Principal Program Manager

This role is for a Principal Program Manager responsible for delivering complex software solutions to customers across the APAC region. The manager will oversee high-risk, large-scale, multi-site portfolio implementations, manage customer and stakeholder relationships, and ensure program delivery on schedule and within budget. Key responsibilities include resource and issue management, executive collaboration, risk and change management, strategic alignment, governance, process assurance, and communication management, all while leading internal initiatives and removing execution barriers.

Must Have

• Deliver complex solutions to customers across the APAC region.
• Oversee high-risk, large-scale, multi-site portfolio implementations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key customer stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Ensure all projects within the program are progressing and components for successful delivery are in place.
• Responsible for overall program delivery on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinate resources and support development of project plans.
• Resolve issues related to delays in project delivery and resource constraints.
• Collaborate with program sponsors and senior executives to keep them informed on program progress.
• Manage program-level risks and issues.
• Ensure adoption of change management strategies by the customer.
• Align cross-functional team efforts to support company strategic objectives.
• Manage ongoing work through governance structures.
• Ensure approved methods, processes, and tools are consistently applied.
• Develop and manage a program communication plan.
• Lead internal initiatives and respond to operational requests.
• Remove barriers that prevent efficient execution of projects.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Project/program management certification (PMP preferred).
• Minimum 17 years Project and Program Management experience.
• Experience managing large complex software system implementations.
• Experience working for a technology solutions provider and/or in the travel industry.
• Airline domain expertise is a must.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
• Proficient with a project scheduling software tool (MS Project preferred).
• Fluency in English.
• Experience interfacing and building relationships with senior client executives at the C-level.
• Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects.
• Experience in translating technology into business terms.
• Experience with integrating technology into the business environment.
• Experience with development and tracking of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
• Experience working in international markets.
• Experience working in a matrix organization and leading virtual distributed teams.

About This Role

Responsibilities of Principal Program Manager

• Program Delivery
• Responsible for delivering complex solutions to customers across the APAC region.
• Oversees high-risk, large-scale, multi-site portfolio implementations and/or innovative solutions, often international in scope.
• Customer & Stakeholder Management
• Develops and maintains relationships with key customer stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Establishes regular communication channels with customers to review program status and build strong relationships with senior leadership.
• Program Oversight
• Ensures all projects within the program are progressing and all components for successful delivery are in place.
• Responsible for overall program delivery on schedule and within budget.
• Resource & Issue Management
• Coordinates resources and supports development of project plans.
• Resolves issues related to delays in project delivery and resource constraints.
• Executive Collaboration
• Collaborates with program sponsors and senior executives to keep them informed on program progress and customer sentiment.
• Risk & Change Management
• Manages program-level risks and issues.
• Ensures adoption of change management strategies by the customer.
• Strategic Alignment
• Aligns cross-functional team efforts to support company strategic objectives.
• Drives adherence to organizational standards and direction.
• Governance & Planning
• Manages ongoing work through governance structures.
• Creates high-level plans to guide projects where detailed plans are established.
• Process & Quality Assurance
• Ensures approved methods, processes, and tools are consistently applied across projects and programs (including change, issue, risk, and quality management).
• Provides quality assurance for program deliverables.
• Communication Management
• Develops and manages a program communication plan (content, frequency, audience, channels).
• Leadership & Operational Support
• Leads internal initiatives and responds to operational requests.
• Removes barriers that prevent efficient execution of projects.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Master's degree preferred. Project/ program management certification required (PMP preferred).

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 17 years Project and Program Management experience managing large complex software system implementations, working for a technology solutions provider and/or in the travel industry
• Airline domain expertise is a must
• Operational savvy
• Strong analytical skills
• Solid negotiator and facilitator
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite
• Proficient with a project scheduling software tool – MS Project preferred
• Fluency in English

The successful candidate must have:

• Experience interfacing and building relationships with senior client executives at the C-level
• Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects
• Experience in translating technology into business terms and with integrating technology into the business environment, including the development and tracking of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
• Experience working in international markets
• Experience working in a matrix organization and leading virtual distributed teams

TRAVEL: approximately 25-50%

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