What Is a Programme Manager? And How to Become One

Programme managers are communicative and reliable professionals who direct programmes that may include multiple projects and moving parts. Programme managers are organised, strategic, and motivational leaders who work in a variety of industries, from business to government to non-profit.

If you aspire to be a programme manager, you are likely attracted to the challenge and reward of overseeing a programme from start to finish. Programmes might be seasonal, like a summer internship recruitment programme that occurs every spring semester, or they might endure several years of grant funding or revenue.

 Read on to gain a deeper understanding of the work duties of a programme manager and learn how you can pursue a career in programme management.

What is a programme manager? 

A programme manager oversees the coordination and monitoring of projects and the employees that run them. They lead programmes from start to finish to help companies meet organisational goals. Programmes may consist of several projects, but they can also be ongoing. Programme managers develop strategies, evaluate the performance of project teams, keep teams organised, and allocate budgets and resources across projects.

As a programme manager, you may oversee several different teams, all working toward different goals and separate work schedules. You will be in charge of tracking project progress, aligning project managers, and strategising programme outcomes.

Your specific duties will depend on the workplace. For instance, one employer might require you to oversee the development of a new product. In that case, you would identify customer needs, research the market, and facilitate the design and manufacturing of the product. At another company, you might be responsible for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the organisation. This could involve revamping the company's existing mission and developing a system for employee feedback.

What is a programme?

So, what constitutes a programme? 

A "programme" can  vary in meaning across industries. A few examples include the following:

• Product launch

• Non-profit fundraising initiative

• Store opening

• DEI initiative

• Marketing plan

• Improving customer service

What does a programme manager do?

Duties for programme managers differ according to the specific workplace and industry they work in. These are some common responsibilities for programme managers:

• Identifying organisational needs and objectives

• Creating and maintaining a programme budget

• Conducting programme risk assessment

• Assigning and supervising a team

• Collaborating with various department leads

• Monitoring and evaluating a programme's success

• Delivering progress reports and presentations

Programme vs project management: What's the difference?

A project manager is in charge of a specific project within an organisation, whilst a programme manager is responsible for achieving broader strategic goals and objectives. A programme manager might be in charge of a large project or several small-scale projects. Projects usually have specific deadlines, but the end dates for programmes may be more flexible, or there may be no end date at all if it is an ongoing programme or initiative.

Skills needed for programme managers

Programme management involves coordination, supervision, strategic planning, and more. Given the active nature of the job, you should expect to wear many hats and be ready to lead and engage with teams and stakeholders. Key skills include:

• Creative thinking

• Leadership

• Collaboration

• Analytical thinking

• Strategic thinking

• Oral and written communication skills

• Organisational skills

• Customer service

• Conflict resolution

• Negotiation skills

• Ability to work well under pressure

Programme manager salary and job outlook

As a programme manager, you can expect an average annual salary of ₹18,00,000 [1]. Chennai, Noida, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are amongst the top-paying cities for programme managers in India [2].

Industries where programme managers work

Programme managers are needed in a variety of industries, from retail and tech to health care and finance. In addition to the private sector, government agencies and non-profit organisations also need programme managers. The skills you'll learn as a programme manager are transferable across industries and job roles.

How to become a programme manager

Whilst you won’t find a single set path to becoming a programme manager, building your knowledge, skills, and expertise is essential. Check out these steps to help guide you along your career journey.

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. 

If you're considering a career as a programme manager, it helps to pursue a bachelor's degree. Although employers in some industries require degrees in specific areas like engineering or environmental science, good general fields of study include:

• Business administration

• Business management

• Computer science

2. Earn additional credentials.

Professional credentials, like certificates and certifications, offer the knowledge you need to start your career or switch from another one (if you already have a bachelor's degree). Below are some notable options to consider:

• Programme Management: A two-day course offered by American Management Association for experienced project managers, programme managers, or other employees involved with programmes. Topics include programme lifecycle components and phases, strategic programme management, and how to get and keep stakeholders.

• Certificate in Programme Management: A five-month course from the University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education. Topics covered include the different stages of programmes, measurement and maintenance of programme benefits, and how to engage stakeholders.

• Google Project Management Professional Certificate: You’ll find many cross-over skills between project management and programme management. Knowing how to manage a project and lead teams to complete or implement a programme according to target goals requires pretty much the same skill set. The Google Project Management Professional Certificate can typically be completed in six months or less.

3. Gain work experience.

Many programme managers start as project managers. You may want to get your foot in the door this way and move your way up the ladder. Ideas for getting project management experience include:

• Volunteering to manage community projects like fundraising events or cleanup days

• Applying for an internship as a project management assistant

• Looking for opportunities to serve on nonprofit boards in your community

• Asking to sit in on project management meetings at work

• Launching your own small projects at work, like a before-work yoga class or walking club

• Taking on or leading new initiatives on your current team at work

Expand your network

Networking is a great way to connect with people in an industry or role that you admire and want to work in. Building relationships and cultivating a network of individuals you can turn to for informational interviews or mentorship is time well spent.

4. Consider pursuing a graduate degree.

If you're hoping to move swiftly up the career ladder in programme management, an advanced degree might help. You may want to consider an MBA or a master's in management and leadership. After obtaining your bachelor's degree, you can expect to put in another two years of study to earn a master's degree. 

Prepare for a career as a programme manager with Coursera

Companies often seek candidates with considerable project management experience when filling programme manager positions. As a programme manager, you will supervise multiple projects to ensure they align with your firm’s overarching goals, including change management strategies.

Take a project management course to get a better feel for programme management. The University of Virginia offers Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management, a short eight-hour course that explains how to plan and run projects effectively.