Senior Technical Program Manager at Chef Works – Poway, California

Position Overview

We’re seeking a highly experienced Senior Technical Program Manager (Sr. TPM) to join our team at Chef Works, responsible for leading mission-critical enterprise technology and operational transformation initiatives.

In this role, you will own the end-to-end delivery of large-scale, high-visibility programs, including the implementation, upgrade, and migration of enterprise platforms such as ERP, CRM, and PIM systems, as well as complex automation initiatives within our distribution center operations. You will operate as a strategic partner to executive leadership, ensuring programs are aligned with long-term business strategy, technical architecture, and operational excellence.

You will provide senior-level leadership across IT, engineering, operations, supply chain, product, and external vendors, managing interdependencies, risk, budget, and execution across multiple workstreams. This role requires deep technical fluency, strong operational awareness, and the ability to drive clarity and accountability across complex, cross-functional environments.

The ideal candidate is a proven senior project leader who thrives in ambiguity, influences at all levels of the organization, and consistently delivers transformational initiatives at scale.

We offer an attractive remuneration package with a collaborative work environment, professional growth opportunities, and employee benefits including health insurance, flexible work arrangements, and continuous learning programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead large-scale, enterprise-wide technical programs from strategic planning through execution, deployment, and post-implementation optimization.
• Serve as the program lead for ERP, CRM, and PIM implementations, upgrades, and migrations, ensuring data integrity, system performance, and business continuity.
• Provide senior oversight of distribution center automation initiatives, including systems integration, process redesign, and vendor-led technology deployments.
• Partner with executive leadership to define program objectives, success metrics, budgets, and roadmaps aligned with business strategy.
• Lead cross-functional teams spanning IT, engineering, operations, supply chain, product, and external partners, ensuring clear ownership and accountability.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, resource strategies, financial forecasts, and dependency maps across multiple workstreams.
• Proactively identify ambiguity, risks, and constraints; drive decision-making through structured analysis and executive-level recommendations.
• Ensure technical solutions align with enterprise architecture, scalability, security, and long-term platform strategy.
• Establish and manage governance frameworks, executive steering committees, and regular leadership reporting.
• Mentor and coach project managers and team members, elevating project management maturity across the organization.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery methodologies, tools, and operational best practices.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and with measurable business impact.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of project and/or program management experience leading complex, enterprise-scale technical initiatives.
• Extensive experience implementing, upgrading, and migrating large-scale enterprise platforms, including ERP, CRM, and PIM systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading large automation, systems integration, or digital transformation initiatives within distribution, warehouse, or manufacturing environments.
• Proven success managing multi-million-dollar budgets, executive stakeholders, and vendor-driven programs.

Technical & Soft Skills

• Deep understanding of enterprise architectures, system integrations, data flows, and software development lifecycles.
• Ability to translate technical and operational complexity into clear executive-level insights and decisions.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and execution discipline.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and drive alignment across senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and enterprise project management tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar).
• Experience with Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid delivery models at scale.
• PMP, PgMP, Scrum Master, or similar certification strongly preferred.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving environments with competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of up to 20-30lbs (less than 5% of the time), generally at waist level.
• Ability to perform desk work for extended periods, including computer use and videoconferencing.
• Frequent use of telephone and video communication tools.