How to Be Technical Program Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 19, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing complexity of technology has resulted in a greater need for Program Managers to effectively manage the development and deployment of projects. As Program Managers, they are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project, including goal setting, resource allocation, deadlines, and budgeting. They must also be able to anticipate and mitigate potential risks that could affect the successful completion of a project.

Furthermore, Program Managers must have good communication and interpersonal skills in order to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and collaborate with teams in different departments. Without the presence of a strong Program Manager, projects can suffer from delays, cost overruns, and failure to meet objectives.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Technical Program Manager is to earn a Bachelor's degree in a field related to computer science, engineering, or information technology.
Gain Experience. While some employers may hire Technical Program Managers with no prior experience, most employers prefer candidates with at least 5 years of experience in software engineering, software development, or a related field.
Pursue Certification. Pursuing certification in project management and software engineering can help to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Develop Leadership Skills. Technical Program Managers must have strong leadership skills in order to manage teams and projects effectively.
Network. Networking with other professionals in the industry can help you to find job openings and stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends.
Find a Job. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can start searching for job openings for Technical Program Managers.

The need for reliable and competent program managers is increasing as organizations strive to bring their initiatives to fruition. A successful program manager needs to have a wide variety of skills, including strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. they must have the ability to manage a variety of stakeholders and align the objectives of the project with the organizations overall goals.

When these skills are effectively combined, it leads to increased efficiency and cost savings, improved project outcomes, and better customer satisfaction. As a result, businesses that hire reliable and competent program managers are more likely to succeed in achieving their desired goals.

You may want to check Technical Recruiter, Technical Lead, and Technical Support Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain project plans and schedules for technical projects, ensuring that all milestones and objectives are met.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e. g. , engineering, design, operations, marketing, etc. ) to ensure timely and successful project completion.
Monitor project progress and performance, identifying any potential risks or issues and providing solutions.
Track project deliverables and ensure that all deadlines are met.
Document and communicate project status to stakeholders and senior management.
Develop and maintain project documentation, including requirements, specifications, process flows, diagrams, etc.
Facilitate meetings, including preparation of agendas, minutes, and follow-up tasks.
Evaluate project deliverables and suggest areas for improvement.
Manage vendor relationships and contracts related to technical projects.
Develop project budget and monitor expenditures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
Knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and methods
Technical proficiency with relevant software, tools, and technology
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to design and develop project plans
Ability to manage complex projects with tight timelines
Experience working in a fast-paced environment
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Familiarity with industry trends and best practices
Effectively manage competing demands and conflicting priorities
Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Ability to analyze data and make decisions based on findings
Proficiency in project management software tools
Ability to identify and mitigate risks

Being a successful Program Manager requires a unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills. First and foremost, having an in-depth knowledge of the industry and technology is critical. A Program Manager must possess the technical know-how to build, manage and maintain complex systems.

They must also have the ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders, including customers and team members, in order to ensure that the program is running smoothly and within the agreed timelines. they must be proficient at problem solving, possess strong organizational skills, and have the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. With these skills, Program Managers are able to manage projects from conception to completion and ensure that all objectives and goals are achieved.

Technical Project Manager, Technical Sales Engineer, and Technical Writer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience in leading complex technical projects.
What challenges have you faced while managing technical projects and how did you resolve them?
How do you ensure that your team is focusing on the right tasks and meeting the project deadlines?
How do you stay updated on the latest technologies related to the program you are managing?
How would you evaluate the success of a project?
How do you handle changes in scope or timeline of a project?
How do you communicate technical details to stakeholders who may not have technical knowledge?
How do you keep track of progress and ensure quality control?
How would you motivate team members to stay focused and productive?
What strategies do you use to ensure successful integration of new technology into existing systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Gantt Charts. Gantt charts are visual tools used to plan and manage project schedules, providing a timeline view of tasks, dependencies, and milestones. (e. g. Asana, Smartsheet)
Project Management Software. Project management software is a tool used to plan and schedule projects, assign resources, track progress, and manage budgets. (e. g. Trello, Wrike)
Issue Tracking Software. Issue tracking software is used to track and manage tasks and bugs related to a project. (e. g. Jira, Bugzilla)
Collaboration Software. Collaboration software enables teams to communicate and collaborate on projects in real-time. (e. g. Slack, Microsoft Teams)
Document Management Software. Document management software is used to store and organize documents within a project or organization. (e. g. Microsoft SharePoint, Box)
Task Tracking Software. Task tracking software is used to create and track tasks for individuals or teams within an organization. (e. g. Asana, Microsoft To-Do)
Kanban Boards. Kanban boards are visual tools used to track the progress of tasks or projects and identify bottlenecks or areas of improvement. (e. g. Trello, LeanKit)
Time Tracking Software. Time tracking software is used to track time spent on projects and tasks by employees or team members. (e. g. Toggl, Harvest)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
International Association of Project and Program Management (IAPPM)
International Project Management Association (IPMA)
International Association of Software Architects (IASA)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
Agile Alliance
Scrum Alliance
Agile Project Leadership Network (APLN)

We also have Technical Consultant, Technical Support Analyst, and Technical Application Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Agile Methodology. An iterative approach to software development that encourages collaboration between developers and project managers.
Scrum. A popular Agile methodology that involves breaking down a project into smaller tasks and assigning them to specific individuals.
Waterfall Methodology. A traditional, linear approach to software development that involves completing tasks in a specific sequence.
Requirements Gathering. The process of collecting and documenting user requirements that will be used to guide the development of a product.
Project Planning. The process of creating a timeline, budget, and other elements of a project plan to ensure successful completion.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks associated with a project.
Quality Assurance. The process of ensuring that products meet the customer's expectations by testing for accuracy and functionality.
Documentation. The process of creating technical documents such as user manuals, design specifications, and test plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary job function of a Technical Program Manager?

The primary job function of a Technical Program Manager is to plan and coordinate technical projects within an organization, providing leadership, direction and guidance to ensure successful completion of the project within budget and on time.

What skills are needed to be an effective Technical Program Manager?

To be an effective Technical Program Manager, one must possess strong organizational, communication and problem solving skills, as well as technical knowledge and proficiency in various software programs.

What is the average salary for a Technical Program Manager?

The average salary for a Technical Program Manager is approximately $95,000 per year.

What is the typical job outlook for Technical Program Managers?

The job outlook for Technical Program Managers is positive and expected to grow by 8% over the next decade.

How many years of experience are typically required to become a Technical Program Manager?

Most employers look for at least 3-5 years of relevant experience in project management or related fields such as software development or engineering.

Web Resources

TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAM MANAGER at UWMadison jobs.hr.wisc.edu
Technical Project Management Guide - Berkeley Boot bootcamp.berkeley.edu
Technical Project Manager Certification with MIT xPRO | Online executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu