SENIOR LEVEL

Interview Questions for Program Manager

How do you manage time constraints and ensure timely completion of a program?

How do you ensure that project teams are aware of changes to project scope or requirements?

Tell us about a time when you had to motivate a team during challenging circumstances.

Describe a program where you had to navigate through unforeseen challenges. How did you adapt?

How do you ensure effective collaboration between cross-functional project teams?

Describe your experience in reporting on program progress and providing strategic recommendations.

How do you manage and motivate a team?

Do you have experience with Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies? How do you decide which one to use?

Do you have experience managing multiple stakeholders with conflicting goals? How do you handle it?

How do you keep track of program budgets and ensure financial control?

How do you build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders?

How do you handle conflicts between team members?

Describe a program where you had to manage conflicting stakeholder expectations. How did you find a balance?

Tell us about a time when you had to make a decision that had a significant impact on the program's success.

How do you allocate resources across multiple projects within a program?

How do you adapt to changes in project scope or requirements?

Describe a program where you had to manage a significant change in project direction. How did you handle it?

How do you handle changes in project priorities or goals?

Tell us about a difficult decision you had to make as a program manager and how you reached a resolution.

Describe a program where you had to make critical decisions with limited information. How did you mitigate risks?

How do you provide guidance and support to project managers and other staff?

Can you give an example of a complex problem you've solved in a previous role?

Tell us about a time when you had to negotiate with external vendors or partners.

How do you ensure that project teams are meeting their milestones and deliverables?

Describe a program where you had to manage a project team with members from different locations. How did you ensure effective collaboration?

Tell us about a time when you had to manage a program with changing stakeholder expectations. How did you address it?

How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?

Tell us about a time when you had to rally support for a program from key stakeholders.

Tell us about your experience in strategic planning and vision setting.

Tell us about your experience in stakeholder management.

How do you identify and mitigate risks in a program?

Tell us about your experience in providing leadership and guidance to project managers and other staff.

How do you communicate complex project information to non-technical stakeholders?

Describe a program where you had to deal with a high level of uncertainty. How did you manage it?

Tell us about your experience in managing program budgets and resources.

Tell us about a time when you had to resolve conflicts with external partners or vendors.

What project management tools have you used in the past? Which ones do you find most effective?

Describe a program where you had to manage a project with a limited budget. How did you optimize resources?

Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities within a program.

Describe a time when you had to make adjustments to a program to ensure successful completion.

Describe a program where you had to manage a large budget. How did you ensure financial accountability?

Tell us about a negotiation you had with a difficult stakeholder. How did you reach a resolution?

Tell us about a time when you had to resolve conflicts between different teams within a program.

Describe a program where you had to quickly adapt to a new project management methodology. How did you ensure a smooth transition?

How do you ensure that project teams have the necessary resources to complete their tasks?

Tell us about a time when you championed continuous improvement in a program.

Tell us about a program where you successfully managed a tight deadline and ensured on-time delivery.

How do you evaluate the performance of project managers and other staff within a program?

Describe your communication and presentation skills.

How do you evaluate program outcomes to determine if optimization strategies are necessary?

Tell us about a time when you had to resolve conflicts within a team.

Tell us about a time when you had to make a tough decision that went against the wishes of a stakeholder.

Tell us about a time when you had to make a risk-based decision in a program. How did you evaluate the potential impact?