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Strategic Programs Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$124K - $125K/yr

Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex strategic programs, ensuring alignment on goals, scope ... Proven experience managing programs across the full software development lifecycle. * Strong ...

Sr. Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$124K - $125K/yr

Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex strategic programs, ensuring alignment on goals, scope ... Proven experience managing programs across the full software development lifecycle. * Strong ...

Sr. Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

... Program Manager to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives that drive business process ... Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex strategic programs, ensuring alignment on goals, scope ...

Program Manager (Secret)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

... strategic programs for an active government contract proposal with the Department of Navy. This ... Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. * Minimum of 15 years of professional ...

Technical Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

Title: Technical Program Manager Location: Mountain View, CA-Hybrid Excel, Macro, VBA, SQL query ... Drive strategic programs in partnership with VP+ leaders, accelerating business outcomes and ...

Showing results 41-60

Strategic Programs Manager information

See California salary details

$64.6K

$117.9K

$159.4K

How much do strategic programs manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic programs manager in California is $117,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a strategic programs manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success?

Strategic Programs Managers frequently work with teams across departments—such as product, marketing, operations, and finance—to align program goals with organizational priorities. They facilitate communication between stakeholders, manage timelines, and resolve roadblocks to drive projects forward. Effective collaboration often involves leading regular status meetings, clarifying roles, and ensuring all teams are informed about milestones and changes. This collaborative approach not only fosters accountability but also helps identify innovative solutions and ensures programs deliver maximum impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a strategic programs manager, and why are they important?

To excel as a Strategic Programs Manager, you need strong project management abilities, analytical thinking, and a background in business or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with project management software (such as Asana, Trello, or MS Project) and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These qualifications are crucial for aligning cross-functional initiatives with organizational goals and ensuring successful program execution.

What is the difference between Strategic Programs Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectStrategic Programs ManagerProject Manager
Primary FocusOversees multiple programs aligning with strategic goalsManages individual projects to meet specific objectives
ResponsibilitiesDevelops strategies, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, ensures program successPlans, executes, and closes projects within scope, time, and budget
CredentialsOften requires business or management certifications, experience in strategic planningTypically requires project management certifications like PMP
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-departmental, executive-level collaborationProject teams, operational settings, specific project focus

The Strategic Programs Manager focuses on aligning multiple initiatives with organizational strategy, while the Project Manager concentrates on executing individual projects. Both roles require strong planning and coordination skills, but the Strategic Programs Manager operates at a higher, more strategic level, often working with senior leadership to drive long-term goals.

What does a strategic programs manager do?

A Strategic Programs Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing key projects or initiatives that align with an organization's long-term goals. They collaborate with various departments to ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. Their role includes setting program objectives, monitoring progress, managing resources, and communicating results to senior leadership. Strategic Programs Managers play a vital part in driving organizational change and ensuring that critical initiatives support overall business strategy.
What are popular job titles related to Strategic Programs Manager jobs in California? For Strategic Programs Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Strategic Programs Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Strategic Programs Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Strategic Programs Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Strategic Programs Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Strategic Programs Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,898 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Senior Director, Technical Program Management

ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


ServiceNow rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 242 rated software companies


Job description

Company Description

It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone—freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow— helping 85% of the Fortune 500® work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.

Join us to put AI to work for people.

Job Description

This position is open to both Flexible (Hybrid) and Remote
Flexible (Hybrid) positions require 2 days per week in a ServiceNow office.  We have offices in several locations, including Santa Clara, CA, San Diego, CA, and Kirkland, WA

What you get to do in this role:

ServiceNow’s APEX (AI, Product, Engineering, and Experience) org is the largest organization in the company, comprised of all Products and Platform teams, along with our world class Design teams. We are leveraging the unlimited potential of our platform across every industry, geography, solutions, and personas to consistently deliver product and platform experiences our customers love.   

We are seeking a Sr. Director, Technical Program Management to join our APEX Strategic Programs organization. In this role, you will lead a team delivering Product Innovations for the Product and Technology organization, together with other strategic business programs that are focused on ensuring we deliver on ServiceNow’s most critical priorities.  

The successful candidate will operate as an AI-native leader, using AI tools to accelerate program delivery, synthesize intelligence across workstreams and model the ways of working we expect to scale across APEX.  In addition, the candidate is a self-starter with extensive competence and experience in the technical Program Management space. This candidate thinks strategically, but loves getting into the detail and possesses a strong ability to conceptualize, develop, drive, coordinate and manage a large program in addition to managing a delivery team. This person is effective at building relationships, collaborating, and influencing others; they must also be highly experienced working with senior executives across various geographies and functions.  

Strategic Program Management Responsibilities: 

  • Lead the delivery of complex product development programs that drive growth and operational excellence for APEX portfolio, in partnership with stakeholders at all levels. 

  • Responsible for the APEX Strategic Initiative function:  identifies, prioritizes, and accelerates goal-oriented product development projects with measurable impact on revenue, market position, and competitive advantage — operating with speed and focus to deliver innovation at scale. 

  • Champion AI-native ways of working across the APEX Strategic Programs team — evaluating, adopting, and scaling AI tools that increase team throughput, reduce coordination overhead, and surface insights faster across complex program portfolios. 

  • Ensure programs are designed to deliver specific strategic outcomes – with metrics, milestones, and program structure to ensure successful execution. 

  • Develop trusted relationships with key customers, technology, functional leaders and stakeholders to drive focus on the strategic program objectives and optimize program delivery. This includes establishing regular cadences and holding resources accountable for their responsibilities within the program. 

  • Establish governance frameworks and communication strategies to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged.

  • Clearly communicate objectives, status, risks, and results to all stakeholders while collaborating with workstreams to resolve blockers.

  • Ensure that each program aligns with the broader business objectives and contributes to the overall success of the organization.

  • Identify, assess, prioritize, and mitigate risks to meet program objectives. 

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product, Sales, Finance, Marketing etc.) to identify opportunities, unlock productivity, and accelerate execution.

  • Lead consensus-building across teams and ensure surgical execution and handoffs to relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you have:

  • 15+ years of work experience, preferably in Technical Program Management driving software product development efforts.

  • Expertise in the enterprise software/ SaaS industry 

  • High energy, disciplined execution skills, and willingness to do whatever it takes to deliver results 

  • Work independently and be highly productive with minimal oversight 

  • Ability to see the big picture while also being execution-oriented to improve operational excellence 

  • Effective communicator (both verbally and in writing) who uses AI tools to draft, refine, and tailor communications — able to convey complex ideas clearly across executive and working-level audiences at speed 

  • Experience in building trusting relationships and influencing others

  • Team player and self-starter who uses AI to stay ahead of complexity — comfortable directing AI agents, iterating on outputs, and operating with speed in ambiguous, high-stakes environments 

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA or other Graduate degree preferred 


For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $254,500 - $445,400, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.


Additional Information

Work Personas

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact globaltalentss@servicenow.com for assistance. 

Export Control Regulations

For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities. 

From Fortune. ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. . 


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About ServiceNow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At ServiceNow, our technology makes the world work for everyone, and our people make it possible. We move fast because the world can't wait, and we innovate in ways no one else can for our customers and communities. By joining ServiceNow, you are part of an ambitious team of change makers who have a restless curiosity and a drive for ingenuity. We know that your best work happens when you live your best life and share your unique talents, so we do everything we can to make that possible. We dream big together, supporting each other to make our individual and collective dreams come true. The future is ours, and it starts with you. With more than 7,400+ customers, we serve approximately 80% of the Fortune 500, and we're proud to be one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For® and World's Most Admired Companies® 2022.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2004