Program Manager Job Description Sample

A program manager is the one who supervises all the regular activities of a specific program and also for keeping track of the processes involved. When a company elects to introduce a fresh program, the program manager is the one who is responsible for overseeing and reporting on the progress throughout the course.

Program Manager - Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and assess project managers and workers
• Keep track of deadlines, budgets and activities
• Apply resource management techniques
• Take charge of people and vendors involved
• Find ways of maximizing ROI
• Submit reports for program directors
• Plan on suitable strategies
• Evaluate program performance

Educational Qualifications and Certifications

Most employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in management, business or related area. Those with a master's degree in project management or an MBA can expect higher salaries. The Project Management Institute offers a number of certifications likes Certified Associate in Project Management and Project Management Professional which aspiring Program Managers can benefit from. Other certifications one can opt for include American Society for the Advancement of Project Management’s Project Manager and Senior Project Manager.

Knowledge and skills required

• Skill in examining and implementing new strategies
• Skill in establishing priorities
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain recordkeeping systems
• Strong communication skills
• Knowledge of grants preparation
• Understanding of management principles
• Proven experience as a Program Manager or other managerial position
• Knowledge of project management techniques
• Excellent Knowledge of performance evaluation and change management principles
• Outstanding knowledge of MS Office and project management software like MS Project
• Aptitude for gathering data and preparing reports
• Program planning skills
• Ability to supervise and allot work for employees
• Employee performance management skills
• Understanding of budget preparation and management principles
• Knowledge of staff hiring

Program manager – Deliverables

• Integrated Master Schedule
• Communications Plan for stakeholders
• Risk Management Plan
• Master Project Plan
• Change Management Plan
• Quality Assurance Plan
• Human Resource Management Plan
• Cost Management Plan
• Procurement Management Plan
• SPS Program Management
• Master Status Report

Average Program Manager Salary

According to salary.com, the average annual salary is $122,844. The salary for Program Manager lies in the range of $105,692 to $141,049.

Career Path for Program Manager

Experienced project managers often move up the ladder to positions like chief operating officer (COO) and other senior management roles. Project managers with at least 10 years of experience can easily move into the position of COO which brings additional responsibilities and also a considerable increase in salary. Based on the industry, a number of job titles are used to denote senior roles in Program Management. These include business development director, senior project manager and senior managing consultant.

Program Manager - Working Conditions

Project Managers usually work in typical, office work environment. Some may have to work in unusual office spaces, though. Usually, very limited physical work is involved. Although Project Managers work a standard work week, they may be asked to work on weekends and do extra time to meet project deadlines.