Foundational Questions for a Technical Program Management Career
Questions that help lay out the basics for understanding the technical program manager role.
What are the different names and acronyms that ‘technical program managers’ go by?
TPM (I will use this acronym in this document)
TPgM
Engineering Program Manager
Technical Project Manager
What does a technical program manager do?
A technical program manager (TPM) oversees and manages complex technology programs. They ensure the successful delivery of these programs by coordinating the execution, setting key milestones, tracking progress, eliminating obstacles, and maintaining clear communication. This continuous communication keeps stakeholders and customers fully informed about the program's progress and any associated risks at all times.
What value does a technical program manager bring to the team?
A TPM brings substantial value to a team by enhancing the execution and success of technology programs through several key contributions:
Strategic Planning: TPMs are instrumental in setting clear milestones and timelines, which helps in planning and executing projects efficiently. This structured approach ensures that all team members are aligned and working towards common goals.
Progress Monitoring: They continuously track the progress of projects, ensuring that they remain on schedule and within budget. This oversight helps in identifying potential delays or budget overruns early, allowing for timely interventions.
Barrier Removal: TPMs proactively identify and resolve obstacles that could impede the progress of a project. By removing these barriers, they enable smoother operations and help maintain the momentum of the project team.
Communication: They maintain open lines of communication between stakeholders and the project team. By regularly updating all parties involved on the progress and risks associated with the program, TPMs ensure that everyone has the necessary information to make informed decisions.
Risk Management: TPMs constantly assess potential risks to the program and devise strategies to mitigate them. This risk management is crucial for minimizing disruptions and ensuring the project meets its objectives.
The value of a TPM lies in their ability to ensure that complex technology programs are executed effectively, meeting the strategic goals of the organization while also managing risks and maintaining stakeholder satisfaction.
What is the difference between a technical program manager (TPM) and a product manager (PM)?
TPM
TPMs primarily focus on the execution and delivery of technical projects and programs. They oversee the logistical and operational aspects of project management.
The primary goal of a TPM is to ensure that all technical aspects of a project are aligned and executed efficiently to meet the predefined technical and business objectives.
PM
PMs are focused on the product's strategy, vision, and features. They are responsible for defining the why, when, and what of the product that the engineering team will build.
The primary goal of a PM is to ensure that the product meets the market needs and succeeds commercially.
Key Differences
TPMs manage projects, focusing on execution and delivery, while PMs manage products, focusing on overall strategy and market fit.
TPMs are execution-focused, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and effectively, while PMs are vision-focused, aiming to align product development with long-term business goals.
Do I need a technical background to become a TPM?
No, you do not need a technical background to become a TPM. While it is critical that you have a solid understanding of technical core concepts respective to the domain you will become a TPM in. For example, if you plan on becoming a TPM within the software domain, you should understand the key components of a software application (e.g. database, apis, client vs server code, UI, servers, load balancing, etc.)
While this can seem like a lot if you don’t know any of these concepts, it’s something that can be learned through online resources. See here for my list of resources.
Understanding these foundational elements will be key to help follow conservations that will happen within your program between engineers and other members on the team.
What the technical in TPM means
There’s a common misconception that you need to have a formal technical background to succeed as a technical program manager. My claim: I don’t believe this is true. This section hopefully helps to support my claim.
Technical in technical program management means you understand technical concepts, in your respective field (i.e. hardware or software, data center, security, privacy, etc.), and you can follow along with engineers when they are engaging in technical conversations. For example, you should be able to follow if an engineer is explaining the limitations of a software system and what would need to be built to meet a requirement from the product manager.
What the technical in TPM does not mean
You hold the same responsibilities that a practicing engineer would ● You write and submit code
You write engineering design docs
You are an engineer with a program management title
In another life you were an engineer and you have (or are pursuing) an engineering degree
Why having technical knowledge is critical as a TPM
Technical understanding is a critical part of the TPM role. Technical understanding helps you navigate the world of managing technical programs. If you can’t understand at a basic level what your team is building, it will be hard to be proactive in addressing potential issues, blockers and even communicating with members within your team.
It’s important that you are comfortable with engineers and with understanding technical concepts (e.g api, database, server, latency, deployment, client side code changes, server side code, etc.). Familiarity with widely used project methodologies with technical projects: waterfall and agile, is also helpful.
Other examples of exercising technical knowledge as a TPM
Assess engineering problems, understand the difference between program vs technical issue within a project
Helping to resolve technical disagreements amongst the team
Understanding and communicating the impact of different technical options engineers can do to solve a problem
Identify dependencies and facilitating improved priorities to avoid technical risks
Explaining and summarizing technical concepts, risks and choices to stakeholders and/or customers
Essential Skills of TPMs
Not an all encompassing list but some critical skills TPMs should have
Initiating and structuring programs
Developing and overseeing project plans
Establishing and aligning priorities
Engaging with and keeping stakeholders informed
Managing interdependencies between programs and projects
Risk management: Identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies ● Designing and enforcing processes
Detecting and addressing gaps in processes
Enhancing the efficiency of processes
Devising, tracking, and communicating metrics
Managing surprises
Comfortable with technology and engineers
Communicating effectively, raising issues, and escalating concerns as necessary
Adapting to unforeseen changes
Demonstrating proficiency with technology and effectively collaborating with engineers
This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights some key skills that TPMs should possess.
Transferable Skills from Other Industries
Leadership & Coordination: If you’ve led large teams or projects, those skills are directly applicable to managing cross-functional technical programs. ● Communication: Whether you've worked in sales, marketing, or operations, your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively is key to the TPgM role.
Project/Program Management: Experience managing projects in non-tech industries such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing provides foundational skills.
Process Improvement: Any background in process optimization, Six Sigma, or Lean methodologies is highly valuable in tech environments.
Data Analysis: Experience analyzing data and making data-driven decisions is critical in tech-focused roles.
What else should TPMs be able to do
I refer to these as the critical elements that define successful TPMs, each characterized by a specific skill set. In the future, I'll explore these aspects in more detail, but for now,
I hope this overview illustrates their crucial role.
Showcase successful communication
Effective TPMs listen to stakeholders, articulate program objectives, and provide updates tailored to stakeholder interests and concerns, thereby facilitating informed decisions.
How to demonstrate in the role: Use status reports, program newsletters, and presentations.
Provide program improvements
Establish systems to continuously identify and implement improvements, driving the future needs of business processes, products, and services by measuring performance, progress, and success metrics.
How to demonstrate in the role: Employ metrics plans (including leading and trailing KPIs), dashboards, control charts, and retrospective meetings.
Lead program execution
Organize and manage activities leading to desired project outcomes by
determining the what, who, when, and how. Adapt elements like schedules, resources, and project features to ensure timely delivery. Monitor and report on progress, risks, and mitigations.
○ How to demonstrate in the role: Utilize project trackers, status reports, OKRs, retrospectives, and escalation reports.
Plan a program:
Identify stakeholders and collaborate with them to strategize, plan, and prioritize objectives, estimate task durations, and ensure that schedules and dependencies support those objectives. Apply various methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, etc.) to enhance team effectiveness.
How to demonstrate in the role: Develop proposals, program charters, project plans, OKRs, roadmaps, and risk registers.
Directing organizational change
Recognize when change is needed and drive it across the organization, working closely with partner teams to manage and communicate these changes. Establish systems to facilitate future changes.
How to demonstrate in the role: Create rollout plans and impact analyses.
Leading program portfolio management
Align, prioritize, resource, and scale programs according to strategic objectives to maximize organizational benefits and improve business outcomes.
How to demonstrate in the role: Draft mission and vision statements, manage staffing allocations, OKRs, and prioritize project backlogs.
Keeping stakeholders informed and happy (for the most part)
Build and maintain effective program teams within and across the organization, addressing their needs and supporting them throughout the lifecycle of their projects.
