Microsoft Program Manager Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Title: Senior Program Manager with AI Experience

Duration: 6 Months (3 Years Extension)

Location: Austin, TX 78751. The working position is On Site.

Summary:

Organizing programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization. Developing new programs to support the strategic direction of the organization. Creating and managing long-term goals. Developing a budget and operating plan for the program.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Program Manager to work directly with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead modernization efforts across the Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and System Support Services (SSS) divisions. This role is critical to driving process improvements, implementing automation, and leveraging AI tools to streamline complex workflows.

The Program Manager will serve as a bridge between teams, ensuring collaboration, alignment, and consistent execution of project plans. Success in this role requires strong leadership, consensus-building skills, and the ability to create a “nudge” environment—encouraging teams to adopt new practices and maintain momentum toward shared goals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Modernization Initiatives

Design and implement projects that simplify and automate complex tasks in PCS and SSS.

Integrate AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Drive Collaboration and Consensus

Facilitate cross-division communication and decision-making.

Build trust and alignment among stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.

Create a Nudge Environment

Use behavioral strategies to encourage adoption of new processes.

Promote continuous improvement and accountability across teams.

Ensure Consistent Project Planning

Develop clear, actionable project plans with measurable milestones.

Monitor progress and adjust strategies to meet deadlines and quality standards.

Measure Success and Quality

Track key metrics such as stakeholder satisfaction, cycle time reduction, and compliance.

Report outcomes to leadership and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

Proven experience managing complex projects in large organizations.

Strong skills in consensus building, stakeholder engagement, and change management.

Familiarity with AI, automation tools, and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).

Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

Ability to work across multiple divisions and manage competing priorities.

Critical Job Functions for the Program Manager (COO Support)

1. Cross-Divisional Project Leadership

Lead planning, execution, and delivery of AI and automation projects that span multiple business units, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational needs across both System Support Services and Procurement and Contracting divisions.

2. Standardization & Process Improvement

Establish and promote consistent project management practices for all project managers reporting to the COO, including standardized charters, schedules, risk logs, and reporting templates.

Conduct process analyses to identify and implement automation and efficiency improvements, driving a quality and process-driven approach.

3. Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

Facilitate communication and collaboration among IT, operations, strategy, and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are understood and met.

Develop adoption strategies for new AI and automation tools, ensuring buy-in and effective implementation across impacted areas.

4. Compliance & Governance

Ensure project compliance with data governance, security, and ethical AI standards, maintaining organizational integrity and regulatory adherence.

5. Reporting & Accountability

Prepare and deliver progress reports to the Senior Advisor and COO, providing transparent updates on project status, risks, and outcomes.

Maintain accountability for project results, ensuring objectives are delivered on time and with a well-thought-out approach.

6. Team Leadership & Mentorship

Oversee and mentor interns and early-career professionals, fostering technical and professional growth within the project team.

Minimum Requirements:

• 8 Years of Required At least eight (8) years information technology (IT) program management experience. Experience should also include: • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. • Experience in developing clear, concise project documentation.
• 8 Years of Required Successful management of complex projects with a multi-year budget of $10 million or more.
• 8 Years of Required Experience with Microsoft Project, Office, and Visio.
• 8 Years of Required Experience with managing multiple competing priorities, conflict management, and facilitation.
• 8 Years of Required Experience with AI, automation tools, and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
• 8 Years of Required Strong command of PMO standards, stage-gate reviews, and executive reporting.
• 8 Years of Required Ability to translate organizational strategy into actionable program plans
• 8 Years of Required Skilled in presenting complex technical concepts in business-focused language.

Preferred Skills:

• 5 Years of Preferred Proven ability to communicate with senior leaders and executives
• 5 Years of Preferred Strong negotiation and influence skills across IT, business, and external partners.
• 5 Years of Preferred Comfortable operating in ambiguous or fast-changing environments.
• 5 Years of Preferred Strong data-driven reporting and KPI development.
• 5 Years of Preferred Experience creating dashboards for executive consumption and with dashboard tools, such as PowerBI or Tableau.
• 5 Years of Preferred Experience supporting C-suite or executive sponsors.