1

Sr Program Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Deliver clear, concise, and actionable communications to program teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership. * Assist program managers, program teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership in preparing ...

As a Senior Manager, you will leverage your skills and professional networks to deliver quality ... including program scope management, status reporting, and capacity building - Directing cross ...

... Program Manager(s) in partnering with senior management of the business community to identify and prioritize opportunities for utilizing IT to achieve the goals of the enterprise. • Must possess ...

Senior Manager, Internal Audit

Columbia, SC · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

Performs quality control reviews of audit risk assessments, programs, and workpapers. Reviews and ... Builds and maintains trusted advisory relationships with BCBSA Senior Management. Coordinates ...

... Program Manager(s) in partnering with senior management of the business community to identify and prioritize opportunities for utilizing IT to achieve the goals of the enterprise. - Must possess ...

Showing results 41-60

Sr Program Manager information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$36.1K

$106.5K

$143.9K

How much do sr program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr program manager in Columbia, SC is $106,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,300.00 and $107,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Program Manager?

To thrive as a Sr Program Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree and several years of relevant experience. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, and certifications such as PMP or Agile are often required. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for successfully leading complex programs, driving organizational goals, and ensuring effective team collaboration.

How does a Sr Program Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

A Sr Program Manager often acts as a central point of coordination among various cross-functional teams, such as engineering, product, marketing, and operations. They facilitate regular meetings, ensure clear communication of goals and timelines, and proactively identify and resolve potential roadblocks. By leveraging their leadership and organizational skills, Sr Program Managers align diverse teams towards shared objectives and maintain project momentum. This collaborative approach is essential for managing complex programs and delivering results on schedule.

What is the difference between Sr Program Manager vs Program Manager?

AspectSr Program ManagerProgram Manager
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, PMP or similar certifications often preferredUsually 3-5 years experience, PMP certification beneficial but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple projects, strategic planning, cross-functional coordinationManages individual projects, focuses on project execution and delivery
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, finance, healthcare, and large corporationsWidely used across industries for project oversight

The main difference between a Sr Program Manager and a Program Manager lies in scope and experience. Sr Program Managers oversee multiple projects and focus on strategic alignment, while Program Managers handle individual projects with a focus on execution. Both roles require strong project management skills, but Sr Program Managers typically have more experience and certifications, reflecting their leadership responsibilities.

How much do senior program managers make in the US?

Senior program managers in the US typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, with salaries varying based on industry, experience, and location. Many also receive bonuses, stock options, or other benefits, and strong project management skills and certifications like PMP can influence compensation.

What pays more, a project manager or a senior program manager?

A senior program manager typically earns higher compensation than a project manager due to greater responsibilities overseeing multiple projects and strategic initiatives. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and experience, but senior program managers often have higher base pay, bonuses, and benefits compared to project managers.

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Sr Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Sr Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Sr Program Manager job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,533 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Program Controls Leader

Freese Nichols

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Freese and Nichols is looking for a Program Controls Leader to join our team. As our national footprint continues to grow, we are considering qualified candidates in any Freese and Nichols location. This is a company-wide leadership role responsible for leading Program Controls at Freese and Nichols, Inc. Program Controls is the application of Project Controls in a Program Management context.

What You'll Do

  • Partner closely with Program Management Leadership to design and implement program controls strategies, strategic initiatives, best practices, and digital solutions that deliver maximum value to internal and external clients
  • Lead and manage Program Controls staff, including recruitment, supervision, assignments, and retention.
  • Promote collaboration across practices to ensure consistent execution and delivery of program controls services.
  • Oversee program controls for large, highly strategic, and complex programs.
  • Provide senior-level direction to ensure program controls activities align with organizational strategy.
  • Coordinate multiple projects within a program to ensure integration and alignment with overall objectives.
  • Drive process improvements and strengthen collaboration among project teams.
  • Identify and manage interdependencies across programs and projects, applying advanced risk mitigation strategies.
  • Assist Project Manager in conflict resolution efforts to maintain optimal program performance.
  • Support advanced resource planning and allocation to enhance efficiency and productivity.
  • Introduce innovative approaches that exceed program goals and support broader organizational success.
  • Provide expert oversight and guidance to program and project controls teams to ensure effective execution.
  • Deliver clear, concise, and actionable communications to program teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership.
  • Assist program managers, program teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership in preparing and delivering the program controls message and capabilities to clients.

Ideal candidate will present extensive professional experience in a Program Controls leadership role.
Knowledge

  • Provides strategic and visionary leadership for program controls, aligning practices with broader organizational goals.
  • Applies deep expertise to strengthen and advance program controls capabilities.
  • Possesses comprehensive knowledge of program controls principles and significant experience contributing thought leadership and discipline development.
  • Recognized within the industry as a leading authority in program controls, with experience managing major client programs.
  • Considered a subject matter expert and key contributor in the field of program controls.
  • Clearly understands and articulates the distinctions between program controls and project controls functions.

Technical Excellence

  • Provides strategic oversight of program controls processes, tools, methodologies, and decision-making to ensure successful delivery and organizational alignment.
  • Demonstrates exceptional expertise in establishing and maintaining robust baselines, monitoring performance, and delivering meaningful analysis to support proactive program management and evidence-based decisions.
  • Applies advanced technical proficiency in both project and program controls, demonstrating mastery-level competencies.

Leadership

  • Cultivates a collaborative, high-performing, and positive team environment.
  • Proven senior leader with a strong record of driving performance and achieving organizational objectives.
  • Contributes to the profession through thought leadership, publications, conference participation, and professional association involvement.
  • Champions best practices, positioning the organization as a leader in program controls.
  • Stays current with emerging trends and industry developments.
  • Demonstrates advanced program management leadership capabilities.
  • Mentors, develops, and evaluates team members at all levels.
  • Actively recruits and supports retention of top talent.
Qualifications

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in project management, engineering, architecture, business, building construction, construction management, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 10+ years of experience working and leading in the program controls environment.
  • 5+ years of experience leading program controls for a company or a business line within a company.
  • Experience developing, maintaining, and utilizing interactive dashboards and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, and similar AI-enabled analytics platforms)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in program controls and related interdependencies.
  • Willingness to travel frequently as needed to meet project and client requirements.

Preferred

  • Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP).
  • Experience developing team and professional growth path (program controls and estimators and schedulers
  • Software experience with Oracle, Power BI, Excel Modeling or Power Query, SAP, Share Point, Projectmates, Procore, other PMIS Databases, Tableau
  • Active participation in professional organizations and continuing education. Preference to participation in professional organization leadership roles and history of presenting at regional and national conferences.
About Freese and Nichols

At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.

We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.

Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at Benefits That Work for You), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.

Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at Working at Freese and Nichols.

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

#LI-Hybrid