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Director Of Program Management Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Director Of Program Management information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.4K

$113.8K

$190.9K

How much do director of program management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of program management in Riverside, CA is $113,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,700.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of program management do?

A director of program management implements strategic programs, monitors program performance, and evaluates project leaders for efficiency and accomplishments. As a director of program management, your job duties include overseeing the program management team, coordinating related projects, and finding solutions that improve performance at all levels within the company. To pursue a career as director of program management, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in project management, change management, business administration, or a related field, along with industry-specific knowledge and experience. Most employers also look for candidates with proven success in prior program management positions and demonstrated leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of program management?

To thrive as a Director of Program Management, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management expertise, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and extensive experience managing complex programs. Familiarity with project management tools (like MS Project, Jira, or Asana), portfolio management systems, and certifications such as PMP or PgMP are often required. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for aligning cross-functional teams, achieving program objectives, and driving organizational success.

How does a director of program management typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success?

A Director of Program Management works closely with various teams, such as product development, marketing, finance, and operations, to align program objectives and execution. They facilitate regular meetings to ensure transparency, address potential roadblocks, and foster a shared understanding of project goals. Effective Directors leverage their leadership and communication skills to build consensus and keep teams focused on deliverables, often acting as a bridge between executive leadership and project teams. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating complex projects and achieving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Of Program Management vs Program Manager?

AspectDirector Of Program ManagementProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects and programs, aligns strategic goals, manages teamsManages individual projects, coordinates tasks, ensures project delivery
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Business, Management, or related field; PMP or PgMP certifications often preferredBachelor's degree; PMP or similar certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, leadership meetings, cross-department collaborationProject planning, stakeholder communication, team coordination
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, tech, finance, healthcareWidely used across industries for project execution

The main difference between a Director Of Program Management and a Program Manager lies in scope and leadership. Directors oversee multiple programs and set strategic direction, while Program Managers focus on executing individual projects. Both roles require strong project management skills and certifications, but Directors typically have more leadership responsibilities and strategic influence.

Is a director of program management a high position?

A director of program management is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple projects and teams within an organization. It is considered a high-level position that requires strong strategic, leadership, and communication skills, often reporting to executive management. The role typically involves significant responsibility and influence within a company.
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The top searched job categories for Director Of Program Management jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Director Of Program Management jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Director Of Program Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Of Program Management job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,773 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Director, Program Management

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote


Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 545 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Many structural heart patients suffer from heart failure with limited options. Our Implantable Heart Failure Management (IHFM) team is at the forefront of addressing these unmet patient needs through pioneering technology that enables early, targeted therapeutic intervention. Our innovative solutions are not just transforming patient care but also creating a unique and exciting environment for our team members. It's our driving force to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.

The Director, Program Management leads the strategic and operational oversight of all Cordella product-and-platform-related projects within the Edwards Implantable Heart Failure Management (IHFM) organization. This role ensures the effective deployment of project management methodologies across the product lifecycle-from concept through commercialization-while aligning with corporate strategy and regulatory requirements. This role ensures alignment with corporate objectives, regulatory standards, and market needs while optimizing resource allocation, budget utilization, and portfolio value.

How you will make an impact:

Portfolio Strategy & Governance: Lead the development and execution of the enterprise-wide product portfolio strategy, for the Cordella system including the PAP sensor, implantation components, online Patient Management platforms, at-home monitoring accessories and apps. Establish governance frameworks for portfolio prioritization, investment decisions, and lifecycle management. Drive portfolio rationalization efforts to ensure alignment with strategic goals and market opportunities.

Agile & Hybrid Program Management: Champion Agile methodologies for software, firmware, mobile, AI ML, and cloud-based application development. Integrate Agile practices with traditional stage-gate processes to support hybrid development models. Ensure sprint planning, backlog grooming, and iterative delivery align with regulatory and quality standards.

Budget Management: Own the portfolio-level budget planning and forecasting process. Monitor and report on budget performance across all projects and programs. Partner with Finance to ensure accurate tracking of capital and operational expenditures.

