Group Director, Program Management (Adobe-Technical)

WHY DEPT®? We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build. THE ROLE The Lead Program Manager is a strategic execution leader who spearheads client-facing initiatives and complex, cross-functional programs focused on implementing and leading the Adobe Experience Cloud Value Realization Program. This role oversees other program managers and blends program leadership, stakeholder influence, and operational rigor to translate ambiguous priorities into structured, measurable outcomes.

You will act as the central point of contact for key customers, driving successful delivery while managing program roadmaps, governance, and internal alignment across matrixed ecosystems. You will establish governance structures that support informed decision-making and executive visibility across the portfolio.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Program Strategy Structure: Design and manage concurrent programs aligned to strategic business objectives. Translate high-level goals into coordinated roadmaps, milestones, governance models, and OKRs. Client Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the Program Lead on client engagements, managing expectations, communicating technical solutions to business stakeholders (including CMOs/CXOs), and fostering relationships that generate repeat business.

Cross-Functional Execution: Orchestrate cross-functional teams (Sales, Product, Marketing, Delivery) to sequence deliverables, avoid fragmentation, and ensure adherence to governance standards. Delivery Discipline: Oversee all day-to-day program/project activities from inception to closure. Manage scope, deliverables, resources, and timelines.

Accurately forecast revenue, profitability, margins, and utilization. Risk Quality Management: Proactively identify risks, dependencies, and blockers. Create and maintain RAID logs and program artifacts to ensure transparency.

Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned in formal post-mortems. Identify early signs of slowdown, drift, or unclear ownership, and implement corrective actions that balance speed, quality, and sustainability. Innovation: Leverage AI and GenAI tools to drive productivity, improve quality, and accelerate delivery within program management activities.

Operating Cadence: Establish and run operating cadence, including agendas, pre-reads, action tracking, and project plans to keep teams aligned and accountable. WHAT YOU BRING Experience: 8+ years of experience in program or project management, operations, or execution roles leading cross-functional initiatives in complex, matrixed environments (agency or professional services experience preferred). Adobe Expertise: Experience with one or more Adobe Experience Cloud solutions (AEM, AEP highly preferred).

Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-paced environments, create clarity, and connect work to outcomes. Leadership Influence: Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, multi-functional teams without direct authority. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including executive-ready reporting.

Operational Rigor: Solid foundation in PM methodologies, planning, dependency management, and governance. Familiarity with Agile/Scrum and custom software development processes. Certifications: PMP, Agile, Certified ScrumMaster, PRINCE2, or equivalent certification is a plus.