Job Title: Senior Program Manager

At Exo, integrity isn't just a value it's the foundation of the work we do to keep our nation's infrastructure reliable and safe. From field assessments to innovative restoration solutions, we combine precision, integrity, and purpose in everything we do. Our team helps ensure power stays on, schools stay open, businesses thrive, and communities stay safe. You'll work with a respected team of experts solving meaningful challenges that protect communities and ensure the integrity of infrastructure.

Position Overview: The Senior Program Manager serves as a senior leader responsible for overseeing a portfolio of infrastructure and technical service programs executed by a team of Project Managers. This role blends strategic oversight with operational execution, ensuring that all programs align with business objectives, meet client expectations, and are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

The Senior Program Manager plays a critical role in mentoring project managers, standardizing processes, driving innovation, and serving as a key liaison between executive leadership and project delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Program and Portfolio Leadership

o Lead and manage a portfolio of infrastructure, inspection, and technical service programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client needs.

o Translate high-level business objectives into actionable program and project execution plans.

o Balance competing demands across projects (scope, schedule, cost, resources, and risk) to ensure consistent and sustainable delivery performance.

• Project Manager Oversight

o Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of Project Managers across multiple concurrent projects.

o Establish clear expectations and performance standards, providing ongoing coaching and development.

o Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.

• Strategic Planning and Execution

o Partner with senior leadership to define long-term program strategies, priorities, and resource planning.

o Drive consistency in execution through standard operating procedures, tools, and methodologies.

o Ensure alignment between day-to-day execution and broader strategic objectives.

• Project Governance and Controls

o Establish and maintain governance structures across programs, including reporting frameworks, stakeholder communication plans, and escalation protocols.

o Ensure compliance with internal standards and applicable regulatory, safety, and quality requirements.

• Risk and Issue Management

o Oversee risk identification, mitigation planning, and contingency strategies at both project and portfolio levels.

o Support Project Managers in resolving escalated issues, conflicts, and resource constraints.

• Stakeholder and Client Engagement

o Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients, internal stakeholders, and executive leadership.

o Communicate program performance, risks, and strategic decisions clearly and effectively.

o Drive client satisfaction through proactive communication, transparency, and results-driven delivery.

• Budget and Resource Management

o Oversee program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of labor, equipment, and capital resources.

o Guide Project Managers in forecasting, cost control, and financial performance optimization.

• Change Management and Innovation

o Lead initiatives focused on process improvement, operational efficiency, and technology integration.

o Promote innovation and continuous improvement across program execution.

• Performance Tracking and Evaluation

o Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including schedule adherence, cost performance, quality, and client satisfaction.

o Lead post-project and program reviews to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, project management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

• Certifications: PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project/program management certification strongly preferred.

• Experience:

o 1 0+ years of progressive project management experience, including at least 3 years managing project managers or cross-functional teams.

o Demonstrated success overseeing complex, multi-site infrastructure or construction projects, ideally in lighting, utilities, or related industries.

o Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in project portfolio management (PPM) tools and ERP systems; deep understanding of PM methodologies such as PMBOK, Agile, or Lean.

• Leadership Competencies:

o Strategic thinker with a strong grasp of organizational dynamics and long-range planning.

o Effective communicator with proven skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder alignment.

o Motivational leader who can coach high-performing teams and cultivate future leaders.

• Other Skills:

o Strong financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets.

o Exceptional organizational, analytical, and decision-making abilities.

o Comfortable operating in fast-paced, client-facing environments with shifting priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility:

o Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a desk or during meetings.

o Occasional walking, bending, or standing when conducting site visits or walkthroughs.

o Must be able to move through construction or installation sites, which may involve uneven terrain, ladders, or tight spaces.

• Visual Acuity:

o Ability to read and interpret technical documents, spreadsheets, blueprints, and project plans.

o Use of a computer screen and digital tools for extended periods.

• Manual Dexterity:

o Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer work, phone use, and documentation.

• Hearing and Speech:

o Must be able to communicate effectively in both office and field environments, including in-person, virtual meetings, and over the phone.

• Travel:

o Occasional travel to project sites or client meetings, potentially including air travel, driving, and overnight stays.

Mental and Cognitive Requirements

• Executive Functioning:

o High-level decision-making skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands under pressure.

o Ability to plan, strategize, and coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously.

• Attention to Detail:

o P recision in reviewing contracts, budgets, technical reports, and compliance documentation.

o Strong focus on quality assurance and project standards.

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

o Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to interact with clients, executives, and cross-functional teams.

o Ability to navigate high-stakes or sensitive conversations diplomatically and professionally.

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:

o Must be able to assess risks, identify root causes of issues, and develop effective solutions quickly.

o Capable of anticipating project roadblocks and adapting to evolving conditions.

• Emotional Intelligence:

o Leadership presence and the ability to motivate, coach, and manage a diverse team.

o Must manage stress effectively and maintain composure in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.

• Learning Agility:

o Ability to absorb and apply new technologies, industry standards, and project management methodologies.

o Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Pay Range: $135, 000 - $165, 000

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Director, Project Management

Note: The above job description is a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements typically associated with the role of Senior Program Manager. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on organizational requirements and industry standards.

Exo is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, project management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

• Certifications: PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project/program management certification strongly preferred.

• Experience:

o 10+ years of progressive project management experience, including at least 3 years managing project managers or cross-functional teams.

o Demonstrated success overseeing complex, multi-site infrastructure or construction projects, ideally in lighting, utilities, or related industries.

o Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in project portfolio management (PPM) tools and ERP systems; deep understanding of PM methodologies such as PMBOK, Agile, or Lean.