Lead Program Manager Design

Airbnb is a global hospitality company that connects hosts with guests, and they are seeking a Lead Design Program Manager to oversee program management for their design team. The role involves scoping, planning, executing, and launching design initiatives that impact Airbnb's hosts and guests while ensuring cross-functional alignment and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with Design Managers, Directors, and cross-functional leaders to align on program scope, timelines, and deliverables
• Establish operating rhythms across design teams, including communication cadences, resource planning, and leadership check-ins
• Lead the planning and execution of large product launches, ensuring design workstreams are delivered with quality and on time
• Serve as the bridge across Design, Engineering, Product Marketing, and Business teams, ensuring visibility, communication, and risk management
• Drive continuous improvement by running internal initiatives to strengthen operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration
• Anticipate and resolve obstacles across teams, proactively elevating risks and implementing solutions

Requirements:

• 12+ years of experience in Consulting, Program Management, Product/Project Management, or related fields
• Proven ability to manage and deliver impactful design initiatives in large digital product organizations
• Strong track record in navigating ambiguity, structuring solutions, and driving initiatives from conception through launch
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term thinking with near-term execution
• Demonstrated leadership in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience establishing systems and scalable processes where little exists, with a flexible, solutions-oriented mindset
• Passion for organizational excellence, detail orientation, and thriving in a fast-paced, hyper-growth environment
• Deep appreciation for the Product Design process and experience working within cross-functional, product-driven organizations