Workplace Operations Program Manager

Airbnb; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Employee travel credits

Job summary

Airbnb is seeking a Workplace Operations Program Manager to lead and scale cross-functional programs across the globe from the San Francisco base. You will build structure, processes, and tools to enable a high-performing Workplace Ops organization and deliver consistent results across regions and functions.

The ideal candidate has 8-10+ years of program management experience, strong systems-thinking, and the ability to influence without direct authority.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of experience in program management, workplace operations, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated track record of independently owning and delivering multiple complex, cross-functional programs simultaneously.
• Experience managing programs with global reach, including stakeholder alignment across functions, regions, and seniority levels.
• Strong systems-thinking and process-design skills; ability to build structure and clarity in fast-moving, ambiguous environments.
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority across teams and organizational levels.
• Experience developing policies, playbooks, and operational tooling for distributed teams.
• Strong analytical skills; comfortable using data to measure program performance and drive decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with program and project management tools (e.g., Airtable, JIRA, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with AI tools and emerging technologies that improve operational workflows, with an ability to identify practical applications that drive efficiency and better decision making across programs.
• Customer service orientation and a commitment to delivering a high-quality employee experience.
• Comfortable operating with autonomy in a high-visibility environment with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage a portfolio of cross-functional programs with global scope, driving delivery from inception through ongoing operation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain program-level policies, processes, playbooks, and operating standards that enable the Workplace Ops team to deliver consistently across regions and functions.
• Lead cross-functional workstreams in partnership with teams across the organization, ensuring Workplace Ops priorities are clearly represented, aligned, and delivered.
• Identify gaps in current program offerings and proactively develop solutions, often without an established playbook.
• Build and scale operational tooling, workflows, and internal resources that improve team effectiveness and the consistency of the employee-experience.
• Develop measurement frameworks and synthesize data and feedback to assess program performance, identify improvement opportunities, and inform strategic decisions.
• Support the team’s internal operating model by contributing to goal-setting, roadmap development, and team ways of working.
• Manage vendor relationships and provide direction where relevant to program delivery, ensuring alignment to Airbnb standards.
• Serve as a thought partner to Workplace Ops leadership on organizational priorities, team capacity, and program strategy.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, translating complex operational topics into clear guidance and actionable recommendations.

Skills

Program management

Workplace operations

Global programs

Systems thinking

Influence without authority

Policy development

Data analysis

Communication skills

Airtable

JIRA

AI tools in ops

Customer service

Autonomy

Tools

Airtable

JIRA

Job description

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

The Community You Will Join

The Workplace Operations Program Manager is responsible for leading and scaling programs that span the Workplace Operations organization. This role operates across functions and geographies, owning programs end-to-end while building the structure, processes, and tools that enable the broader team to operate consistently and at scale.

The Difference You Will Make

This is a cross-functional role that requires strong program management fundamentals, independent judgment, and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in ambiguous environments, skilled at building clarity and alignment, and motivated by improving how teams operate and deliver for employees globally.

A Typical Day

• Own and manage a portfolio of cross-functional programs with global scope, driving delivery from inception through ongoing operation and continuous improvement
• Develop and maintain program-level policies, processes, playbooks, and operating standards that enable the Workplace Ops team to deliver consistently across regions and functions
• Lead cross-functional workstreams in partnership with teams across the organization, ensuring Workplace Ops priorities are clearly represented, aligned, and delivered
• Identify gaps in current program offerings and proactively develop solutions, often without an established playbook
• Build and scale operational tooling, workflows, and internal resources that improve team effectiveness and the consistency of the employee-fac experience
• Develop measurement frameworks and synthesize data and feedback to assess program performance, identify improvement opportunities, and inform strategic decisions
• Support the team’s internal operating model by contributing to goal-setting, roadmap development, and team ways of working
• Manage vendor relationships and provide direction where relevant to program delivery, ensuring alignment to Airbnb standards
• Serve as a thought partner to Workplace Ops leadership on organizational priorities, team capacity, and program strategy
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, translating complex operational topics into clear guidance and actionable recommendations

Your Expertise

• 8-10+ years of experience in program management, workplace operations, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated track record of independently owning and delivering multiple complex, cross-functional programs simultaneously
• Experience managing programs with global reach, including stakeholder alignment across functions, regions, and seniority levels
• Strong systems-thinking and process-design skills; ability to build structure and clarity in fast-moving, ambiguous environments
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority across teams and organizational levels
• Experience developing policies, playbooks, and operational tooling for distributed teams
• Strong analytical skills; comfortable using data to measure program performance and drive decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences
• Proficiency with program and project management tools (e.g., Airtable, JIRA, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with AI tools and emerging technologies that improve operational workflows, with an ability to identify practical applications that drive efficiency and better decision making across programs
• Customer service orientation and a commitment to delivering a high-quality employee experience
• Comfortable operating with autonomy in a high-visibility environment with senior stakeholders

Your Location:

This position needs to be based in the San Francisco office as required by the business needs for the role.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: [e-mail]. Please include your full name, the role you’re applying for and the accommodation necessary to assist you with the recruiting process.

We ask that you only reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application.

How We'll Take Care Of You

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.

Pay Range

$156,000—$193,000 USD