Senior Program Manager

Pax Recruiting; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Generous PTO policy

Job summary

Pax Recruiting is seeking a Senior Program Manager in Austin to lead a major statewide implementation. You will work on-site with the client, coordinating multiple workstreams across Product, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Customer Success.

This is a high-visibility role with significant responsibility from kickoff through launch and ongoing execution. You will manage senior stakeholders, maintain project discipline, and travel across Texas to service locations and events.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program or project management, including leading at least one large, multi‑stakeholder implementation from kickoff through go‑live.
• Consulting background in transformation or management is a strong plus for operating roles.
• Track record of managing long‑term client relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Client‑facing experience in consulting or customer implementations.
• Practical experience using AI tools and project management software.
• Based in Austin, TX area; relocation not considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead Implementation From Kickoff to Go-Live: build and run the integrated program plan, manage the program tracking tool, and ensure milestones are met.
• Own the Client Relationship: act as on‑site point of contact, report accurately, and represent client priorities internally.
• Build Relationships in Person: work on-site in Austin several days a week and travel across Texas to service locations and events.
• Spot Problems Before They Become Fires: forecast risks weeks ahead and present clear, actionable solutions.

Skills

Complex Program Management

Client Relationships

Calm Under Pressure

Ownership and Bias for Action

Analytical Problem Solving

Executive Communication

Travel Flexibility

Tools

AI tools

Project management software

Job description

Our client is a growing technology company providing biometric identification and fingerprinting solutions that help safeguard communities and support essential services. The company works with government agencies, law enforcement, schools, healthcare organizations, and other institutions.

We're looking for a Senior Program Manager in Austin to lead a major statewide implementation. You'll join at the beginning of the program as the dedicated lead, working on-site alongside the client to keep every workstream on track through launch and beyond.

This is a highly visible role with significant responsibility, direct exposure to company and client leadership, and the opportunity to take ownership of a complex program from the ground up.

The program touches nearly every part of the business: software configuration and integrations delivered by Product and Engineering, fingerprinting service locations and field staff managed by Operations, billing and financials supported by Finance, and a Customer Success operation serving applicants across the state.

Your role is to keep everything moving, anticipate challenges, and become a trusted partner to the client.

What You'll Do

• Lead Implementation From Kickoff to Go-Live. Build and run the integrated program plan, including scope, milestones, dependencies, risks, and the critical path to launch. Own the program tracking tool (such as Asana or Trello), keep status updates, decision logs, and change control current, and follow up with owners to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Own the Client Relationship. Serve as the day-to-day, on-site point of contact for agency program staff and leadership. Build long-term relationships through accurate reporting, proactive communication, and follow-through, while representing the client's priorities internally.
• Build Relationships in Person. Work on-site with the client in Austin several days a week and travel across Texas to service locations, enrollment events, and regional offices. Understand how the program operates on the ground and help resolve challenges firsthand.
• Spot Problems Before They Become Fires. Think several weeks ahead, identify risks early, and bring leadership a clear understanding of the problem, potential implications, and your recommended approach. Then take ownership of executing the solution.

What You Excel At

• Complex Program Management. You've managed programs with multiple workstreams, firm deadlines, and dependencies. You know how to keep a project moving and hold people accountable.
• Client Relationships. You know how to build trust with senior stakeholders, including government and public‑sector leaders. You're reliable, direct, and thoughtful in your communication. You deliver difficult news early and come prepared with solutions.
• Calm Under Pressure. You stay organized when priorities shift, manage competing demands, and maintain high standards when deadlines are tight.
• Ownership and Bias for Action. You don't wait for someone else to solve a problem. You take initiative, move quickly, and follow through.
• Analytical Problem Solving. You can take a complicated problem, break it into clear options, and recommend a path forward using structured, consulting‑style thinking.
• Executive Communication. You're comfortable working directly with senior leadership and can communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally in writing and in person.

Your Background

• 10+ years of experience in program or project management, including leading at least one large, multi‑stakeholder implementation from kickoff through go‑live
• Consulting background is a strong plus, particularly in transformation or program management, especially for someone interested in moving into an operating role
• Track record of managing long‑term client relationships with senior stakeholders
• Client‑facing experience, ideally in consulting or customer implementations, working directly with client teams and leadership
• Practical experience using AI tools and project management software
• Currently based in the Austin, TX area; relocation is not being considered
• Ability to travel across Texas as needed
• U.S. citizenship required for government contract work

This position requires passing a Texas DPS fingerprint‑based background check. Certain criminal history, pending charges, or other disqualifying circumstances may affect eligibility under applicable government contract requirements.

Why This Opportunity

• Meaningful Impact. Work on technology that supports public safety and helps safeguard communities.
• Real Ownership. Lead one of the company's largest and most visible programs from initial implementation through launch and ongoing execution.
• Leadership Exposure. Work directly with senior client stakeholders and collaborate across Product, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Customer Success.
• Opportunity to Build. Join at the beginning of a major program and help shape how it is implemented, managed, and delivered.
• Growing Company. Be part of an expanding team that values fresh ideas, initiative, and professional development.
• Great Benefits. Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with a generous PTO policy.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace.