Principal Program Manager, Design Operations

Autodesk is a company that creates innovative software used in various industries to transform ideas into reality. They are seeking a Principal Design Operations Program Manager to enhance the effectiveness of the Experience Design team by managing programs that improve design efficiency and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities:

• Own and/or manage programs and initiatives that improve design team success (team health, design efficiency, and/or design impact). This includes: Establishing the program goals, strategy, operating model, and governance, navigating ambiguity and aligning stakeholders Executing program tactics, from goal and scope setting to conclusion, within defined schedule, budget, and quality parameters. Identifying issues and driving them to resolution Identifying connections to other programs, teams, and partners and engaging key stakeholders to align program goals for mutual success Planning and facilitating meetings, creating key communications, and keeping team and program on track with commitments
• Design and lead design sprints to accelerate design of user-facing products and of internal programs and services
• Coach and support design team members, in achievement of design adjacent tasks such as work prioritization, level-of-effort estimating, asset management, and knowledge sharing
• Design and implement new ways of working that further DesignOps effectiveness and goals, using design thinking methods, and collaborating with team members and key stakeholders
• Aid DesignOps scalability through designing, documenting, and sharing best practices and resources
• Help champion the growth of DesignOps, working with other teams within Autodesk to align, share and support the growth of the discipline across the company

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience
• 4+ years design program management experience within a software environment
• Familiarity with user-centered design practices, UX tools and techniques, and software development methods, primarily Agile
• Strong track record in above requirements, particularly in standing up and managing programs and completing significant initiatives successfully and in leading design sprints / workshops
• Excellent project management skills
• Fluency with the SDLC and working with cross-functional teams to improve it, especially the design team's role
• Solid foundation in AI and experience helping designers improve their AI fluency. Up-to-date in latest AI features/tools for designers
• Demonstrated strong writing, reporting, and documentation skills (examples may be required)
• Strong verbal and presentation skills
• Ability to travel when needed, likely 10% or less