Program managers scope out business problems, define goals, and provide top-level guidance to ensure multidisciplinary project teams are successful. They are focused on the overall health of the program, in terms of mitigating risk and meeting key deliverables, while also juggling changing priorities and driving continual improvement. If you’re looking for a program manager role, having a strong resume is vital. Check out our resume example and step-by-step guide to help show an employer that you are the perfect fit for the job.
To advance your career in program management, you need a compelling resume that highlights your strategic leadership, organization, and communication skills. Program managers can work across diverse sectors, so there are plenty of opportunities out there if this is your chosen career path.
Creating a compelling resume from scratch or tweaking your existing resume so it’s pitch-perfect can be hard work. We can help! Use our program manager resume example and writing guide to quickly and convincingly make yourself stand out in the sea of applications and land yourself an interview.
Your program manager resume should showcase your experience in steering multiple projects to successful completion, combined with your ability to continually optimize business operations.
Check the job description for keywords that you can use throughout the resume, primarily in the professional summary, areas of expertise, and work experience sections. This will target the resume to the specific job opportunity and, as a result, make it more impactful.
Detail your contact information on the resume and add a link to your LinkedIn profile if you wish. Hiring managers will often have a look at your LinkedIn profile anyway, so it’s a good idea to make sure it is up-to-date.
Your professional summary is placed at the top of your resume and is basically a snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements in program management. Having a punchy, direct, and succinct professional summary that clearly tells the hiring manager what you can do for them will ensure they read on to learn more about you and your experience.
In your work experience section, start with your most recent experience first and work back to earlier roles (covering a period of 10 to 15 years as a maximum). Focus on using action verbs and back up the skills and experience being put forward with specific achievements. If you are just starting out on your program management career, highlight any transferable skills in the areas of time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication.
If you have any experience of Agile methodologies, Six Sigma, or any specific project management applications then add this information to your resume, usually after the education section. These skills and expertise will be really valued by an employer and show your commitment to professional development as a program manager.
The job description is the best reference point for keywords for your program management resume. Look out for terms that are repeated or emphasized as important skills and experience. Here are some hard and soft skills to include on your program manager resume:
Program management
Strategic planning
Full lifecycle management
Agile methodologies, Six Sigma, or similar project management tools
Budgeting and cost control
System/process improvement
Risk mitigation
Conflict resolution
Communication
Teamwork
Time management
Motivational leadership
Flexibility
Cross-functional collaboration
Summary example
Forward-thinking and goal-oriented Senior Program Manager with expertise in quality control, risk reduction, and resource allocation. Dedicated to optimizing team performances through training, mentorship, and strong employee relations. Skilled in coordinating across departments to present milestones and produce timely deliverables that meet all specifications. Highly proficient in overseeing human resources, budgeting, P&L tracking, KPI analysis, contract negotiations, and complex issue resolution. Highly organized with strengths in managing third-party contractors, implementing client feedback, and refining project plans.
Employment history example
Sr. Program Manager, ShadeStudio Visualization, HUNTER DOUGLAS, Pearl River, NY 2015 — Present
Optimize workflows and accelerate results by introducing competitive annual sales and business goals. Drive efficiency with well-designed project plans and clear direction. Control costs by overseeing lean budget allocation. Support continued progress as a key source of insight for senior executives.
Boost consistency by coordinating across several departments.
Took a service-based approach to the company’s only global project.
Inspire excellence and position teams to thrive with comprehensive training.
Grew a client base of division leaders from 1 to over 20.
Identify improvement opportunities through in-depth performance reviews.
Product Manager, ShadeStudio Visualization, HUNTER DOUGLAS, Pearl River, NY 2015 — 2019
Conceptualized, developed, and delivered a finely tuned program vision and strategy to align the company to achieve $2.5B revenue target. Employed sharp analytical skills to track market trends, technology, and project progress, which supported accurate product roadmaps and forecasts for completion dates.
Maintained open lines of communication with company stakeholders and presented research results during quarterly meetings.
Joined efforts with several departments including business operations, sales, and field teams to execute product tests on the active market.
Integral in forming and sustaining solid vendor and agency relationships.
Equipped clients for top effectiveness by installing a new platform.
Education example Business Administration and Mgmt. William Paterson University , Master of Science, Wayne, NJ