Program Manager

Hi, Greetings from Smart Work IT Services, Program Manager Location: San Ramon, CA (Day 1 On-site) Duration: Long-term contract We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead large-scale, technology-driven initiatives within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong program leadership, Agile execution expertise, and the ability to collaborate closely with engineering teams while effectively engaging business stakeholders. This role requires a strong background in Financial Services or Asset Management, particularly supporting Trading and Investment Management platforms. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Above 12+ years of experience as a Program Manager, Project Manager, or Scrum Master in a technology-driven environment. Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies. Hands-on or working knowledge of: Python, React, Databases (SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or equivalent) Proficiency with Program Management tools: Jira, Azure DevOps, MS Project, Confluence, Miro, Power BI, etc. Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. Financial Services/Asset Management background with experience working with Trading and/or Investment Management applications Experience working with globally dispersed technology and business stakeholders Experience driving estimation processes with development organizations Project budget management experience MS Project experience required Program & Project Leadership Lead end-to-end program execution, including scope definition, planning, delivery, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Work closely with engineering, product, design, and operations teams to deliver large-scale, high-impact programs. Establish project milestones, KPIs, success metrics, and manage execution against timelines. Develop and maintain program roadmaps, dashboards, and reports using standard Program Management tools. Agile & Scrum Execution Serve as Scrum Master for development teams, facilitating daily stand-ups, sprint planning, backlog grooming, and retrospectives. Drive Agile best practices and continuous improvement initiatives across teams. Remove blockers and foster an environment of collaboration and high performance. Technical Collaboration Partner with engineering teams to understand system architectures, technical constraints, and development workflows. Leverage knowledge in Python, React, and databases (SQL/NoSQL) to engage in technical discussions, understand dependencies, and assess effort and risk. Translate technical information into clear business impact statements for leadership. Stakeholder & Communication Management Act as the primary point of contact for program status, updates, and reporting across cross-functional teams. Present program updates to leadership and drive alignment on priorities and resourcing. Manage expectations and ensure clarity across all levels of stakeholders. Operational Excellence Implement and optimize processes, frameworks, and workflows for improved program delivery. Leverage tools like Jira, Azure DevOps, GitHub, Confluence, MS Project, Power BI, or similar. Drive post-mortem reviews, capturing lessons learned and ensuring action items are executed.

Created: 2026-03-10