Lead Program Manager, Design

Details

Airbnb’s Design Operations team ensures the Design organization runs effectively and at scale, enabling teams to deliver products that are usable, lovable, and globally impactful. The team partners closely with Design, Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Creative, and business leaders to foster alignment and operational excellence.

As a Lead Design Program Manager, you will own the end-to-end program management of a design team focused on delivering critical product initiatives. You will scope, plan, execute, and launch programs that impact Airbnb’s hosts and guests while aligning with roadmap commitments. Success in this role means ensuring cross-functional alignment, proactively managing risks, and driving operational consistency that enables Design to deliver measurable outcomes at scale.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Design Managers, Directors, and cross-functional leaders to align on program scope, timelines, and deliverables.
• Establish operating rhythms across design teams, including communication cadences, resource planning, and leadership check-ins.
• Lead the planning and execution of large product launches, ensuring design workstreams are delivered with quality and on time.
• Serve as the bridge across Design, Engineering, Product Marketing, and Business teams, ensuring visibility, communication, and risk management.
• Drive continuous improvement through internal initiatives that strengthen operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration.
• Anticipate and resolve obstacles across teams, proactively elevating risks and implementing solutions.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in consulting, program management, product management, project management, or related fields.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver impactful design initiatives in large digital product organizations.
• Strong track record of navigating ambiguity, structuring solutions, and driving initiatives from conception through launch.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term thinking with near-term execution.
• Demonstrated leadership in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience establishing systems and scalable processes where little exists, with a flexible, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Passion for organizational excellence, attention to detail, and thriving in a fast-paced, hyper-growth environment.
• Deep appreciation for the product design process and experience working within cross-functional, product-driven organizations.

Work Location

This position is US remote eligible with West Coast hours. The role may include occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites, as agreed with the manager. Candidates must live in a state where Airbnb, Inc. has a registered entity.

Benefits

The role may be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits. Airbnb is committed to inclusion and belonging and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Compensation

The base pay range is $156,000–$193,000 USD per year.