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What is a lead program manager and how to become one
Lead program managers are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of program managers. They are responsible for the smooth execution of the work of project teams, creating program strategies, and paving the way for profitable implementation of planned business activities. As a lead program manager, you will be expected to lead and mentor a team of program managers.
You will function as a facilitator for larger initiatives, making sure they run and progress without obstacles. Apart from supervising and guiding the work of other managers, you might have your own project to deal with. You will serve as an example for best practices in program management and work across departments and geographically distant stakeholders to navigate large-scale projects towards unified and comprehensive corporate goals.
What general advice would you give to a lead program manager?
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Franklin and Marshall College
Avg. Salary $119,480
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%
Asian 9.05%
Black or African American 7.70%
Hispanic or Latino 12.91%
Unknown 4.71%
White 64.96%
Genderfemale 36.28%
male 63.72%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Lead program manager career paths
Key steps to become a lead program manager
Explore lead program manager education requirements
Start to develop specific lead program manager skills
Skills Percentages Project Management 10.82% Program Management 10.36% Portfolio 6.21% Infrastructure 4.82% Lifecycle Management 4.45% Research lead program manager duties and responsibilities
- Track and manage SE data, team SharePoint site, status reports and worldwide communications including upper management.
- Manage implementation of referrals, coordinate assignment of new physicians and create support network for transitioning patients during clinic closure.
- Evaluate and report on KPIs to measure program effectiveness and value.
- Recognize as financial systems subject matter expert for key elements of the CRM initiative.
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Prepare your lead program manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead program manager resume.
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Apply for lead program manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a lead program manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average lead program manager salary
The average lead program manager salary in the United States is $119,480 per year or $57 per hour. Lead program manager salaries range between $89,000 and $158,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do lead program managers rate their job?
Lead program manager reviews
I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project
Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.
cyclical nature of the job
I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.
Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.
Updated January 8, 2025
