Lead Program Manager, Upwork Professionals

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s work marketplace. We help connect companies large and small with top independent talent from around the world. Simply put, our mission is to create economic opportunities so people have better lives.

Every year, more than $2 billion of work is done through Upwork by skilled independent professionals who want the freedom of working anytime, anywhere.

An Upwork Lead Program Manager is the human layer between the Upwork platform and Upwork Enterprise clients, providing white glove service and strategic consultation for program activities. From consulting with hiring managers, helping to scope out projects, executing processes to build large projects, recommending Upwork talent, coordination with Talent Solutions, Upwork Compliance and reporting functions, the Lead PM is there to make clients’ lives happier and easier by enabling them to get more done, faster. These individuals have deep knowledge of the platform, utilizing freelance resources, and are highly proactive, resourceful individuals capable of driving Upwork Enterprise matters.

As a Lead Program Manager for the Upwork Professionals team, you will be the team’s subject matter expert in applying project management methodology across multiple client projects from initiation to delivery of work product, and closure. You will utilize your experience to appropriately scope out projects, define resource requirements and allocations as well as costs. You will serve as the Lead for project teams and liaise between the client and your project teams, working alongside the Upwork management team to maintain project compliance. Come join a collaborative, dynamic team that helps grow the business with our colleagues and embodies the company's mission and values. This role can be in Chicago, San Francisco Bay Area or remote. This position will require travel to client site on an as needed basis.

Responsibilities:

• You will lead day-to-day operational functions of the Upwork Enterprise solution and be the main point of contact for the Upwork Professional/Client relationship. 
• You will handle intake calls and assign projects to Program Managers. 
• You will approve hours entered by individuals supporting the projects for the clients you manage. 
• You are responsible for ensuring the Program Managers, assigned to the specific account the Lead Program Manager supports, are following rules and procedures specific to each client.

This position includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Working directly with clients to scope and craft projects, post project descriptions, evaluate talent data, facilitate freelancer engagement and payment, and work with Upwork internal teams including sales, compliance and billing.
• Sourcing talent on Upwork.com and making job award suggestions to drive successful outcomes for our clients.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic platform issues as they relate to the best use of Upwork Enterprise
• Work with peers and partner teams to develop solutions and deepen the value proposition of the Upwork Professionals

What it takes to catch our eye:

• Validated program management, project management and/or operational expertise with an advanced knowledge of the Upwork platform
• Experience with large program administration, including experience working with distributed teams
• Big plus for experience managing talent sources
• A high level of business insight and enthusiastic professional communication style

• You have a proven track record in as a Project/Program Manager
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• You can track multiple projects with many moving parts
• You have a sense of urgency, initiative, and persistence

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape talent solutions for how the world works today. We are a remote-first organization working together to create exciting remote work opportunities for a global community of professionals.  While we have physical offices in San Francisco and Chicago, currently we also support hiring of corporate full-time employees in 15 states in the United States. Please speak with a member of our recruitment team to determine whether you are located in a state in which we are hiring corporate full-time employees. 

Our vibrant culture is built on shared values and our mission to create economic opportunities so that people have better lives. We foster amazing teams, put our community first, and have a bias toward action. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work and grow together through development opportunities, mentorship, and employee resource groups. Oh yeah, we’ve also got amazing benefits.

Check out our Life at Upwork page to learn more about the employee experience.   

Upwork is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we never discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.