Senior Technical Program Manager at Avalara (tax compliance SaaS) leading large cross-functional R&D programs across architecture governance, quality/defect reduction, and incident prevention. Day to day: Jira/SDLC governance, AI-assisted dashboards and data tooling (Python, Streamlit, GitLab), and executive storytelling to VPs and C-level.
Compensation
$136.4K–$272.5K / yr
Location
United States
Work setup
Not specified
Seniority
Senior
Employment
Full time
Experience
12+ years
Category
Project management
Posted
Skills
agile
ai
ai-enablement
api
automation
candidate-experience
claude-code
cloud
fintech
gitlab
jira
kanban
llm
machine-learning
pmp
program-management
prototyping
python
root-cause-analysis
saas
safe-agile
sdlc
streamlit
Must have
8–12+ years of Technical Program Management experience in fast-paced, product-based cloud/SaaS environments
Track record managing multi-team initiatives across global time zones (strong US/India stakeholder alignment)
Proven track record leading root cause analysis, customer-found defect reduction, or site reliability/quality governance programs
Deep fluency with Jira & Agile/Flow metrics (JQL, roll-up views, CFD/Kanban workflows, delivery KPIs)
Hands-on AI-assisted rapid prototyping of dashboards and data scripts (Python, Streamlit, JS, or low-code frameworks)
Exceptional executive storytelling with ability to influence VPs and directors
Strong technical acumen (BS/MS in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience); can evaluate architectural trade-offs, APIs, and scaling constraints
Nice to have
Hands-on familiarity with AI coding assistants (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, GitLab Copilot)
Prior experience leading AI/ML program delivery or developer productivity tooling initiatives
Experience in fintech, transactional tax compliance, high-scale transaction processing, or distributed enterprise SaaS systems
Full description
What You'll Do
Avalara is seeking an expert Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM) to drive strategic execution excellence across large, complex, cross-cutting R&D initiatives spanning multiple functions, platforms, and global engineering teams.
In this role, you will lead high-visibility organizational programs, operationalize engineering governance frameworks, and elevate SDLC maturity across distributed organizations. You will own and orchestrate three foundational engineering pillars:
Product Quality & Customer Defect Reduction: Championing customer experience through systematic defect analysis, escape prevention, and release quality gates.
Incident Prevention & Continuous Improvement: Leading systemic root cause analyses (RCA), corrective/preventive action frameworks, and post-incident learning to build resilient, self-healing engineering ecosystems.
You are not just a coordinator—you are a technical leader, a storyteller, and a modern data-and-AI practitioner who leverages AI tools and rapid automation to build real-time program dashboards, streamline operational insights, and turn complex program data into actionable executive narratives.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
#LI-Remote
What Your Responsibilities Will Be
Large-Scale Cross-Cutting Program Leadership
End-to-End Program Orchestration: Drive planning, execution, dependency mapping, and delivery of mission-critical, multi-team initiatives spanning Product, Architecture, Platform Engineering, Security, and Cloud Operations.
Risk & Dependency Mastery: Proactively expose hidden technical assumptions, manage complex inter-service dependencies, evaluate architectural trade-offs, and unblock teams to sustain delivery predictability.
Advanced Jira Fluent Management & Process Hygiene
Operational & Jira Excellence: Super-fluent in structuring, designing, and optimizing Jira ecosystems (filters, JQL, advanced roadmaps, board configurations, velocity tracking, and cycle time metrics) to enforce rigorous SDLC hygiene without acting as a mere administrator.
AI-assisted rapid development & Custom Dashboards: Rapidly prototype and build custom, interactive dashboards, scripts, and analytical tools (leveraging Python, modern frontend toolkits, Streamlit, Retool, or low-code frameworks alongside AI assistants) to extract, visualize, and analyze engineering data directly from Jira, GitLab, and internal APIs.
Senior Technical Program Manager at Avalara (United States) — aijobsearch
Data-Backed Insights: Turn raw operational telemetry into meaningful metrics that uncover bottlenecks, predict delivery slip risks, and measure team health.
