Senior Strategic Program Manager

About Gusto

At Gusto were on a mission to grow the small business economy. We handle the hard stufflike payroll health insurance 401(k)s and HRso owners can focus on their craft and customers. With teams in Denver San Francisco and New York were proud to support more than 400000 small businesses across the country and were building a workplace that represents and celebrates the customers we serve. Learn more about our Total Rewards philosophy.

About the Role:

Core Experiences is at the heart of Gustos product platform building customer-facing products and foundational capabilities used across R&D. Were looking for an exceptional Senior Strategic Program Manager to help scale this impactful group by owning operational cadences and leading cross-functional program execution.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in complexity sees around corners and builds the systems that make high-impact work possible. Youll play a central role in delivering on ambitious priorities like AI and Gustos customer communications role is a unique opportunity to help drive and support high priority initiatives for Gustos Core Experiences group. You will be empowered by the Chief of Staff to the Head of Core Experiences joining a world-class Insights and Operations team balancing strategy operations and special projects to create a world where work empowers a better life.

About the Team:

The Core Experiences Platform teams encompass the foundational data models APIs and UX concepts (or commons) that teams across Gusto leverage to build high quality cohesive experiences at scale. We think globally about how to craft a thoughtful system of apps and experiences considering the full stack so that App teams can focus more locally on solving their unique jobs to be done. This work is critical to ensuring that Gusto functions and feels like one integrated connected experience where concepts data and UX patterns have shared meaning and where customers can build their own understanding and confidence because the experience is predictable consistent easy to use and feels custom-built for the unique needs of their business.

Heres what youll do day-to-day:

• Strengthen operational rhythms Drive the Core Experiences leadership teams operating cadence. Plan and facilitate org-wide rituals (weekly meetings onsites planning cycles) with clear templates timelines and coordination so the team runs smoothly.
• Keep strategic programs on track Lead operations for high-priority initiatives (including customer-facing AI initiatives) ensuring alignment on timelines goals and success criteria across complex stakeholder groups.
• Connect the dots across teams Partner with App teams other platform teams and teams across Gusto to align priorities surface tradeoffs and allocate resources effectively. Identify and mitigate risks early leading operational readiness so programs succeed post-launch.
• Build scalable systems Design and evolve processes that make Core Experiences more effective. Maintain centralized documentation hubs and create repeatable enablement tools (e.g. platform roadshows adoption toolkits) to support cross-team knowledge sharing.

Heres what were looking for:

• 710 years of experience in analytical operating roles at high-growth startups
• 57 years in program or project management ideally in a high-growth tech company
• Experience within a cross-functional product organization (preferred)
• Proven ability to create operational excellence through strategic cadence and discipline
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools
• Experience in strategic planning and translating strategy into actionable plans with KPIs/OKRs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Deep empathy for small business customers
• Ability to flex between strategic and tactical work
• Skill at keeping priorities on track and communication flowing
• A passion for helping others
• Bonus if youve led programs in AI or other innovative technology areas with an eye toward cross-functional alignment and execution

Our cash compensation amount for this role is between $185955 - $229345/year for New York/San Francisco. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate location experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.

Gusto has physical office spaces in Denver San Francisco and New York City. Employees who are based in those locations will be expected to work from the office on designated days approximately 2-3 days per week (or more depending on role). The same office expectations apply to all Symmetry roles Gustos subsidiary whose physical office is in Scottsdale.

Note: The San Francisco office expectations encompass both the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas.

When approved to work from a location other than a Gusto office a secure reliable and consistent internet connection is required. This includes non-office days for hybrid employees.

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds not just because its the right thing to do but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for small businesses you will find a home at Gusto.

Gusto is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race color religion national origin age sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) marital status ancestry physical or mental disability genetic information veteran status gender identity or expression sexual orientation or other applicable legally protected characteristic. Gusto considers qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal state and local law. Gusto is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. We want to see our candidates perform to the best of their ability. If you require a medical or religious accommodation at any time throughout your candidate journey please fill out this form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

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