Program Manager

Zs Associates; Gurugram District; Hybrid; INR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

ZS Associates in India is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead end-to-end planning and delivery across multiple workstreams for large client engagements. You will establish a robust PMO framework and collaborate with senior stakeholders to ensure timely, quality outcomes.

The role requires 10–15 years of PM experience or an MBA with 5+ years, with expertise in PMI/Agile and hybrid methodologies. Fluency in English, a client-first mindset, and strong collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Graduate with 10–15 years plus experience in Project Management, or an MBA with 5+ years PM experience.
• Experience in large transformations and PMO activity for client accounts.
• Life Science/Healthcare/Pharma or Consulting experience is a nice to have; Insurance/Finance is a plus.
• Experience in large-scale programs with multiple stakeholders and data dependencies.
• Knowledge of PM phases, techniques, and reporting tools.
• Ability to work in Agile, Waterfall and hybrid methodologies.
• PMI/PMP, Prince2, or Agile certification desirable.
• Fluency in English; client-first mentality; intense work ethic; collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Program planning by leading end-to-end planning and execution across multiple workstreams for large engagements.
• Lead program delivery for key workstreams to generate traction and momentum.
• Set up a robust PMO framework for effective delivery and governance.
• Identify complexity areas and engage stakeholders to define success criteria.
• Lead unstructured problem solving with team and client on issues during programs.
• Partner with senior program leaders to plan initiatives and build client relationships.
• Mentor junior PMO team members to meet project objectives.

Skills

PMO leadership

PMI/PMBOK/Agile

Agile/Waterfall/Hybrid

English fluency

Client-first mentality

Collaborative problem solving

Strong work ethic

Education

MBA or relevant advanced degree

10–15 years PM experience

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

Program Manager

Program Manager Expertise Center (PMEC)

ZS's Program Management Expertise Center provides planning, delivery, and governance expertise to a wide range of clients and internal stakeholders. Our global organization is comprised of team‑oriented, pragmatic, and results‑driven people who thrive on solving challenging problems and driving the implementation of critical solutions. Our people come from diverse backgrounds,but share a passion for ensuring successful delivery of planned outcomes for our customers - both external clients as well as internal practice areas and industry vertical.

What You’ll Do:

• Program planning by leading end to end planning and execution across one or more workstreams for a large engagement with multiple projects and workstreams;
• Program execution by leading program delivery for key workstreams across strategic initiatives, drive the program activities to ensure the program generates early traction and maintains forward momentum;
• Provide leadership to setup a robust PMO framework for effective delivery and execution;
• Identify areas of complexity within the program, and proactively engage with stakeholders to define success criteria and direction to address challenges, pivoting as needed to achieve successful outcomes;
• Participate and lead unstructured problem solving with the team and client on issues which arise during the course of a large program;
• Partner with senior program leaders and client stakeholders to plan and lead key initiatives and build a strong network and relationships with key client stakeholders;
• Responsible for mentoring junior PMO team members and providing the direction required for meeting the project objectives.

What You’ll Bring:

• Graduate with 10-15 years plus of experience in Project Management, or a Post Graduate with an MBA or other relevant advanced degree with 5 years plus of experience in Project Management;
• Prior experience with program and PMO activity for large business transformations, or, implementation of Digital strategy; experience managing large PMO vertical and client accounts;
• Any Life Science, Healthcare, Pharma or Consulting experience is a nice to have – Insurance or Finance industry experience also a plus;
• Experience in large scale transformation programs with multiple stakeholders, complicated data dependencies, intersecting workstreams, and project change management;
• Thorough understanding of project management phases, techniques, and tools & reporting;
• Ability to work in Agile, Waterfall and hybrid methodologies;
• Strong knowledge of PMI and Agile project management standards and terminologies. PMI/PMP, Prince2, or Agile certification desire d.;
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem- solving approach

Additional Skills:

• Strong ability to understand projects KPIs and SLAs;
• Experience managing multiple projects at once and ensuring priority of issues and risks;
• Experience leading and coaching junior team members;
• Strong ability to implement processes, excellent oral and written communication skills, leadership skills and self-motivation, polished interpersonal skills, customer focus.

How you’ll grow:

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in India, visit ZS India office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn moreabout our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.