Executive Storytelling & Communication
Expert Storyteller: Synthesize multi-layered technical complexity into crisp, engaging, executive-ready narratives, QBR updates, and visual presentations for VPs and C-level leadership.
Bridge Strategy & Execution: Translate high-level business vision and OKRs into clear engineering execution roadmaps and vice versa, aligning cross-functional stakeholders on priorities and trade-offs.
AI Enablement & Productivity Innovation
AI-First Workflows: Champion and adopt cutting-edge AI developer tools, intelligent agents, and LLM-assisted workflows) across the program lifecycle to dramatically increase execution velocity and efficiency.
Continuous Enablement: Mentor teams and act as a change agent in adopting modern AI-driven delivery practices, agile coaching, and automated reporting frameworks.
What You'll Need to be Successful
Required Qualifications
8–12+ years of Technical Program Management experience in fast-paced, product-based cloud/SaaS environments.
Track record of managing multi-team org initiatives across global time zones (strong US/India stakeholder alignment).
Proven track record leading root cause analysis, customer-found defect reduction, or site reliability/quality governance programs.
Deep fluency with Jira & Agile/Flow metrics (expert at designing JQL, roll-up views, CFD/Kanban workflows, and delivery KPIs).
Hands-on prototyping / AI-assisted rapid development to quickly build dashboards and data scripts (Python, Streamlit, JS, or low-code frameworks alongside AI assistants).
Exceptional executive storytelling with proven ability to influence VPs and directors through clear, structured communication.
Strong technical acumen (BS/MS in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience) with the ability to evaluate architectural trade-offs, APIs, and scaling constraints.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on familiarity with modern AI coding assistants (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, GitLab Copilot) for personal productivity and automated workflow generation.
Prior experience leading AI/ML program delivery or developer productivity tooling initiatives.
Formal Agile / Scaled Agile credentials (e.g., SPC, SAFe Agilist, PMP) with a focus on modern, lightweight flow rather than bureaucratic overhead.
Experience in fintech, transactional tax compliance, high-scale transaction processing, or distributed enterprise SaaS systems.
Pay Range Details
The base pay range(s) below are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may different in other locations.
Colorado $136,400 - $225,000 [annually]
Washington $136,400 - $248,600 [annually]
California $136,400 - $272,500 [annually]
NYC $150,800 - $272,500 [annually]
The pay range above is the general base pay range for a successful candidate in the state listed. The successful candidate’s actual salary/wage may be based on various factors, such as geographic location, candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business consideration
This role is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance, depending on the terms of the applicable plan and the employee’s role.
Avalara is an AI-first Company
AI is embedded in our workflows, decision-making, and products. Success here requires embracing AI as an essential capability.
You’ll bring experience using AI and AI-related technologies, ready to thrive here.
You’ll apply AI every day to business challenges - improving efficiency, contributing solutions, and driving results for your team, our company, and our customers.
You’ll grow with AI by staying curious about new trends and best practices, and by sharing what you learn so others can benefit too.
How We'll Take Care of You
Total Rewards
In addition to a great compensation package, paid time off, and paid parental leave, many Avalara employees are eligible for bonuses.
Health & Wellness Benefits vary by location but generally include private medical, life, and disability insurance.
Inclusive culture and diversity Avalara strongly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to integrating them into our business practices and our organizational culture. We also have a total of 8 employee-run resource groups, each with senior leadership and exec sponsorship.
What You Need To Know About Avalara
We’re defining the relationship between tax and tech.
We’ve already built an industry-leading cloud compliance platform, processing over 54 billion customer API calls and over 6.6 million tax returns a year. Our growth is real - we're a billion dollar business - and we’re not slowing down until we’ve achieved our mission - to be part of every transaction in the world.
We’re bright, innovative, and disruptive, like the orange we love to wear. It captures our quirky spirit and optimistic mindset. It shows off the culture we’ve designed, that empowers our people to win. We’ve been different from day one. Join us, and your career will be too.
We’re An Equal Opportunity Employer
Supporting diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our company — we don’t want people to fit into our culture, but to enrich it. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, national orientation, disability, sexual orientation, US Veteran status, or any other factor protected by law. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.