify for the following:

You are an Australian citizen or
You hold an Australian permanent visa

If this role sounds perfect for you, click apply and let us have a conversation!

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 6 $700.00 – $800.00 per day

Example 3

This role requires a person who is a dynamic, fast thinker who can spot potential problems before they become a major brand risk. We are looking for someone who is always looking to improve efficiency and solve problems which arise in this high change environment.

What You'll Do

Monitor social media for influencer and viral posts and respond to customer care or negative posts about the brand via Uber's social media tool, Sprinklr, as well as occasionally natively monitoring platforms

Understand the full spectrum of Uber customer care policies and processes

Liaison with Marketing and Comms on replies to influencer and viral posts

Bring an elevated lens of Marketing/Comms to Uber s customer care world

Manage key stakeholder conversations with senior level global leadership

Manage various aspects of brand crises on social media, including social listening, reporting, responding, crafting in-feed posts, liasioning with policy, etc.

Work with stakeholders and varied policies across the world, but specifically in the US, United Kingdom & Ireland, India, and Australia

Potential to be on-call

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of 2 years of prior work experience, preferably in social media community management or related field

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

4+ years of social media community management for a large brand with diverse issues

Project management: you have proven experience of managing multiple projects end-to-end in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to work to tight timescales

Ability to thrive in an ambiguous and flexible work environment

Bachelor's degree, preferably in Communications, Social Media or Public Relations

Social Listening and Software Proficiency in Sprinklr & Brandwatch

Understand intuitively what has the propensity to go viral and create brand crises

Proficient stakeholder management skills

Influencer management experience

Previous experience managing Brands and Crisis in Social Media

Customer care operations experience

Strong communicator (both verbal and written); creative copy writing skills

Customer focus, empathy and business acumen to understand the customers needs and generate engaging conversations in Social Media

Problem solver - Desire to address complex problems without hesitation

Independent and proactive, self-starter and highly motivated; capable of working independently, yet collaboratively, within a fast-paced environment, while maintaining a positive, proactive and energetic approach to work

Highly organized and able to multi-task, whilst maintaining clear and proactive flow of communication

Clear Understanding of Engagement elements across the most popular social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Youtube)

Ability to de-escalate, shift and approach negative engagements to turn them into positive outcomes for our users

Job Type: Contract
Contract length: 12 months

Salary: $30.00 $50.00 per hour

Work Authorisation:

Australia (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

Australian Capital Territory ACT (Preferred)

Ability to Capital Territory ACT: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Example 4

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS)

· Full Time position

· Senior Management role

Join Our Team: Senior Manager - Social & Emotional Wellbeing

Are you ready to lead with purpose and drive positive change within Aboriginal communities? We're seeking a dedicated individual to join us to lead our Social & Emotional Wellbeing Team (SEWB)

This role is integral to our vision of enhancing the holistic wellbeing of our First Nation community members.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage the SEWB Team, ensuring the effective delivery of services and programs

· Oversee the implementation of Mental Health, AOD, Family Violence and NDIS client facing services.

· Oversee the implementation of Aboriginal Health Promotion and Cultural Programs

· Provide mentorship, support and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement

· Develop, administer, and evaluate programs aimed at promoting spiritual, social, and emotional wellbeing within Aboriginal communities

· Utilise your extensive management experience to drive strategic initiatives and achieve organisational objectives

· Ensure compliance with best practices, cultural safety and regulatory requirements in all aspects of program delivery and management

· Manage budgets and financial resources effectively to maximise the impact of our programs and services

Requirements:

· Degree qualifications in counselling, social work or a related field and/or extensive community services management experience relevant to the role

· Demonstrated understanding of issues related to the spiritual, social, and emotional wellbeing of local Aboriginal communities

· Proven experience in the implementation of Best Practice principles

· Demonstrated experience in the development, management, administration, and evaluation of programs, preferably within the health and wellbeing field

· Successful track record in mentoring and managing staff and fostering a collaborative work environment

· Strong budgeting and financial management skills

· Current driver's license and clear Police Check

If you are passionate about having a positive impact on the local Aboriginal community, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and possess the qualifications and experience to excel in this role, we invite you to apply.

Together, we can empower our community members to thrive and achieve their full potential.

This position is subject to Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Proof of descent will be required.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [website] or call 0414 713 430 for a confidential discussion.

Visit [website]

Applications close: 14/6/2024

AWAHS is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Salary packaging

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

Are you of Australian Aboriginal / Torres Strait Island descent?

Work Location: In Deadline: 14/06/2024

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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.

Program manager skills and qualifications

Being an important, senior role, the precise skill set 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 a number of years of 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 degree is looked on favourably – in particular, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of 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 annual salary for a program manager is $133,896. 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

There are a number of other job descriptions available on Indeed’s website if the above does not contain precisely what you are looking for.

Program manager job description FAQs

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.

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 one project onto the next, retaining the insights and experiences of each individual project and re-applying them across the rest of an organisation.

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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Job Description Examples

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Program Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Program manager duties and responsibilities

Program Manager Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Find your next great Program Manager on Indeed

What does a program manager do?

Program manager skills and qualifications

Program manager experience requirements

Program manager education and training requirements

Job description samples for similar positions

Program manager job description FAQs

Hire your next Program Manager today

Job Description Examples

Program Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Program manager duties and responsibilities

Program Manager Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Find your next great Program Manager on Indeed

What does a program manager do?

Program manager skills and qualifications

Program manager experience requirements

Program manager education and training requirements

Job description samples for similar positions

Program manager job description FAQs

Hire your next Program Manager today

Job Description Examples

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