Program Associate Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Associate, Technical Program Management leads complex project execution with a focus on risk mitigation, technical alignment, and process optimization, while ensuring compliance with SDLC standards and aligning technology initiatives with business objectives through effective collaboration and performance tracking.
Responsibilities
Strategy & Transformation

• Drive execution of the Database strategy across On-prem and public cloud
• Translate executive strategy into measurable roadmaps, milestones, and delivery plans.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and execution bottlenecks while ensuring leadership visibility.

Technical Program Leadership

• Lead large cross-functional technical programs across engineering, security, architecture, operations, and product teams.
• Establish governance, executive reporting, KPIs, and delivery cadences.
• Drive alignment across senior technology leaders and ensure predictable execution.

Cost Optimization & FinOps

• Partner with Engineering and FinOps to optimize database spend across on-prem and public cloud
• Lead initiatives for reservation management, infrastructure efficiency, AI infrastructure optimization, and automation.
• Track KPIs for cloud cost, utilization, engineering productivity, and operational efficiency.

People Leadership

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Technical Program Managers.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Coach leaders on execution excellence, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking.

Stakeholder Management

• Influence executive stakeholders and drive cross-organizational alignment.
• Communicate program status, risks, and recommendations through executive-ready updates.

Qualifications
Education Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering) and/or comparable experience; advanced degree preferred
Knowledge of Agile/SAFe/Lean methodologies
Knowledge of technical challenges and systems design
Knowledge of the full life cycle of product development, from concept to delivery, including Test Driven Development
Work Experience:
Experience in program delivery or project management, preferably within a technology-focused environment
Experience in managing multiple projects and coordinating cross-functional teams
Experience in project management software tools and techniques, such as JIRA, Confluence, or similar platforms
Experience in writing technical documentation
Licenses and Certifications:
Certification in SPC (SAFe Program Consultant), SA (SAFe Agilist), PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner), or PMP (Project Management Professional) is a plus
About Us
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you'll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
About the Team
We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site.
American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. American Express will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. For positions covered by federal and/or state banking regulations, American Express will comply with such regulations as it relates to the consideration of applicants with criminal convictions.
We back our colleagues with the support they need to thrive, professionally and personally. That's why we have Amex Flex, our enterprise working model that provides greater flexibility to colleagues while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite, in a hybrid model (combination of in-office and virtual days) or fully virtually.
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The below represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.