What does a Program Manager do?
Program managers oversee interconnected projects that are complementary to one another and that ultimately build and contribute to larger, longer-term business objectives. Program managers outline a program’s strategy and its objectives and oversee a list of dependent projects that are needed to reach the program’s goals. They work with teams and instruct them on how to best implement their strategies and to measure the return on investment.
Program managers share the program’s strategy and objectives with an emphasis on its impact upon the business. As the overseers of multiple-project platform collaborations, they also define the independent projects that must be completed first in order to achieve the program's ultimate goals. While they are supervising groups of projects, they will also strategize, oversee, and coordinate various project products or other strategic initiatives that are programmed within a group of related projects. Program managers need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business management.
- Manage teams across functional boundaries, both internal and external.
- Develop, implement and evaluate strategic plans, goals and objectives.
- Contribute to the production of program reports, materials, and content.
- Oversee program plans and tracking of progress and changes.
- Provide and communicate overall vision and direction for program.
- Drive strategic roadmap both for product features, technology and overall business development.
- Assist in the management and supervision of program staff.
- Manage and complete assigned work plan objectives and projects on a timely basis.
- Seek opportunities to make improvements to team efficiency and process.
- Provide guidance and role modeling to all members.
- Establish milestones and monitor adherence to master plans and schedules.
- Bachelor's Degree or Graduate's Degree in business, computer science, engineering, or information systems or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated leadership and problem solving skills.
- A critical thinker with strong attention to detail.
- Strive for continuous improvement and prioritize time management.
- Comfortable with planning and executing a budget.
- Skilled with SQL and cloud programming.
Program Manager Salaries near United Kingdom
Average Base Pay
Program Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Program Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Program Manager Insights
Cognizant Technology Solutions“It is good to work if you have good skill set to manage well and survive”
City of Goodyear“Some of the best reasons to work with the City of Goodyear is the supportive and friendly staff.”
Karbon“Great place with to work and I am very happy with my decision to join.”
Netradyne“Great product based company to grow in your career with job security and the product is unique.”
Randstad Sourceright“Onboarding training programs are extensive and there are multiple training opportunities as you further your career.”
Lyngsoe Systems“Interesting customers worldwide Challenging tasks and freedom to do my work Colleagues and culture is great.”
Insight Technology Solutions“life balance and workplace climate are easily the best I've experienced in my career.”
Google“Some of the most intelligent and creative people I have ever worked with in my career.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of programme managers
A typical day for a programme manager involves coordinating activities among several different projects. Each day, they work directly with team members, ensuring they stay on task and work well together. They also delegate and motivate team members while making sure the project is up to standard.
Programme management job satisfaction is high, particularly for those who have strong leadership skills. Many programme managers start as project managers where they work on one project at a time and move up to become programme managers where they oversee several projects.
Yes, programme managers earn quite a bit of money. The average annual base salary for program managers is £78,228 in the UK, depending on their location and years of experience. Those professionals who have more experience can earn up to £107,861 each year.
Working in programme management does have its challenges, especially since certain projects can have problems and team members might be difficult to work with. Also, some projects can last almost indefinitely, so program managers might run the risk of burnout.
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The comments expressed in this bowl are opinions of members.
Would you accept a lower salary ($650/month) if: - The new company offers better career opportunities - The role is a better fit to your skills (analyst vs project manager) - $650 is a lot for me, but it is still only 7% less, so both salaries are good enough for a good life in the city I am - The new team seems to be a better fit to your personality Salary is not the only factor when thinking about what to do with one's life. But I did grow up poor and earning less seems like a sacrilege.