Project Management: Program managers need to be skilled in project management, which involves planning, organizing, and executing complex projects within the program.
Strategic Planning: Program managers need to be able to develop and communicate a strategic vision for the program, aligning it with the organization's overall strategic goals.
Stakeholder Management: Program managers must be skilled in managing stakeholders across the organization, including senior executives, project team members, and external partners.
Budgeting and Financial Management: Program managers must be able to manage budgets and financial resources effectively, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting on program costs.
Risk Management: Program managers need to be able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to the program and its projects.
Change Management: Program managers need to be able to manage change effectively, including identifying the need for change, communicating changes to stakeholders, and implementing changes smoothly.
Communication: Program managers need to possess excellent communication skills to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders, manage expectations, and keep teams motivated.
Resource Management: Program managers need to be able to manage resources effectively, including people, equipment, and materials, to ensure that the program is completed on time and within budget.
Quality Management: Program managers need to ensure that the program and its projects meet quality standards, including testing, documentation, and release management.
Continuous Improvement: Program managers must be committed to constant improvement, including identifying areas for improvement, implementing process improvements, and measuring the impact of changes on program success.