Lead Technical Program Manager

Our Mission: Driving technology always feels old. Not by a little bit. We believe vehicles can be a thousand times smarter, safer, and more connected to the world around us, and our mission is to see it happen. In 2019, we joined forces with Honda as their first startup acquisition, and now we’re expanding our vision into building the future of electric vehicles (BEV) for millions of people around the world.

Why Drivemode: Drivemode is the new software and user experience division of Honda that is focused on digital experience for new electric & hybrid vehicles. You will be joining an exciting startup environment that combines impactful work, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits. By becoming a part of our team, you'll contribute to our crucial mission of changing the way people engage with vehicles and help solving the world's environmental challenges. This presents an exceptional opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and drive Honda's success in the future.

About The Role: As the Lead Technical Program Manager, you will lead a team of TPMs and Project Managers across the US and Japan, driving the delivery of cutting-edge mobile apps, platform services, and in-car infotainment systems for Honda and Acura globally. This role is pivotal in expanding Honda's presence in the EV market and fostering a product-driven, agile transformation across the enterprise.

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and empower a team of talented Technical Program Managers and Project Managers.
• Program Management Office (PMO) Leadership: Serve as the PMO lead for Drivemode, overseeing project status, delivery, budget, and resource allocation. Drive continuous improvement by sharing best practices and optimizing our processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with other TPMs to lead requirement gathering, technical specification alignment, and system integrations with various Honda groups and systems worldwide.
• Roadmap & Delivery Management: Visualize and report on program roadmaps, progress, schedules, and project risks/issues. Develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Collaborate closely with Honda Japan PMO members and stakeholders in other regions to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Process Improvement & Innovation: Identify gaps in tools and workflows, and drive innovation to make Drivemode and Honda the most productive software development organizations in the automotive industry.
• Travel: Occasional travel to Los Angeles, Tokyo, and other international locations.

• Experience: 12 years of professional experience, including 7 years in Technical Program Management, Project Management, or a related field within tech startups and/or large companies.
• Team Leadership: 3 years of experience in managing and developing team members.
• Project Delivery: Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, large-scale, software-driven projects, ideally with multinational stakeholders.
• Key Skills: Proactive, detail-oriented, and a master of collaboration, with exceptional problem-solving abilities.
• Location: We are a hybrid workplace and specifically seek individuals who are either located within a commutable distance from our office or are open to relocation.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required. Japanese language proficiency is a significant plus.
• Domain Expertise: Experience working on software products that interact with hardware (connected/IoT devices), preferably in the automotive industry. A basic understanding of automotive software development or dealer management software is highly desirable.

EEOC Statement

Drivemode is proud of a very diverse team with employees coming from 5 continents/20 countries as of today. Diversity in our workplace has played an important part in our success; we recognize each employee’s unique background, knowledge, experiences, ideas, and viewpoints which are all critical in developing a product that has the greatest impacts on drivers all over the world.

Drivemode provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristics that make you unique. 

Salary : $140,000 - $185,000