What does a lead program manager do?

A lead program manager is responsible for coordinating departmental projects and ensuring that the programs adhere to the business guidelines and functions to achieve long-term goals and objectives. Lead program managers strategize techniques in developing business plans and managing budget allocation across departments. They also coordinate with clients for progress updates and modify program plans as needed. A lead program manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to finalize program outputs and assist the team in resolving project issues and delays.
Lead program manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead program manager resumes:
- 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.
- Develop a short-term roadmap to the platform eventually being a full on cloud solution.
- Work with PMO, business stake holders for matrix reporting, issue/risk identification and mitigation.
- Work with PMO group to see list of upcoming projects prior to assignment to identify any kind of dependency.
- Output are rolled up to a leadership status report for projects, KPIs, and forecasting of project delivery timeline conformance.
- Conduct or influence technical reviews for milestone assessments and independent logistics assessments.
- Identify and implement technology solutions and infrastructure to ensure optimal integration and information access.
- Facilitate security requirement resolution with coalition network infrastructure, resolve contract and statement of work issues.
- Oversee the procurement and logistics activities associate with projects to meet customers expect deployment and installation dates.
- Coordinate partnership efforts with other state and local agencies to facilitate oversight and technical assistance relate to private school compliance activities.
- Provide vendor and partner training proficiencies, Zune customer feedback and XBOX support ratings.
- Develop strategy and objectives for integrating Linux into everyday operations so that customers would embrace the Linux system.
Lead program manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Lead Program Managers are proficient in Project Management, Program Management, and Portfolio. They’re also known for soft skills such as Management skills, Problem-solving skills, and Time-management skills.
We break down the percentage of Lead Program Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 11%
Trained staff on how to integrate and incorporate sound project management methodology into NPHSB Registry development efforts.
- Program Management, 10%
Functioned as program management and engineering development liaison responsible for maintaining coordination in program activities.
- Portfolio, 6%
Provided leadership to rationalize the portfolio of business planning, partner management, and customer relationship management applications and processes.
- Infrastructure, 5%
Experienced with Waterfall on infrastructure projects and Agile Scrum for application development projects across multiple programs.
- Lifecycle Management, 4%
Provided timely corrections to quality and lifecycle management issues.
- Continuous Improvement, 4%
Developed and implemented cutting-edge continuous improvement solutions and strategic initiatives used by very few fortunate and successful companies.
Most lead program managers use their skills in "project management," "program management," and "portfolio" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead program manager responsibilities here:
Problem-solving skills. Many lead program manager duties rely on problem-solving skills. "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization," so a lead program manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways lead program manager responsibilities rely on problem-solving skills: "work with client, erp team, operations, and product vendor to optimize customer solutions. "
Time-management skills. lead program managers are also known for time-management skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to lead program manager responsibilities, because "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." A lead program manager resume example shows how time-management skills is used in the workplace: "led global cross-function development teams in delivery of product development efforts while ensuring delivery on time, scope and budget. "
Communication skills. A big part of what lead program managers do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to lead program manager responsibilities because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical lead program manager tasks: "drafted effective communication plan for program management office and project stakeholders, increasing stakeholder commitment and contribution. "
Leadership skills. Another crucial skill for a lead program manager to carry out their responsibilities is "leadership skills." A big part of what lead program managers relies on this skill, since "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." How this skill relates to lead program manager duties can be seen in an example from a lead program manager resume snippet: "execute all aspect of program management duties including customer interfacing, schedule and budget, contracts negotiations, and teams leadership. "
The three companies that hire the most lead program managers are:
- Capital One191 lead program managers jobs
- Wolters Kluwer64 lead program managers jobs
- Microsoft46 lead program managers jobs
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Lead program manager vs. Club manager
A club manager is responsible for overseeing club operations, delegating tasks to the club staff, and ensuring that the team provides the highest customer service and satisfaction for the guests. Club managers inspect the stability of technical tools and equipment, including the adequacy of inventory and food and beverage stocks. They also identify opportunities and services that would increase revenue resources and attract patrons from visiting the club regularly. A club manager responds to the guests' inquiries and concerns, resolves complaints, and monitors sales performance.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between lead program managers and club manager. For instance, lead program manager responsibilities require skills such as "project management," "program management," "portfolio," and "infrastructure." Whereas a club manager is skilled in "customer service," "front desk," "cleanliness," and "cpr." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Club managers tend to reach lower levels of education than lead program managers. In fact, club managers are 16.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Lead program manager vs. Manager, project management
The role of a project management manager involves the planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure of projects. Project managers oversee the scope of the entire project, the team, success or failure, and its resources. They facilitate productivity and commitment, remove obstacles, and motivate their team members. Their skills should include leadership, critical thinking, communication, negotiating, and risk management. They should also know about cost management, scheduling, and task management.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, lead program manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "program management," "lifecycle management," "azure," and "architecture." Meanwhile, a manager, project management has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "on-time delivery," "project scope," and "status reports." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Managers, project management may earn a lower salary than lead program managers, but managers, project management earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $115,297. On the other hand, lead program managers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $125,537.In general, managers, project management achieve similar levels of education than lead program managers. They're 3.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead program manager vs. Consultant/project manager
Consultants/project managers act as planners, leaders, and advisors in business enterprises. These professionals facilitate meetings and establish positive relationships with vendors, management, and clients. They make customer visits, maintain industry knowledge, procure third-party software and hardware, and deliver projects. It is also part of their duty to manage complex initiatives in an individual business unit or organization. Their skills include analytical, time and cost management, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and proficiency in project management software.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead program manager is likely to be skilled in "program management," "portfolio," "lifecycle management," and "continuous improvement," while a typical consultant/project manager is skilled in "project scope," "manage project scope," "cash flow," and "crm."
Consultant/project managers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $107,463. On the other hand, lead program managers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $125,537.Most consultant/project managers achieve a similar degree level compared to lead program managers. For example, they're 2.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead program manager vs. Delivery manager
A delivery manager oversees the delivery process and workforce in a company, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around coordinating all personnel, managing budgets and schedules, and monitoring all shipments and logistics. A delivery manager must also review orders, address issues and concerns to provide corrective measures quickly, evaluate team members' performance, and train new employees. They may also serve as the point of contact among clients and offer products or services. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team while implementing the company's policies and guidelines.
Types of lead program manager
Updated January 8, 2025











