Expert Technical Program Manager

Onward Search is hiring an Expert Technical Program Manager for a fully remote, 6+ month contract opportunity. This role involves leading high-impact initiatives across Security, IT, and Engineering for a global technology and digital entertainment partner. The manager will drive alignment across large, matrixed organizations, improve technology operations, and strengthen enterprise systems through strategic program delivery and governance.

Must Have

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex technology and security programs.
• Establish and manage program governance.
• Apply SAFe, Agile, and iterative delivery methodologies.
• Drive technical discussions and clarify requirements.
• Facilitate PI Planning, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
• Utilize JIRA for portfolio planning and workflow optimization.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• 10+ years in Technical Program Management, Program Delivery, or Senior Project Management.
• Strong background in Security, Infrastructure, IT, or Cloud/Enterprise platforms.
• Expertise in SAFe, Agile, Scrum, and scaled delivery frameworks.
• Advanced JIRA proficiency.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams.
• Exceptional communication and executive-facing presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and risk-management mindset.
• Experience leading distributed teams across enterprise organizations.

Good to Have

• Experience in cybersecurity initiatives (vulnerability management, IAM, GRC, detection/response, cloud security).
• Experience in gaming, entertainment, or regulated industries.
• Certifications such as SAFe SPC/PM, PMP, CSM, or relevant security certifications.
• Experience leading multi-year modernization or transformation programs.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Commuter Benefit
• eLearning & Ongoing Training
• Education Reimbursement

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re hiring an Expert Technical Program Manager for a fully remote, 6+ month contract opportunity with one of our leading global partners in the technology and digital entertainment space, based out of Austin, Texas.

Join our client’s team to lead high-impact initiatives across Security, IT, and Engineering. This role requires a seasoned program leader with deep technical knowledge, enterprise-scale experience, and the ability to drive alignment across large, matrixed organizations. You’ll play a crucial role in improving technology operations and strengthening enterprise systems through strategic program delivery and governance.

There is no application deadline for this role.

Expert Technical Program Manager Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex technology and security programs, ensuring alignment across Security, IT, Engineering, and cross-functional teams.
• Establish and manage program governance including roadmaps, status reports, risk tracking, and executive updates.
• Apply SAFe, Agile, and iterative delivery methodologies to streamline execution and operational flow.
• Drive technical discussions, clarify requirements, and ensure teams have clear priorities.
• Facilitate PI Planning, sprint planning, retrospectives, and manage cross-team dependencies.
• Utilize JIRA for portfolio planning, workflow optimization, reporting, and backlog management.
• Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and improve program predictability.
• Support Security leadership with compliance tracking, vulnerability remediation, and risk-reduction efforts.
• Maintain clear, accessible documentation and decision logs across teams.
• Act as a trusted advisor to technical and executive-level stakeholders.

Expert Technical Program Manager Qualifications:

• 10+ years in Technical Program Management, Program Delivery, or Senior Project Management.
• Strong background in Security, Infrastructure, IT, or Cloud/Enterprise platforms.
• Expertise in SAFe, Agile, Scrum, and scaled delivery frameworks within enterprise environments.
• Advanced JIRA proficiency (dashboards, workflows, reporting, roadmaps).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams and understand system architecture and dependencies.
• Exceptional communication and executive-facing presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and risk-management mindset.
• Experience leading distributed teams across enterprise organizations.
• Experience in cybersecurity initiatives (vulnerability management, IAM, GRC, detection/response, cloud security) (preferred).
• Experience in gaming, entertainment, or regulated industries (preferred).
• Certifications such as SAFe SPC/PM, PMP, CSM, or relevant security certifications (preferred).
• Experience leading multi-year modernization or transformation programs (preferred).

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• 401(k) Program.
• Commuter Benefit.
• eLearning & Ongoing Training.
• Education Reimbursement.

*Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.