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Senior Program Manager

What Is a Senior Program Manager and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Table of Contents

What Is a Senior Program Manager?

A senior program manager can work in many industries, including healthcare, construction, and technology, to improve the efficiency and profitability of a business or organization. As a senior program manager, your job duties involve using analytical skills to manage a project while overseeing a team. You organize resources, stay within budget, use SDLC guidelines, assess project risk, provide quality control to meet goals, and report on development. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and industry experience, but an MBA specializing in project management can give you a competitive edge. Desired skills include leadership, organization, and the ability to conduct research. Having a diverse business background is also beneficial for this career.

How to Become a Senior Program Manager

Becoming a Senior Program Manager requires a strong foundation in technical skills and interpersonal abilities. You will need significant analytical aptitude while also serving as a team leader. A bachelor’s degree in a business-related field is the minimum educational requirement; most employers prefer if candidates hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA). You should have significant work experience of at least seven years as a project manager as well as industry certifications such as Project Management Professional. These individuals work in various industries, so prior experience within a company’s specific field is a plus. At a basic level, Senior Program Managers are naturally detail-oriented, possess superior verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrate a proven record of meeting deadlines. You may need to maintain a flexible schedule and work across different time zones.
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