Senior Director, Technical Program Management

Zebra Technologies; Holtsville (NY); On-site; USD 202,560 - 303,840; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Total Rewards program

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Zebra Technologies is seeking a Senior Director of Technical Program Management to lead portfolio execution for the Connected Frontline across hardware, software, and cloud offerings. The role partners with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, and IT to align strategy with execution and accelerate delivery from concept to release.

The ideal candidate brings senior PMO leadership experience, expertise in Agile/SAFe, and a proven track record of driving organizational transformation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a highly quantitative related field.
• 20+ years of experience in product development, including NPI, GTM launches, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated experience leading R&D program execution or PMO delivery across hardware/software.
• 7+ years people management experience across global PMO organizations.

Responsibilities

• Sets strategic direction of the Connected Frontline PMO aligned with company objectives.
• Translates portfolio strategy into executable roadmaps and delivery plans with cross‑functional teams.
• Drives integration of software, cloud services, AI, and hardware offerings to deliver value.

Skills

Executive leadership

PMO leadership

Agile / SAFe

AI in delivery

Stakeholder management

Portfolio governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/computer science or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA

Job description

Overview

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customers’ and partners’ needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We’re Looking For

The Connected Frontline Senior Director of Technical Program Management is responsible for portfolio execution and PMO leadership across Zebra’s Connected Frontline portfolio, including Mobile Computing, Software Solutions, and the Chief Technology Office (CTO). This role partners with leaders across Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, IT and Operations to align strategy with execution and drive delivery of hardware, software, and cloud offerings from concept through release. This leader develops talent, builds organizational capability, and drives operational excellence to accelerate delivery, improve customer outcomes, and support business growth.

Responsibilities

• Establishes the strategic direction of the Connected Frontline Program Management organization in alignment with company objectives. Defines execution standards, operating mechanisms, governance models, metrics, and portfolio management practices that improve visibility, consistency, and predictability across PMO teams.
• Partners with Product, Solutions, Engineering, Finance, and Business Unit leadership to translate portfolio strategy into executable roadmaps and integrated delivery plans. Enables prioritization and investment decisions through data‑driven insights, portfolio analysis, resource planning, and execution risk assessments. Drives cross‑functional alignment and operational readiness for complex programs and initiatives.
• Drives execution of integrated solutions spanning software, cloud services, AI capabilities, mobile devices, and customer‑facing solution offerings. Ensures alignment across Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, Marketing, Services, Finance, and Operations to successfully deliver and launch solutions. Leads governance for solution lifecycle management and release readiness while ensuring initiatives deliver measurable value through improved speed to market, quality, operational efficiency, risk reduction, and customer outcomes.
• Leads adoption of AI‑enabled delivery practices, automation frameworks, and data‑driven execution capabilities across the PMO organization. Establishes standards for leveraging AI to improve planning, estimation, reporting, risk management, knowledge sharing, and operational efficiency. Drives measurable improvements in productivity, predictability, and quality.
• Acts as an enterprise change leader, driving alignment, accountability, and adoption of new tools, processes, and ways of working. Sponsors and leads strategic cross‑functional transformation initiatives that improve how Zebra develops, licenses, deploys, supports, and scales software and solution offerings.
• Influences medium‑ and long‑term strategy across the Connected Frontline portfolio and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. Drives executive alignment across business units and functions, resolves complex organizational challenges, removes barriers to execution, and advances strategic priorities.
• Establishes and evolves PMO standards focused on portfolio management, Agile execution, solution delivery, AI‑enabled operations, metrics and analytics, and continuous improvement. Defines and scales best practices across businesses and geographies.
• Provides leadership and oversight for PMO leaders and program managers across the portfolio. Ensures successful execution through effective planning, staffing, budgeting, resource allocation, prioritization, dependency management, risk management, and decision‑making. Serves as the escalation point for complex program and portfolio challenges. Develops and communicates portfolio insights, performance metrics, risks, and recommendations to support executive decision‑making.
• Leads a global organization of Directors, Senior Managers, Program Managers, and support personnel. Builds, develops, and retains high‑performing leadership teams while ensuring strong succession plans, organizational capability, and leadership depth. Creates development opportunities that strengthen strategic thinking, business acumen, technical expertise, AI fluency, program management discipline, and transformational leadership capabilities.
• Provides executive oversight for strategic external development partners, including JDMs, contract manufacturers, and technology providers. Ensures alignment on execution, cost, quality, schedule, and delivery commitments while maintaining senior‑level partner relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a highly quantitative related field.
• 20+ years of experience in product development, including New Product Introduction (NPI), external Go‑to‑Market (GTM) launches, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated experience leading R&D program execution or PMO delivery across a mixed portfolio of hardware and software.
• 7+ years people management experience, including leading global PMO organizations consisting of multiple management layers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (Advanced Engineering or MBA)
• Experience managing complex portfolios containing hardware, software, cloud services, and solution offerings.
• Experience delivering and launching cloud‑based SaaS products and software monetization strategies for consumption‑based products.
• Experience managing strategic external development partners, Joint Design Manufacturers (JDMs), or contract manufacturers.
• Proven track record of leading organizational transformation, operating model changes, and cross‑functional business initiatives.
• Experience leveraging AI, automation, data analytics, and enterprise portfolio visualization tools to improve PMO maturity and operational efficiency.
• Strong business intuition, including portfolio prioritization, investment analysis, and assessing customer value, and driving commercial readiness and GTM velocity.
• Expert knowledge of advanced program management approaches (Agile, SAFe, CI/CD, etc.) with PMP and/or Agile certifications strongly preferred.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills, with ability to influence C‑level executives, resolve complex organizational challenges, and synthesize complex data into clear, actionable executive narratives.
• Advanced management skills including setting strategic direction, driving accountability, conflict management, selecting and developing top‑tier talent, and coaching and mentoring PMO leaders.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at [e-mail].

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Pay Range

$202,560.00 - $303,840.00 Annual

Incentive Compensation

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance‑based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 30% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work. Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job‑related skills, knowledge, and experience. Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long‑term incentive equity awards.

Benefits

We understand the importance of work‑life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual company‑wide well‑being day to promote revitalization and success.

Job Posting Statement

To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e‑mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department.

AI Technology Statement

Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job‑relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy.