Director Technical Program Management - Nordstrom Platform & Data - Hybrid - Seattle

We are seeking a highly experienced Technical Program Management (TPM) Director to lead and mature the technical program management function within our Platform and Data Technology organization. In this role, you will be responsible for driving the successful execution of technically complex programs, ensuring that engineering and technology teams deliver on time, with high quality, and with consistency and scalability in mind. You will collaborate closely with senior leadership, the Portfolio Manager, Director of Program Management, product management, and cross-functional business and technical teams, ensuring that technical program deliverables align with the organization's broader platform and data strategies.

The TPM Director will also mentor and grow a team of TPMs and work on optimizing processes to improve the overall TPM practices within the organization. This is a high-visibility, strategic leadership role where you will directly influence the success of key technology initiatives, shape the technical roadmap, and contribute to the long-term vision of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Program Leadership: Lead and drive the execution of technical programs, projects and workstreams related to platform and data technologies, ensuring that they meet desired business objectives. Work in partnership with senior leaders to define and oversee the technical roadmap for key initiatives, ensuring that engineering teams deliver solutions that are scalable, robust, and meet organizational needs.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with the Director of Program Management and other senior leaders, including Engineering, Product, Network, and Data teams, to ensure technical requirements and business objectives are aligned and executed effectively. Foster strong relationships with stakeholders and serve as the technical point of contact for program delivery.

• Program Execution & Delivery: Lead the team of TPM’s who drive the end-to-end execution of complex technical programs, including product development, system architecture, infrastructure upgrades, and platform and data initiatives. Ensure that technical milestones are met on time, within scope, and on budget. Provide clear guidance to technical teams, ensuring that they are empowered to resolve challenges and drive progress.

• Technical Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks that could affect program timelines or quality. Proactively address challenges and obstacles in technical delivery and collaborate with engineering leadership to develop solutions to remove blockers.

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and coach a team of Technical Program Managers, ensuring they have the support and resources to succeed. Provide guidance on best practices for technical program management and ensure continuous professional development through training and career growth opportunities.

• Program Governance & Reporting: Partner with the Program Manager-Tech Director, Portfolio Manager and the other senior leaders to establish and maintain governance processes for tracking, reporting, and evaluating technical program progress. Provide clear and concise updates to senior leadership and stakeholders on program status, risks, dependencies, and resource needs. Use metrics and data to drive continuous improvement and make data-driven decisions.

• Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with cross-functional technical and business teams, ensuring smooth communication and alignment across projects. Act as the bridge between engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex technical challenges into understandable language for all levels of the organization.

• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and refine technical program management processes, methodologies, and tools to improve efficiency and execution. Drive the adoption of best practices in Agile, Scrum, or other relevant methodologies to improve team collaboration and delivery.

• Innovation & Technical Excellence: Foster a culture of innovation within the technical teams by encouraging the exploration of new technologies, tools, and approaches. Ensure that the technical teams are adopting the latest best practices and that their solutions are scalable and future-proof.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.

• 10+ years of experience in technical program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership position overseeing technical programs in a platform, data, or technology-focused organization.

• Proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional technical programs from conception to successful delivery.

• Deep technical knowledge of platform engineering, cloud technologies, and data infrastructure.

• Strong experience in Agile, Scrum, and/or other project management methodologies, with a focus on managing large-scale technical initiatives.

• Experience working closely with senior engineering leaders and technical teams to ensure program success.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and manage without direct authority.

• Exceptional technical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues into business language and communicate clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to drive execution in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to inform decision-making.

• Familiarity with modern software development practices and technologies, including cloud computing, microservices architecture, data platforms, and APIs.