Program Manager

Location: Hyderabad (Work From Office)

Work Days: 6 days a week

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM

Notice Period: Immediate to 30 days preferred (max 45 days)

Experience: 0–3 years

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and execution-driven Program Manager to join our team. In this high-impact role, you will spearhead the development, implementation, and refinement of cutting-edge performance management and learning systems. You will empower employees with AI-driven tools and insights, foster a culture of high ownership, and align talent practices with NxtWave's ambitious organizational goals. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on execution, innovation, building from 0 to 1, and collaborating in a fast-paced environment.

You will run company-wide programs such as monthly ratings, GenAI adoption, new hire induction, and leadership labs — always applying an “AI-first” mindset in your approach.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Management Systems

• Lead the rollout and execution of monthly performance review cycles (GROW process), goal-setting, check-ins, and rating cycles across all teams.
• Analyze performance data and employee feedback to deliver actionable insights and create dashboards highlighting risks, role alignment, culture gaps, and improvement suggestions.
• Design and refine scalable performance management systems and explore AI tools for enhanced data analysis.
• Drive the adoption of Individual Growth Plans (IGPs) and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to empower employee career progression.
• Establish and monitor tracking systems to improve role alignment and feedback loops.

Learning & Development Ecosystem

• Design and manage scalable learning programs, including online-first modules to address skill gaps and boost performance, leveraging AI tools where appropriate.
• Enhance manager effectiveness and coaching capabilities, promoting a culture of continuous learning.
• Develop strategies for AI empowerment to increase employee productivity and innovation.
• Measure and improve the impact of training initiatives using data and feedback.

Culture & Engagement

• Lead new hire inductions to align employees with company mission, values, and culture emphasizing ownership from day one.
• Collaborate to embed core values into daily practices, promoting accountability and proactive problem-solving.
• Partner with HR and leadership to boost employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Leadership Development & Career Frameworks

• Support leadership development program design and track their success.
• Identify and nurture high-potential employees to build a leadership readiness pipeline.
• Collaborate with department heads to implement role ladders and career pathways, especially for Sales, Pre-Sales, and Marketing teams.

Operational Excellence & Partnership

• Prepare and present comprehensive reports synthesizing performance, learning, leadership, and culture data for senior leadership.
• Ensure smooth operation of people programs with high-quality documentation and repeatable processes.
• Partner with HR and functional leaders to identify talent needs and improve organizational effectiveness.

What You’ll Bring

• 0–3 years experience in program management, performance management, L&D, organizational development, HR, or similar roles with strong execution skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with 0-1 experience (building initiatives or systems from scratch).
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality results on time in a fast-paced startup environment.
• High integrity, ethical approach, and a genuine growth mindset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in English.
• High adaptability and proactive problem-solving.
• Systems-thinking approach to designing scalable processes.
• Ability to own execution: led projects end-to-end, not just assisted.
• Process thinker: able to break down goals into clear steps and track progress.
• AI-first mindset: shows curiosity or practice with ChatGPT / GenAI tools (small examples are fine).
• Communicates well: writes clear updates and works effectively across teams.
• Preferred: experience with data dashboards, career frameworks, or EdTech/startup exposure.
• Demonstrated experience managing or working closely with small teams (2–5 people).

Resume Clues That Fit

• Program Manager or Project Manager roles in startups or fast-moving teams.
• Mention of AI tools, automation, or use of data dashboards.
• Evidence of driving project timelines or managing a small team