Enjoy working with the latest tech and have strong project management skills?
Technical Program Manager is a career to consider!
Fast-paced and fast-growing Technical Program Manager jobs are opening in businesses worldwide.
The job entails balancing diverse teams of employees to complete high-stakes projects.
This work also requires collaboration with stakeholders and government entities.
Ideal candidates possess both advanced technical skills and leadership abilities.
They understand and sincerely enjoy all aspects of technological development and are passionate about implementing the latest technologies.
They also work well with different types of people.
The work requires bringing groups and individuals together to complete essential projects.
A day’s work includes negotiations, communications, and putting out fires.
The Technical Program Manager realizes each party’s stake in the project and ensures everyone’s satisfaction with the result.
Their efforts guarantee they will complete large-scale projects successfully.
Technical Program Manager Job Information
| Official Job Title | Technical Program Manager |
| Average Salary | $129,412 |
| Stress Level | High |
| Work/ Life | Average |
| Job Satisfaction | High |
| Career Advancement | High |
Technical Program Manager Job Description
What Is A Technical Program Manager?
Overall, a Technical Program Manager develops new products for the company.
They break down a program into multiple smaller projects and supervise them all from start to finish.
They work with team and department leaders to determine who is responsible for what components.
They then monitor workers and collaborate with team heads to complete the work effectively.
Their job also includes setting schedules and budgets and ensuring employees complete work on time within these parameters.
A Technical Program Manager often consults with stakeholders.
These include investors, government entities, and clients.
Some programs require collaboration across multiple industries.
In that case, the Technical Program Manager will meet with leaders from other businesses working on the program or project.
What Does A Technical Program Manager Do On A Daily Basis?
The Technical Program Manager’s work varies and involves many small daily jobs.
First, they define a program’s scope and determine outcomes.
Then, they direct workers to complete many important, highly technical projects that make up a program.
Furthermore, they must have detailed knowledge of all technology the employees use.
They will frequently break down work into small sections and make team assignments.
They also investigate even the most minor aspects of the job to ensure successful completion.
Most Technical Program Managers oversee dozens of projects at any one time.
The Technical Program Manager also conveys information between diverse groups of people.
They use their technology familiarity to speak to technical workers and team leads.
They then break down or define key concepts for non-technological stakeholders.
Their work guarantees that finished programs successfully meet the needs of everyone involved.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Technical Program Manager
A Technical Program Manager is responsible for supervising all parts of program development.
Therefore, they must understand the overall goal of a program and all the unique components which will need to come together for it to work.
They serve as a middleman between upper management, employee teams, and outside interests.
They must convey important information and ideas to different groups of people without confusing them or losing data.
Therefore, they must possess outstanding communication skills.
They must also know how to break down difficult or highly technical ideas into more straightforward concepts.
Knowledge of all technical aspects is a must.
This work requires the ability to manage people and projects effectively.
Skills such as leadership and delegation are essential.
Technical Program Manager Salary
- Average Salary
- The average base salary for a Technical Program Manager is $129,412, according to Payscale.com.
- The range of salaries is between $84,000 and $165,000.
- In addition to base pay, Technical Program Managers usually receive profit-sharing and bonuses.
- This can add between $5,000 and $30,000 annually to their overall take-home pay.
- Some employers offer commissions or split unspent budgets with the Technical Program Manager.
- Entry-level Salary
- According to Zippia.com, the average salary for entry-level employees is $108,205.
- Pay ranges for newcomers to the job are between $61,000 and $111,000.
- Senior Level Salary
- Senior-level salaries for Technical Program Managers range between $125,000 and $400,000 annually, according to Glassdoor.com.
- The average salary for a Technical Program Manager with 15+ years of experience is $182,794.
How To Become A Technical Program Manager
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Technical program management candidates must possess a high degree of technological know-how.
Most employees with this job started with an entry-level computer or tech position and worked their way up.
Consider jobs like tech support, entry-level computer programmer, network support specialist, or beginner computer technician.
For some positions, a relevant associate’s or bachelor’s degree will be required.
Candidates should consider studying computer science, programming, information technology, information security, or electrical engineering.
Technical program management candidates attain qualifications from many agencies.
Candidates might consider Six Sigma’s Black Belt, the Global Associate for Quality Management’s Certified Project Director (CPD), or the American Academy of Project Management’s Master Project Manager (MPM) certification.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
The Technical Program Manager must have advanced management and leadership skills.
They need to help diverse teams and interests come together to complete crucial projects.
It will be their responsibility to monitor progress and keep employees on task.
Applicants must demonstrate past leadership experience and how they can inspire workers to stay motivated.
Candidates should exhibit professionalism and have excellent communication skills.
They will speak to many different types of people with competing interests.
They must be able to convey essential information without confusing team members.
They will often have to break down complex ideas into simpler pieces.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Technical Program Manager?
