Program Manager, People Innovation Labs
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled program managers in the tech industry has grown significantly, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year. As companies like Openai continue to innovate and expand, the need for professionals who can navigate complex projects and teams has become crucial. With the rise of remote work, companies are looking for candidates who can excel in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Openai's commitment to AI research and deployment makes this role particularly interesting for those passionate about cutting-edge technology. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the high level of complexity and ambiguity involved in this role, as well as the need for strong communication and project management skills.
Job Description
About the Role
The Program Manager role at Openai's People Innovation Labs is a unique opportunity to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive the success of the company's most complex projects. As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for translating product strategy into executable plans, managing dependencies across teams and systems, and ensuring that high-stakes initiatives are delivered predictably and efficiently. The People Innovation Labs team is a fast-moving engineering team embedded in the People organization, focused on rethinking how to find and retain the best talent and empower everyone to do their best work.The role involves working closely with Product Management, Engineering, Design, and People stakeholders to drive clarity, accountability, and momentum across the portfolio. You will own program execution across multiple initiatives, ensuring clear plans, milestones, owners, and timelines. Your ability to navigate ambiguity and organizational complexity will be essential in creating the operating structure that allows product and engineering teams to move quickly without chaos.
The Program Manager role is distinct from the Product Manager role and is focused on how work gets done rather than what is built. You will partner closely with Product Managers to translate product roadmaps into executable delivery plans, without owning product direction or requirements.
What You Will Do
- Own program execution across multiple People Innovation Labs initiatives, ensuring clear plans, milestones, owners, and timelines
- Drive cross-functional alignment across People, Recruiting, HRBPs, Finance, Legal, IT, Security, and Engineering partners
- Manage dependencies and sequencing across systems, such as HRIS, ATS, permissions, data pipelines, and rollout infrastructure
- Identify risks, bottlenecks, and tradeoffs early, and proactively surface and resolve them
- Establish and maintain operating cadence for key initiatives, including status updates, reviews, launch readiness, and retrospectives
- Create clear, actionable documentation, such as program plans, decision logs, rollout plans, and exec updates
- Support product launches by coordinating readiness across training, comms, support, data, and operational workflows
- Track delivery health and operational success metrics, such as timelines, adoption readiness, launch quality, and post-launch issues
- Partner with Product Managers to translate product roadmaps into executable delivery plans
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including engineering teams, product managers, and executive leaders
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of experience as a Program Manager, Technical Program Manager, or in a similar execution-focused role
- Exceptional strength in turning ambiguous, multi-stakeholder work into clear plans and accountable execution
- Crisp and confident communication skills across a wide range of audiences, including senior leaders
- Experience operating at the intersection of product, engineering, and business operations
- Comfort managing complexity across multiple systems, teams, and timelines
- Ability to introduce structure and rigor without creating unnecessary process or slowing teams down
- Experience supporting launches of operationally intensive products or platforms
- Strong proficiency in Excel and other project management tools
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and version control systems
Nice to Have
- Experience working in the tech industry, particularly in AI or machine learning
- Knowledge of data analysis and visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI
- Certification in program management, such as PMP or Scrum Master
- Experience with cloud-based project management tools, such as Asana or Trello
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible PTO and vacation policy
- Remote work stipend and home office setup assistance
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
- Flexible working hours and compressed workweek options
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of program management principles and practices, including Agile and Scrum methodologies.
- Create a portfolio that showcases your experience in managing complex projects and cross-functional teams.
- Practice your communication and presentation skills, as you will be working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and visualization tools, as well as your proficiency in Excel.
- Research Openai's company culture and values, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission and goals.
- Consider obtaining a certification in program management, such as PMP or Scrum Master, to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
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