Resource Planning & Optimization: Lead resource capacity planning across the portfolio to ensure optimal allocation of talent and tools. Identify resource gaps and recommend hiring or outsourcing strategies. Implement tools and processes for real-time visibility into resource utilization.

Program & Project Execution: Oversee execution of complex programs involving hardware, software, and systems integration. Ensure consistent application of stage-gate processes and design control procedures. Drive schedule management and ensure on-time delivery of milestones and product launches. Manage concurrent development cycles across multiple platforms and technologies.

Risk Management: Lead proactive risk identification, assessment, and mitigation planning across the portfolio. Facilitate risk reviews and escalation processes to ensure timely resolution. Integrate risk management into stage-gate reviews and executive reporting.

Verification & Validation (V&V) Oversight: Ensure robust planning and execution of V&V activities across all programs. Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Engineering to align V&V with compliance and product performance requirements. Monitor V&V timelines and resource needs to avoid bottlenecks and delays.

Cross Functional Leadership: Partner with R&D, Product Management, Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure integrated portfolio planning and execution. Facilitate executive reviews, drive strategic decisions, and ensure alignment between product development, clinical evidence generation, and market needs.

Innovation & Technology Integration: Partner with Data Science, AI/ML, and Engineering teams to integrate advanced analytics and intelligent features into product roadmaps. Support innovation pipelines and early-stage concept development through structured project intake and evaluation. Foster a culture of experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continuous learning.

Team Leadership & Development: Build and lead a high-performing team of project and program managers. Drive accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement while overseeing staffing, budgets, succession planning, coaching, and talent development.

Elevate BU maturity level specifically in the multiples areas of project management (e.g., governance, resource management and project management knowledge)

What you will need (required):

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in related field and direct experience in project and program management or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria.

Hands on experience managing large to midsize projects and/or programs of increasing complexity

What else we look for (preferred):

Master's Degree or equivalent in related field and 10 -12 years of direct experience in medical device product development, project and program management

PMP, PfMP, SAFE Certified or equivalent

Proven success in managing complex portfolios and launching regulated products

Strong leadership skills and ability to influence change

Demonstrated ability to direct teams and provide coaching and feedback, including responsibility for all employee actions including hire/fire authority and partnering with HR on all aspects of employee relations

Proven expertise in usage and implementation of project management systems

Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills with ability to drive achievement of objectives

Deep understanding of medical device regulations and development processes. Experience within a regulated environment

Deep understanding of Agile, hybrid, and stage-gate methodologies. Familiarity with AI/ML, cloud platforms, and digital health technologies

Expertise in portfolio management tools and processes

Strong financial, analytical, and resource planning skills. Ability to lead in a matrixed, global environment

Expert understanding and knowledge of procedures while looking beyond existing methodologies and own discipline to define and resolve complex problems relevant to developing the strategy on enterprise-wide projects and charting the course of overall programs

Expert in project and program management, including managing, guiding and mentoring project managers

Excellent problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills

Excellent understanding and work experience with project budgets and financial management

Experience in facilitating change, including collaboration with management and executive stakeholders

Ability to work with abstract ideas or situation and translate it into concrete plan and specific objectives

Ability to interact with senior management, and others concerning matters of significance to the company

Ability to develop relationships and leverage them to influence change

Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control.


For California, the base pay range for this position is $159,000 - $226,000 (highly experienced).
The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.


Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.


Edwards Lifesciences logo

About Edwards Lifesciences

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company collaborates with the world's leading clinicians and researchers to address unmet healthcare needs, working to improve patient outcomes and enhance lives. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Edwards Lifesciences has extensive operations in North America, Europe, Japan, Latin America and Asia and currently employs over 15,000 individuals worldwide. For us, helping patients is not a slogan - it's our life's work. From developing devices that replace or repair a diseased heart valve to creating new technologies that monitor vital signs in the critical care setting, we focus on helping patients regain and improve the quality of their life.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1958


What Edwards Lifesciences employees say

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