How to demonstrate in the role: Use RACI charts, stakeholder maps, and OKRs.
Exercising technical knowledge: Assess engineering challenges and understand the interplay between program and technical issues, contributing to shaping technical directions.
Industries in Tech that Need TPMs
Software & SaaS (Software as a Service): TPMs in this space help manage product rollouts, platform migrations, and new feature launches.
Cloud Computing: Companies like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure rely on TPMs to manage infrastructure projects and cloud adoption programs.
Fintech: With the rise of digital banking and payment solutions, fintech companies need TPMs to coordinate between compliance, engineering, and customer experience teams.
HealthTech: Healthcare technology is rapidly growing, and TPMs are essential for managing projects that combine medical innovations with software.
E-Commerce & Retail Tech: Managing complex supply chain systems, new customer-facing features, and backend technology platforms requires the oversight of a TPM.
Telecommunications: As companies develop 5G and IoT solutions, TPMs manage the technical rollout and integrations across markets.
What to Add to Your Resume if You’re Interested in Becoming a TPM
Transitioning into a TPM role requires tailoring your resume to highlight key skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the role's requirements. Here’s how you can structure your resume:
1. Strong Summary or Objective Statement
● Example: "Experienced Program Manager with 8+ years leading cross-functional teams and delivering large-scale technical programs. Skilled in risk management, stakeholder communication, and driving results in fast-paced environments. Seeking to leverage technical acumen and leadership abilities to transition into a Technical Program Manager role in the [specific industry]."
2. Highlight Leadership Experience
● Lead with Action-Oriented Verbs: Use terms like "Led," "Oversaw," "Directed," or "Coordinated."
● Examples:
"Led cross-functional teams of engineers, product managers, and designers to deliver a new SaaS platform, improving client retention by 15%."
"Managed a $2M program budget, ensuring all projects were delivered on time and within scope."
3. Demonstrate Technical Understanding
● Even if you’re transitioning from a non-technical background, emphasize any exposure to technology or processes relevant to TPM roles.
● Examples:
"Collaborated with software development teams to align project deliverables with technical requirements and customer needs."
"Worked with cloud solutions and implemented Agile methodologies across program teams."
4. Showcase Program and Project Management Skills
● Make sure to include relevant program/project management methodologies like Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, etc.
● Examples:
"Implemented Agile Scrum processes across multiple teams, improving product delivery timelines by 20%."
"Created detailed project plans and timelines, reducing project delivery time by 10%."
5. Quantify Your Impact
● Include measurable results wherever possible to show your ability to drive business outcomes.
● Examples:
"Reduced project delivery times by 25% by streamlining communication and resource management across technical and non-technical teams."
"Managed risk and issue tracking for a program that resulted in a 15% reduction in project delays."
6. Include Cross-Functional Collaboration
● Highlight how you’ve worked with various departments—especially with technical and non-technical teams.
● Examples:
"Collaborated with engineering, marketing, and finance teams to ensure alignment on program goals and deliverables."
"Coordinated with product managers and developers to prioritize features and define MVP for new platform rollout."
7. Demonstrate Communication Skills
● Emphasize your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to stakeholders.
● Examples:
"Presented regular program updates to senior leadership, ensuring alignment and providing visibility into key technical challenges."
"Led program-wide meetings, translating technical issues into business terms for executive decision-makers."
8. Transferable Skills from Other Roles
● If you’re coming from a non-technical industry, focus on leadership, coordination, and problem-solving skills that apply to TPM roles.
● Examples:
"Managed large-scale projects in the healthcare industry, demonstrating the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage regulatory compliance."
"Led digital transformation initiatives in the finance sector, showcasing the ability to manage technical programs with complex stakeholder
involvement."
9. Certifications (if applicable)
● Include any relevant certifications that showcase your expertise or commitment to the role:
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
AWS Certified Solutions Architect (if you’re focusing on cloud projects)
Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure certifications
Questions? Please feel free to visit cxwithkris.com or email me at hello@cxwithkris.com
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