Becoming a Technical Program Manager takes an average of 7-10 years.
It is a mid-level position.
Candidates for this position typically need 2-5 years of project management experience.
They should have worked as project leads or in management positions before applying.
Project management jobs usually require 2-5+ years of computing experience.
Strong candidates also possess a high level of technical ability and familiarity with the technology utilized by the company they want to work for.
Some applicants will have strong backgrounds in specific programs or software.
Others will have a broad general knowledge of technology to build on.
Many positions require 2–4-year university qualifications or other certifications.
Is It Hard To Become A Technical Program Manager?
Ordinarily, it is not difficult to become a Technical Program Manager, provided the candidate enjoys both leadership and technology.
As an employee becomes more familiar with tech and gains confidence, leadership skills may develop naturally.
Other candidates will take classes to strengthen their management ability.
Candidates who express passion for technology and love showing off new software or gadgets will find it easy to work toward this career goal.
Technical Program Manager Career Paths
The Technical Program Manager Roadmap
Candidates typically begin their journey by taking entry-level computing jobs.
These include help desk, network support specialist, and Technical Support I positions.
Some positions require 2–4-year university degrees or at least one year of post-secondary study.
Applicants should consider computer science, information security, or electrical engineering coursework.
They could also study business management.
After working with computers and technology for 3+ years, candidates will move to project leadership positions.
Once the candidate has achieved 2-5+ years as a project manager, they become eligible for a Technical Program Manager position.
A few Technical Program Manager jobs require advanced education, including a Master of Computer Science or Master of Business Administration degree.
Projections For Growth In Technical Program Manager Jobs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% growth rate for Technical Program Manager positions over the next ten years.
This is slightly higher than average.
The Technical Program Manager is a newer position.
Not many companies have had a Technical Program Manager in the past.
Instead, work was done by project leaders and senior management.
This new position combines skills from both technical project leaders and management for more effectiveness.
Many companies and industries will be hiring Technical Program Managers soon.
Governments and organizations also frequently hire for this position.
In Summary: Is Technical Program Manager A Good Career?
Working as a Technical Program Manager is demanding but highly rewarding.
The Technical Program Manager gets to see a project from development to completion.
Witnessing the successful finish of a project can be very satisfying to most employees.
This career is well-paid and highly regarded.
It is a good choice for candidates who are confident leaders and appreciate technological advancements.
The job requires organizational skills and management skills.
Some technologically skilled people find these abilities challenging to attain.
However, those who combine them will enjoy a highly influential career they can be proud of.
Technical program managers can work in many different regions and industries.
There is excellent growth potential, and companies value their Technical Program Managers.
Working Conditions
Can A Technical Program Manager Work Remotely From Home?
Technical program managers can usually work from home.
Some hold meetings over Zoom, Skype, or other services.
Some Technical Program Manager positions are entirely remote.
Others offer flex-time, allowing employees to work from home several days weekly.
Specific projects may require on-site inspections or evaluations.
Generally, employees can work remotely on most aspects of the job.
Candidates interested in working from home should consult the hiring manager before accepting a job offer.
How Many Hours Does A Technical Program Manager Work?
Technical program managers typically work 35-40 hours each week.
Many positions require employees to be on duty during business hours, 9 am-5 pm.
Some Technical Program Managers work evenings or weekends.
They may stay late or work overtime when project deadlines grow near.
If serious problems develop in a project, the Technical Program Manager could work 50-60+ hours weekly until they resolve the issues.
Can A Technical Program Manager Work Part-Time?
Almost all technical program management jobs are full-time.
Technical program managers rarely work part-time because of the scope of their job.
However, some applicants apply as contractors.
As a contractor, the employee works on a per-project basis.
They stop work after they finish a project and only start again once they have successfully bid for a new project.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Technical Program Manager?
Technical program managers often find it challenging to take time off.
They must be available to teams and leaders throughout a project’s life cycle.
Consequently, scheduling holidays can be difficult.
Most positions offer little paid time off to incoming Technical Program Managers.
The average entry-level Technical Program Manager receives 7-10 days of paid vacation time.
However, it must be used near project completion or before new projects start.
Senior-level employees at prominent companies such as Microsoft receive as many as 37 days of paid vacation annually, according to Glassdoor.
Employees with proven ability to delegate essential tasks will find it easier to take time off.
Technical Program Manager Resume Tips
Candidates for Technical Program Manager jobs must communicate technical ability and management skills.
They should start the resume with a clear objective or skills summary.
List relevant skills in a section near the top.
Provide clear explanations of how these skills benefitted past employers.
Describe how the new employer will profit from these abilities.
Next, list relevant job history in reverse chronological order.
Emphasize positions that require advanced technological or leadership skills.
In a separate section, list educational accomplishments and certifications.
Specify how the certifications will enhance job performance.
Near the bottom, list soft and hard skills relevant to the position.
