Principal Program Manager, R&D
HybridBoston, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex R&D programs and multi-product releases aligned with strategic objectives. Drive release planning, scheduling, and coordination while managing risks, issues, and dependencies across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams. Own end-to-end program execution, partner with Product and R&D leadership to optimize development processes, metrics, and tooling, and proactively identify opportunities to accelerate progress. Analyze existing processes to identify gaps, design and pilot new standards, KPIs, and best practices to improve efficiency and predictability, then drive adoption while minimizing unnecessary complexity. Collaborate with other Program Managers to evolve PMO standards and operating models, engage senior leaders to maintain alignment and accountability, and navigate ambiguity to ensure delivery matches business and technology strategy.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- ~8 years of experience in product development organizations
- Minimum 5 years in a Program or Project management role
- Strong understanding of Agile software development methodologies and modern product delivery practices
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex programs in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
- Self-starter with the ability to influence, motivate, and drive outcomes without direct authority
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Confident and effective presenter, including with senior leadership and large groups
- Demonstrated ability to drive execution, not just coordinate activities
- Strong business acumen and comfort navigating uncertainty and competing priorities
- Ability to build trusted relationships and facilitate collaboration across functions and levels
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and disciplined in execution
- Data-savvy; able to interpret metrics and use insights to inform decisions and optimization
- Passion for continuous improvement and driving positive change at both team and organizational levels
- Curiosity and willingness to learn new methodologies; open to coaching and mentoring for senior-level impact
- Ability to commute to Seaport Boston office
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Experience with SaaS product development teams
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand and contribute into technical discussions and decision making
- Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders without formal authority
- Deep experience with Agile software development practices
- Experience with tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Smartsheet
- PMP or PMI training
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