Senior Program Manager (Strategic Initiatives)

Company Overview

XOPS is a fast-growing startup building the future of observability and automation for IT operations. Our platform unifies complex system data to deliver visibility, control, and intelligent workflows across the enterprise, empowering IT teams to manage the entire employee technology lifecycle with precision. As industries embrace AI to automate cars, rockets, and even farming, IT operations remain stuck in the past, reliant on spreadsheets and manual processes. We believe it is time for a change.

At XOPS, we are pioneering autonomous IT operations, freeing teams from tedious tasks and elevating them into strategic leadership roles. Our mission is to drive operational excellence, financial stewardship, and security across the enterprise, while transforming the employee experience. We are just getting started, and we are looking for exceptional teammates to help shape the future.

Position Overview

XperiencOps, Inc. is seeking an exceptional Senior Program Manager - Strategic Initiatives within the Product organization while orchestrating cross-functional alignment across Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Engineering. This high-visibility role reports directly to the Chief Strategy Officer and will be co-located with the CEO and CSO in our Lower Manhattan offices.

This position demands military-level discipline, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to bring order to chaos in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring XOPS delivers on its core tenets: Deliver What We Promise, Protect the Vision, and Teamwork and Transparency.

Please note: This position will begin as a 4–6 week contract-to-hire engagement, with the potential for conversion to a full-time, benefited role based on performance and business alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Management

• Drive complex, cross-functional initiatives that span Product, Strategy, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success organizations
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program roadmaps aligned with company strategic objectives
• Establish rigorous program governance frameworks with clear accountability, milestones, and success metrics
• Serve as the operational backbone for strategic initiatives, ensuring flawless execution and on-time delivery
  
  

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the central coordination point between Product organization and all other departments
• Facilitate executive-level planning sessions and strategic reviews with C-suite stakeholders
• Drive alignment across disparate teams while maintaining program momentum and accountability
• Manage competing priorities and resource constraints with discipline and strategic focus
  
  

Execution Excellence

• Implement military-grade project management discipline across all initiatives
• Establish and enforce rigorous standards for documentation, communication, and reporting
• Conduct detailed risk assessments and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies
• Lead war room sessions for critical initiatives and product launches
  
  

Process & Operational Rigor

• Design and implement scalable program management processes that can grow with the company
• Create detailed operational playbooks and standard operating procedures
• Establish metrics-driven performance tracking and continuous improvement cycles
• Drive post-mortem analyses with unflinching honesty and actionable outcomes
  
  

Stakeholder Management

• Provide regular, concise updates to C-suite executives on program status, risks, and decisions needed
• Navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with professionalism and diplomacy
• Handle direct, constructive feedback with grace and immediate course correction
• Build trust through consistent delivery and transparent communication
  
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 8+ years of program management experience in fast-paced technology environments
• Proven track record managing enterprise software or SaaS initiatives from conception to delivery
• Experience working directly with C-suite executives and board-level stakeholders
• Demonstrated success in early-stage or high-growth startup environments
• Military service experience strongly preferred - we value the discipline, leadership, and operational excellence that military training provides
• Not suitable for early-career PMs or project coordinators; requires prior experience with C-level stakeholders
  
  

Certifications & Technical Skills

• Required: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Required: Expert-level proficiency with JIRA, Confluence, and enterprise project management tools
• Required: Agile/Scrum Master, Six Sigma, or equivalent
• Advanced skills in data analysis, reporting, and visualization tools
  
  

Leadership Attributes

• Exceptional ability to operate under pressure while maintaining composure and clarity
• Demonstrated capacity to receive and act on direct, constructive criticism professionally
• Natural ability to bring order to chaos and establish structure in ambiguous situations
• Unwavering commitment to excellence and attention to detail
• Strong moral compass and commitment to doing what's right, even when difficult
  
  

Communication & Collaboration

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to tailor message to audience
• Proven ability to influence without authority and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Experience facilitating executive-level meetings and strategic planning sessions
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business implications
  
  

Success Criteria

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Thrive in an intense, fast-paced startup environment where excellence is the standard
• Demonstrate unwavering dedication and commitment to the company's success
• Bring military-level discipline and rigor to every aspect of program management
• Handle direct feedback and course corrections with professionalism and immediate action
• View challenges as opportunities and maintain composure under extreme pressure
• Be energized by the opportunity to build something transformative from the ground up
  
  

Important Notes

This is not a role for those seeking work-life balance or a comfortable pace. We are building something extraordinary, and that requires extraordinary commitment. The successful candidate will embrace long hours, intense pressure, and the relentless pursuit of excellence as the price of admission to transforming an industry.

This is a fully on-site position in our Lower Manhattan offices. Remote work is not available for this role given the strategic nature and need for close collaboration with executive leadership.

Former military personnel are strongly encouraged to apply. We deeply value the discipline, operational excellence, and leadership capabilities that military service develops.

To Apply: Please submit your resume along with a cover letter explaining why you are uniquely qualified to bring military-grade discipline to XOPS's strategic initiatives. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Benefits

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary range: $165,000 - $195,000 (based on experience and qualifications)
• Meaningful equity participation in a high-growth, early-stage startup
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Opportunity to work directly with CEO and executive team in shaping company strategy
• The chance to be part of a revolutionary transformation in enterprise IT operations

XOPS is a fast-growing startup building the future of observability and automation for IT operations. Our platform unifies complex system data to deliver visibility, control, and intelligent workflows across the enterprise, empowering IT teams to manage the entire employee technology lifecycle with precision.