Candidates will want to include software, tools, and devices they have worked with before.
Technical Program Manager Interview Questions
Q1: Describe your leadership style.
Why it works: The Technical Program Manager leads teams of workers to complete important projects.
Candidates should display an effective style of management that motivates and inspires the team rather than overpowers them.
The strongest applicants will show leadership styles that combine enthusiasm, dedication, and consistency.
They will be effective at convincing and motivating workers, remaining flexible as well as firm.
They will neither micro-manage employees nor let shoddy work slide.
This question also informs the hiring manager about whether the candidate shares management’s goals.
The right applicant will share the company’s overall style.
Q2: When have you faced a setback, and how did you overcome it?
Why it works: Every leader experiences problems.
What matters is how they resolve and learn from setbacks.
The hiring manager can use this question to understand the applicant’s experience better.
The question also lets them ensure the candidate can own up to flaws and take responsibility for their mistakes.
The Technical Program Manager juggles many underlings and projects.
They must be able to acknowledge their mistakes and work to correct problems promptly.
Hiring managers who ask this type of question can determine whether the applicant is mature enough for this leadership role.
Q3. What is your experience level with ________ software, program, or tool?
Why it works: Technical program managers must possess advanced knowledge of the tech, tools, and concepts their teams will use.
Many jobs have specific requirements for the Technical Program Manager.
A job may require knowledge of specific operating systems, programming languages, or software.
The hiring manager can use this question to decide whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience for the job.
Candidates can use this question to share relevant knowledge, experience, or certifications.
Q4. How will you handle changes implemented in the middle of a project?
Why it works: Technical program managers must be flexible and creative.
Projects don’t always conform to the developer’s expectations.
Plans made at the onset may require adjustment to save money, improve performance, or fit new requirements.
Outside stakeholders and legal requirements may change plans midway through development.
Staffing adjustments, budgetary constraints, or project timeline changes can all occur without warning.
Candidates should express preparedness to deal with abrupt changes.
They must adapt to staffing adjustments, budgetary restrictions, or timeline changes.
The hiring manager can use this question to determine the candidate’s fitness for this important role.
Candidates can communicate their ability to think independently when the work requires it.
Jobs Related To Technical Program Manager
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- Computer Support Specialist
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- Desktop Support Manager
- Engineering Program Management
- IT Administrator
- IT Project Manager
- Lead Technical Project Manager
- Negotiator
- Principal Program Manager
- Principal Technical Manager
- Project Manager
- Remote Program Manager
- Senior Manager
- Senior Technical Program Manager
- Senior Technical Program Manager
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For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Technical Program Manager
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Technical Program Manager
Strong Leadership Ability
The Technical Program Manager position requires significant leadership and management skills.
Candidates must feel confident in their ability to lead different types of employees and teams successfully.
The right candidate will know how to delegate tasks and make team assignments that benefit the project.
They will have experience as team leaders, assistant managers, or department heads.
Technical program managers lead by influencing and inspiring workers.
They don’t rely on force or punishments to keep employees in line.
Instead, they motivate them and address concerns before they cause serious rifts or delays.
Technical Aptitude
Technical program managers work on many types of technological projects.
They understand all aspects of what the team is working on.
Natural aptitude and interest in tech are very important.
They also must have a strong background working with different programs, languages, hardware, and tools.
The Technical Program Manager makes decisions regarding program development and planning.
To accomplish this, they must feel comfortable with all parts of the process and tools their teams use.
Most Technical Program Managers are naturally gifted with technical ability.
However, many must also build their skills through education and hands-on work experience.
Communication Skills
The Technical Program Manager communicates with everyone involved in a particular project.
This includes employees, team or department leaders, management, and outside stakeholders.
On a given day, the Technical Program Manager might meet with the development team, communicate progress to the management, and consult on the direction with clients.
They need to convey information across groups effectively.
The work involves translating or explaining highly technological, complex features to individuals who may not be computer literate.
Describing overall concepts and plans to stakeholders and clients requires thoughtful communication and avoiding confusing terms or jargon.
Likewise, the Technical Program Manager needs to tell team leaders what management and clients desire and convey specifics in technological wording they can understand.
They must be able to adjust tone and word choice depending on who they are speaking or writing to.
They must also use persuasion, negotiation, and other communication skills daily.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
Technical program managers usually possess 2–4-year degrees.
Associate of Computer Science or a Bachelor of Computer Science is standard.
Related degree subjects such as information security, engineering, business management, or applied sciences are also acceptable.
Technical program management applicants have significant work experience in technological fields.
Most have previously worked in entry and mid-level computing or tech positions.
Usually, positions ask for 5+ years of computer or tech experience.
Most applicants also have 2+ years of management experience.
Usually, candidates have a background as a team leader or project manager.
Applicants for senior-level positions enhance their potential by acquiring a Master of Business Administration or Master of Computer Science degree.