Hi! I was a bit confused when learning about project managers and program managers since I wasn’t aware of the difference between the two. To start off, I’ll define both project and program management (definitions from PMBOK Guide). 

Project Management: the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements

Program Management: the application of knowledge, skills, and principles to a program to achieve program objectives 

Based on these definitions, I don’t think that the responsibilities of project managers and program managers are too different, except that program managers focus on a group of related projects and not just a single project like project managers. Program managers must be able to have a larger mindset to handle a greater number of projects and definitely more experience in the role. To explain the larger mindset, since program managers oversee interconnected projects, they must focus on strategies that will lead to the improvement and growth of all projects, which requires a greater deal of creativity and thinking. Project managers, on the other hand, are more technical since they focus on individual projects. Roles of the project manager, including leading the team, planning the project, etc. translates over to program managers but on a much larger scale. I’m interested in reading what others think about this topic.

This link takes you to a page that better explains the difference between program and project managers if anyone is interested in learning more. 

Program Manager vs. Project Manager: What’s the Difference? (fool.com)

I believe the differences between project managers and program managers extend into both technical focus and soft skills. Project managers concentrate on the detailed execution of individual projects (managing schedules, budgets, risks, and quality control through hands-on use of tools like Gantt charts and project management software). Their technical expertise and precision are key to meeting specific deliverables. In contrast, program managers operate at a strategic level, overseeing multiple interrelated projects. They focus on aligning these projects with the organization’s broader goals, managing interdependencies, and ensuring resource optimization across initiatives. This role requires strong soft skills such as visionary leadership, advanced stakeholder management, and adeptness in navigating ambiguity and change management. While both roles demand effective communication and problem-solving abilities, program managers must balance technical understanding with strategic oversight.

Program managers oversee the progress made by project managers. For example, where project managers are concerned about finding time to use a lab, program managers are concerned with dividing lab use between different projects. In that regard, program managers are essentially responsible for ensuring all projects move along smoothly and seeing if that result is profitable or meets a sort of end objective. Project managers only need to ensure that their tasks are completed within their own individual project. Another way of putting this is that program managers need to decide how to best balance the distribution of resources between projects and deciding which projects are still worth up keeping to further their goal.

Project and program managers also have a big difference in decision-making and risk management. Project managers focus on mitigating risks within a single project. They are tasked with making sure deliverables stay on schedule and within budget while meeting stakeholder expectations. They focus on tactical execution, i.e. reallocating resources to resolve bottlenecks and adjusting project plans when challenges pop up. Program managers, on the other hand, take a broader approach to risk management by identifying how risks in one project could affect others. They ensure alignment across multiple projects, anticipating cross-project dependencies, and implementing contingency plans that support the program's long term success. They think much further ahead than the day to day issues resolution that project managers handle. Program managers also tend to work with higher executive leadership positions in order to align project outcomes with the organization's strategic goals. Program managers require a mix of business acumen and high-level stakeholder management.