Program Manager, People Team

Aurora Innovation Aurora Innovation · Robotics · Mountain View, CA · People

This role is for a Program Manager on the People Team at Aurora Innovation, a company developing self-driving technology. The role focuses on driving program strategy and execution, navigating ambiguity, connecting teams, mastering change management, continuous improvement, and multiplying force. It requires program management fluency, high agency, strong communication, tech and data savviness, and an impact mindset. The role is not directly involved in building or researching AI/ML models.

What you'd actually do

  1. Drive Program Strategy & Execution: You will take loose concepts or business problems and translate them into rigorous project charters. You define the "what, why, and how," manage the timeline, and ensure the team crosses the finish line.
  2. Navigate Ambiguity: You don’t need a playbook to be effective. You can enter a chaotic situation, identify the missing pieces, and create structure where there was none.
  3. Connect the Dots: You will serve as the "glue" between the People team and the broader business. You ensure stakeholders are aligned, risks are flagged early, and no silos are formed.
  4. Master Change Management: You understand that "shipping" a program is only half the solution. You will design communication plans, messaging, and adoption strategies to ensure our distributed workforce embraces the changes you implement.
  5. Continuously Improve: You have a continuous improvement mindset and are always thinking of ways to improve things while at the same time as delivering on programs and projects.

Skills

Required

  • Experience managing complex programs in a high-growth environment, consulting firm, or large organization
  • Ability to drive projects without needing to be reminded
  • Ability to synthesize complex data into clear narratives
  • Clear written and verbal communications
  • Comfortable with project management tools (Monday.com, Jira)
  • Ability to use data to inform decisions

Nice to have

  • Familiarity with HR systems (Workday, Greenhouse)

What the JD emphasized

  • Proven Program Fluency: Experience (typically 4+ years) managing complex programs in a high-growth environment, consulting firm, or large organization. You can show us examples of messy projects you successfully delivered.
  • High Agency & Accountability: You are a "driver", not a passenger. You track, prioritize, and drive projects without needing to be reminded. If you get stuck, you find a way to get unstuck.