Program Manager Job Description Template

Elements to include in the Program Manager Job Description template

Program Manager Job Description Template/Brief

Our company is looking for a Program Manager to develop, plan, promote, and manage effective programmatic programmes. The ideal candidate knows the variables that drive customer behaviour and can collect and analyse consumer metrics from both real-world and digital data. They should be analytical and focused and have a good understanding of human behaviour and motivating forces.

We're seeking someone to establish customer programmes for our clients for them to attract the correct demographics and for us to generate effective marketing campaigns. This work includes short-term and long-term initiatives that aim to inspire, educate, and attract people from all walks of life.

Program Manager Job Profile

Program managers are in command of assuring that more overall corporate objectives are completed. They coordinate efforts across numerous projects without being personally in control of them.

They instead oversee the primary programme, paying close attention to programme strategy, project delegation, and programme implementation. This manager ensures that all team members understand how to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to achieve a greater goal.

Program managers assist businesses in staying on track, on budget, and ultimately on a path of development and success.

Reports To

• C Suite

Program Manager Responsibilities

• Strategise, implement, and sustain programme efforts under organisational goals
• Create programme evaluation methodologies for evaluation and improvement
• Uphold organisational satisfaction, quality, and performance requirements
• Supervise numerous project teams to ensure programme objectives are met
• Manage budgets and financing sources to maximise productivity
• Collaborate closely with the project sponsor, cross-functional teams, and assigned project managers to design and establish new initiative scope, deliverables, needed resources, work plan, budget, and scheduling
• Manage programme and project teams to maximise return on investment, as well as coordinate and delegate cross-project efforts
• Determine critical requirements from cross-functional teams and external vendors
• Create and manage project budgets, as well as hold yourself accountable for meeting defined business goals/objectives
• Collaborate with other programme managers to identify risks and opportunities across several departmental initiatives
• Analyse, assess, and mitigate programme risks, as well as provide programme reports for management and stakeholders

Program Manager Requirements & Skills

• A BSc/BA diploma in management or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience as a Program Manager or in another managerial role
• In-depth knowledge of project/program management approaches and procedures
• Thorough understanding of performance evaluation and change management concepts
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Office
• Working knowledge of program/project management tools (Basecamp, MS Project, etc.)
• Demonstrated leadership and organisational abilities
• Outstanding communication abilities
• Superior problem-solving abilities

The importance of a good Program Manager job description

Candidates often browse through multiple job descriptions quickly, spending only a short time on each. This brief interaction means they may miss key details unless the job description immediately grabs their attention.

To capture the interest of top talent, a job description must be clear, concise, and compelling. It should highlight the most important aspects of the role and the company, enabling candidates to quickly understand why they should apply.

Leading organizations invest in crafting excellent job descriptions because they know these documents play a critical role in attracting the right candidates. They ensure the descriptions accurately reflect the job role, serve as a foundation for an Program Manager interview, outline essential candidate requirements, and showcase the company's values to prospective employees.

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Things to avoid when writing a job description for Program Manager role

When crafting a job description for a Program Manager role, it's important to strike the right balance between providing enough detail to attract qualified candidates and avoiding common pitfalls that can deter potential applicants. Here are some key things to avoid to ensure your job description is both effective and appealing.

Listing too many skills can overwhelm candidates and make the role seem unattainable. Focus on the core competencies that are truly necessary for the position. For a detailed list of essential skills, refer to our post on skills required for Program Manager role.

Using buzz words can make your job description sound generic and unappealing. Terms like 'synergy,' 'leverage,' 'proactive,' and 'dynamic' are often overused and can dilute the specific requirements of the role. Be precise and clear about what you are looking for.

Over-focusing on academic qualifications can exclude candidates who have the right skills but not the traditional educational background. Many Program Managers excel due to their practical experience, leadership abilities, and problem-solving skills, which are not always taught in academic settings. It's recommended to use an on-the-job skills test to evaluate or screen candidates for these skills.

What skills are important for Program Manager role?

To create an effective job description for a Program Manager, it's important to understand the key skills needed for success in the role. Skills like strategic planning, leadership, and communication are integral to managing complex projects and leading teams.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the skills required for a Program Manager, visit our detailed guide on Adaface: Skills Required for Program Manager. This resource provides in-depth insights into the capabilities that can help a Program Manager excel.

Identify the best Program Managers for your open role

Crafting a detailed job description is just the first step in hiring a Program Manager. The real challenge begins when you receive a flood of applications. How do you sift through numerous resumes to pinpoint the best candidate for the role? This is a common dilemma for recruiters, who must find a way to efficiently screen candidates and identify those who truly fit the job requirements.

To streamline the screening process, Adaface offers a variety of skill tests specifically designed for program management roles. These assessments help recruiters identify top candidates by evaluating their skills in relevant areas. For instance, the Project Management Test and the Scrum Master Test are excellent tools for assessing the capabilities of potential hires in managing projects and agile teams, respectively.

Once you're ready to enhance your candidate screening process, consider taking a quick product tour of the Adaface platform. Alternatively, you can sign up for a free plan to start using the platform immediately. These steps will help you use a trusted and accurate platform to effectively screen candidates for your program management roles.

Program Manager Job Description FAQs

What should be included in a Program Manager job description?

A comprehensive Program Manager job description should include a brief overview of the role, job profile, reporting structure, key responsibilities, and the necessary skills and qualifications required for the position.

Why is a well-crafted job description important for a Program Manager role?

A well-crafted job description helps attract qualified candidates by clearly outlining expectations and requirements. It also aids in setting clear goals and benchmarks for performance evaluation.

What are the key skills required for a Program Manager?

Key skills for a Program Manager include strong leadership, project management expertise, excellent communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage budgets and timelines.

What common mistakes should be avoided when writing a Program Manager job description?

Avoid vague language, omitting reporting relationships, and neglecting to specify required experience levels. Also, steer clear of setting unrealistic expectations or overly broad job duties.

How can a recruiter identify the best Program Managers for an open role?

Recruiters can identify top candidates by focusing on those who demonstrate a proven track record in managing complex projects, leading teams, and achieving measurable outcomes, as detailed in their resumes and interviews.

What is the typical reporting structure for a Program Manager?

Typically, a Program Manager reports to a senior executive such as a Director or Vice President, depending on the organization's size and structure.

How can a job description impact the recruitment of a Program Manager?

A clear and detailed job description can significantly streamline the recruitment process by filtering out unqualified applicants and attracting those who are well-suited for the role's specific challenges and responsibilities.

What are the benefits of specifying the job profile in a Program Manager job description?

Specifying the job profile helps candidates understand the day-to-day activities they will be involved in and the strategic importance of their role within the organization, aligning expectations on both sides.