Program Manager (Startups)

Roles & Responsibilities

** need to have experience with innovation programs**
The Program Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management and delivery of assigned innovation programs within Hatch’s Programs Unit. This includes delivering programspilots, and other structured innovation formats.

The role ensures that programs are delivered effectively, meet defined milestones and outcomes, and align with the needs of Mission Partners (MPs). The Program Manager coordinates cross-functional teams, manages stakeholders, and ensures high-quality execution and reporting.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Program Planning & Delivery Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned programs from planning to execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Translate Challenge Statements (CS) received from the Partner Success and Scouting & Insights Units into structured program delivery plans.
• Define program scope, milestones, schedules, resource needs, and success criteria.
• Ensure programs meet delivery standards, KPIs, and Mission Partner expectations.

B. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate program delivery activities with Partner Success, Scouting & Insights, TXV teams, and other internal stakeholders.
• Integrate startup validation, technical insights, and operational inputs into program delivery plans.
• Ensure effective collaboration between Delivery Branch and other units throughout the program lifecycle.

C. Oversight of In-Programme Projects

• Oversee Project Managers executing POCs, pilots, and trials within assigned programs.
• Review project plans, ensure alignment with program goals, and monitor project progress.
• Provide issue resolution support, escalation management, and decision-making guidance.
• Ensure accurate tracking of project deliverables, risks, and outcomes.

D. Stakeholder & Mission Partner Engagement

• Serve as the primary operational contact for Mission Partners throughout program delivery.
• Coordinate stakeholder communications, reviews, workshops, and feedback sessions.
• Facilitate engagement between Mission Partners, startups, and Champions to support project success.
• Maintain strong professional relationships and ensure consistent stakeholder satisfaction.

E. Monitoring, Reporting & Governance

• Track program progress using established governance frameworks, tools, and dashboards.
• Prepare clear documentation, including status reports, milestone updates, risk logs, and delivery summaries.
• Ensure all programs comply with internal SOPs, quality standards, and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to structured program reviews and identify areas for improvement.

F. Continuous Improvement of Program Design &Delivery

• Identify opportunities to refine and improve in-service programs based on delivery experience.
• Recommend enhancements to program frameworks, processes, and operational workflows.
• Support VP, Programs in implementing improvements across the Delivery Branch.

G. Budget & Administrative Management

• Manage program delivery within allocated budgets (without access to Mission Partner contractual values).
• Support procurement, financial tracking, and administrative processes where required.
• Ensure resource utilisation is aligned with program plans and organisational priorities.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Experience

• 5–8 years of experience in program management, innovation delivery, project management, or public-sector transformation.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder programs or innovation initiatives.
• Experience working with government agencies, startups, or complex ecosystems is advantageous.

4. Skills & Competencies

Technical & Functional Competencies

• Program and project management
• Stakeholder and partner engagement
• Cross-functional coordination
• Risk and issue management
• Delivery governance and reporting
• Knowledge of innovation processes and ecosystems

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Structured, organised, and detail-oriented
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Collaborative working style
• High accountability and adaptability
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent programs/projects

5.Key Working Relationships

• Internal: VP, Programs; Project Managers; Partner Success Unit; Scouting & Insights
• Unit; TXV functions; Operations; Finance
• External: Mission Partners (government agencies); startups; ecosystem partners; vendors and solution providers

Tell employers what skills you have

Open Innovation
Leadership
Microsoft Excel
Due Diligence
Data Analysis
Analytical Skills
Escalation Management
Agile
Innovation Projects
Procurement
Innovation Development
Project Management
Trials
Accountability
Business Innovation
Stakeholder Management
Scouting