Principal Program Manager
Autodesk · Spain
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Spain
Job highlights
- Lead complex programs for Autodesk's consulting strategy.
- Manage program lifecycle, risks, and success metrics.
- Provide leadership and coaching to program managers.
- Partner with senior stakeholders for alignment and decisions.
- Drive impact in a fast-paced, visible environment.
About the role
Principal Program Manager, Technical Advisory
As a Principal Program Manager in Technical Advisory at Autodesk, you will lead complex programs critical to Autodesk’s consulting strategy while also serving as a functional team lead where you will provide leadership and coaching to a team of program and project managers.
You will drive the detailed execution and governance of your programs, providing clear management of and visibility into progress, risks, and tradeoffs, enabling program teams to deliver effectively and senior leaders to make informed decisions.
You bring both rigor and judgment to your work, applying strong program management discipline while navigating ambiguity, managing stakeholders, and facilitating alignment. You thrive in the tactical details of your program plan while also connecting your work to broader organizational objectives. A strong candidate will relish the opportunity to jump into a fast-paced, highly visible environment driving significant impact.
This role is designed for a highly capable operator who can quickly assess complex, ambiguous environments, establish structure, and drive programs forward with minimal ramp time. You will partner closely with Director- and VP-level stakeholders to enable alignment and accelerate decision-making.
This position is hybrid/remote and reports to the Senior Manager of Business Excellence.
What You Will Do
- Own end-to-end program lifecycle: scope, schedule, milestones, risk management, dependencies, measurable success metrics, and overall execution
- Quickly bring clarity and structure to in-flight or undefined programs by aligning stakeholders on scope, priorities, and success metrics
- Own the framing of decisions needed to unblock work, including outlining options, implications, and recommended paths forward
- Proactively anticipate and identify risks and opportunities, escalating with thoughtful mitigation plans and proposed actions
- Define and manage comprehensive program communication & stakeholder plan
- Provide clear, executive-ready reporting and summaries that communicate progress, risks, outcomes, and recommendations
- Influence without direct authority by building trust, aligning stakeholders around shared goals, and navigating competing priorities to move work forward
- Coach a team of program and project managers, providing guidance, supporting capability development, and ensuring consistent application of program standards and best practices
- Establish and maintain effective program governance and operating cadences, including stakeholder updates and executive reviews
Minimum Qualifications
- 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of successfully leading complex programs, ideally in customer success, or professional services environments
- Ability to bring structure and clarity to complex, ambiguous problems, translating them into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
- Demonstrated experience working with senior leaders, including preparing materials, facilitating discussions, and supporting decision-making
- Strong ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and balance detailed execution with strategic context
- Experience working effectively with and driving alignment across global/virtual teams while maintaining momentum
- PMP, Change Management, or related certifications preferred, with demonstrated flexibility in application
- Willingness to travel up to 25% as needed
Ideal Candidate
- Quickly establishes structure and momentum in ambiguous or evolving environments
- Operates with a high degree of ownership and proactively drives work forward with minimal direction
- Brings strong executive presence and confidence working with senior stakeholders
- Balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution; comfortable operating in both the details and the big picture
- Builds trust quickly and influences effectively without formal authority
- Passionate about developing others and raising the bar for program management excellence
About Autodesk
Welcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software – from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.
We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk – it’s at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.
When you’re an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!
Salary transparency
Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Diversity & Belonging
We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/diversity-and-belonging
Are you an existing contractor or consultant with Autodesk?
Please search for open jobs and apply internally (not on this external site).
Key skills/competency
- Program Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk Management
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Ambiguity
- Executive Reporting
- Decision Making
- Autodesk
Skills & topics
- Principal Program Manager
- Program Management
- Project Management
- Technical Advisory
- Consulting Strategy
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk Management
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Autodesk
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 8+ years of experience, including 3+ leading complex programs in customer success or professional services. Emphasize your ability to manage ambiguity and work with senior leaders.
- Showcase leadership: Detail your experience coaching program managers and influencing without direct authority. Provide examples of establishing governance and operating cadences.
- Quantify achievements: Use measurable outcomes to demonstrate how you've translated complex problems into actionable plans and delivered successful programs.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss how you bring structure to ambiguous environments and your experience with executive reporting and decision-making support.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the hybrid/remote work arrangement for the Principal Program Manager role at Autodesk?
- The Principal Program Manager position at Autodesk is a hybrid/remote role, offering flexibility in where you work. You will report to the Senior Manager of Business Excellence, with specific details on hybrid expectations typically discussed during the interview process.
- What kind of experience is required for the Principal Program Manager role at Autodesk?
- Autodesk requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, with at least 3 of those years spent successfully leading complex programs. Experience in customer success or professional services environments is highly preferred. A strong ability to manage ambiguity and work with senior leaders is also crucial.
- Are PMP or other certifications necessary for the Principal Program Manager position at Autodesk?
- While PMP, Change Management, or related certifications are preferred for the Principal Program Manager role at Autodesk, they are not strictly mandatory. Demonstrated flexibility in applying program management principles is valued, so relevant experience and skills are key.
- How does Autodesk approach compensation for a Principal Program Manager?
- Autodesk's compensation for a Principal Program Manager includes base salary, potentially annual cash bonuses, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package. The final offer is determined by the candidate's experience and geographic location.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Principal Program Manager at Autodesk?
- Key responsibilities include owning the end-to-end program lifecycle, bringing structure to undefined programs, framing decisions, managing risks and opportunities, defining communication plans, influencing stakeholders, and coaching a team of program managers.
- How does Autodesk foster diversity and inclusion within its teams, including for program managers?
- Autodesk is committed to cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. They provide resources and information on their diversity and belonging initiatives, encouraging an inclusive environment for all employees.