Hybrid mode - Senior Program Manager (Data-Centric Programs, Master Data/Master Data Management- MDM, Jira, Agile/SAFe) - Direct Client

One of my direct clients, a major global technology distributor and supply chain services company, is looking for a Program Manager leading complex Data Programs.

Hybrid mode - 3 days onsite a week, Irvine, CA.

Mandatory Skills - Data-Centric Programs (mandatory), Jira, Agile/SAFe, Master Data/Master Data Management- MDM (highly preferred), Managed complex programs involving numerous stakeholders

Duration - 12+ months, long term, W2/C2C/FTE

Client details will be shared post technical call

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Program Manager to lead complex, cross-functional technology and data programs involving multiple teams, systems, locations, and dependencies. This role requires someone who can operate at the ground level, establish structure where processes may not yet be mature, actively drive teams for accurate information, identify risks early, and ensure programs remain on track.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, confident, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across Product, Engineering, Data, and Scrum teams while providing clear and credible updates to senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Own end-to-end program planning, execution, tracking, and governance across complex technology/data initiatives.

Partner closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leadership, Data Leadership, Scrum teams, and other stakeholders to develop realistic delivery plans.

Translate capabilities and requirements into actionable milestones covering development, dependencies, testing/UAT, and delivery.

Maintain hands-on visibility into project status rather than relying solely on high-level team updates.

Proactively follow up with multiple teams to obtain accurate status, identify blockers and uncover potential risks.

Track overall program health using Red/Amber/Green (RAG) status and drive corrective actions when programs fall behind.

Investigate issues at a detailed level, determine root causes, establish recovery plans, and drive teams toward resolution.

Manage cross-team dependencies, risks, issues, timelines, and stakeholder commitments.

Establish effective program governance and reporting where existing processes may be limited or inconsistent.

Provide clear, accurate, and trustworthy weekly/biweekly executive-level status reporting.

Build credibility with stakeholders through consistent follow-through, transparency, and high-quality communication.

Work effectively with globally distributed and cross-functional teams.

Facilitate meetings, drive decisions, document actions, and hold stakeholders accountable for commitments.

Required Skills

Strong hands-on experience managing large, complex technology or data programs involving multiple teams and dependencies.

Demonstrated experience taking troubled or Red/Amber programs and driving them back on track.

Strong understanding of core Program Management practices, including planning, governance, risk/issue management, dependency management, status reporting, and stakeholder management.

Ability to work directly with Product, Engineering, Data, and Agile/Scrum teams.

Excellent communication and executive reporting skills with the ability to build trust and confidence in program status reporting.

Highly proactive and persistent, with the ability to obtain accurate information rather than simply accepting reported status.

Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where processes and governance may need to be established or improved.

Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and organizational skills.

Ability to quickly understand new systems, teams, processes, and organizational dependencies.

Experience with Jira, Excel, Agile/SAFe environments, or similar program-management practices.

Exposure to Master Data / Master Data Management (MDM) or data-centric programs is highly desirable.