Principal Technical Program Manager

Summary

Join Gusto's Data team as a Principal Technical Program Manager and lead impactful cross-functional programs driving the strategic vision of Gusto's data initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to plan, execute, and deliver programs optimizing data systems and governance. Shape data strategy, prepare the organization for technical change, and ensure alignment across teams. As a critical partner to senior leadership, leverage technical expertise and program management skills to influence data-driven decisions. This role involves leading complex programs, defining data strategy, overseeing implementation of critical data initiatives, and building strong cross-functional relationships. You will play a key role in Gusto's overall data strategy, impacting data architecture, engineering efficiency, and product delivery.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in technical program management at software companies with demonstrated success leading large-scale, cross-functional programs
• Deep experience with data engineering processes, architecture, and workflows, including a strong understanding of data platforms, cloud infrastructures, and ETL pipelines
• Expertise in Agile methodologies, with a solid background in managing scrum teams, product backlogs, and roadmaps using JIRA or similar tools
• Proven ability to communicate effectively across both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex issues and propose data-driven solutions

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive complex, cross-functional data programs by developing and managing detailed program roadmaps, project plans, and timelines, ensuring alignment between data teams, product and engineering partners, and business stakeholders
• Partner with the Head of Data and senior leadership to define the data strategy, align on priorities, and report on progress across the organization
• Oversee the implementation of critical data initiatives such as Amplitude re-implementation, optimizing CDP platforms like Tealium, and improving tracking across web and mobile applications
• Collaborate with product managers, data engineers, and analysts to deliver high-quality, scalable data assets that meet organizational and customer needs
• Establish and continuously improve operational procedures to enhance team productivity, streamline communication, and drive program success
• Serve as a thought partner for executives, providing strategic insights and recommendations for data programs, including resource allocation, risk management, and technical considerations
• Design and implement frameworks that ensure readiness for data-driven changes across the business, building scalable solutions to prepare teams for regular data updates and launches
• Build strong relationships with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery of data programs that have wide-reaching impacts
• Help build Data’s brand within Gusto by creating company-wide communication mechanisms around the work we do
• Potential opportunity to lead a small team of TPMs in the future

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience implementing tracking solutions for web and mobile apps, as well as familiarity with customer data platforms (e.g., Tealium, Amplitude)
• 3-5 years of experience managing and mentoring teams, with a proven ability to lead and develop individual contributors
• Proficiency in SQL, with hands-on experience in querying databases like Redshift, Snowflake, or similar platforms

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages with a strong emphasis on equity-based compensation (ownership in Gusto)
• Cash compensation amount targeted at $170,000-$210,000/year in Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta, $184,000/year - $228,000 in Los Angeles, and $199,000-$247,000/year for Seattle, San Francisco and New York
• Office work 2-3 days a week (or more depending on role) in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City offices; remote work option available when approved