Product Operations Program Manager
Western Digital · San Francisco Bay Area
📍 San Jose, CA, usvia smartrecruitersPosted 2026-06-24
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WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.
As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.
We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.
This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.
We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.
Join us and let’s shape the future of data.
Overview
WD is seeking a highly strategic and execution-focused Program Manager to support the Product organization, reporting to the Chief of Staff. This role is designed for a strong operator who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments and brings rigor, clarity, and discipline to how the business runs.
You will own and evolve the Product operating cadence, drive executive-level decision support, and ensure alignment across Product, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and HR. This is not a reporting role—it is an inspection and execution role that directly influences business outcomes and leadership effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Own and Run the Product Operating Cadence
Own end-to-end execution of core operating mechanisms, including Weekly Business Reviews (WBR), Monthly Business Reviews (MBR), Quarterly Business Outlooks (QBO), and Product staff meetings
Ensure consistent, high-quality inputs, structured outputs, and disciplined follow-through across all forums
Enforce mechanism standards (inputs, outputs, decision records, action tracking) and continuously improve operating rigor and effectiveness
Executive-Level Synthesis & Decision Support
Synthesize complex, cross-functional inputs into concise, decision-ready materials (scorecards, one-pagers, dashboards) for senior leadership
Surface tradeoffs, risks, and misalignment early; frame decisions with clear options and recommendations rather than status reporting
Inspection, Not Reporting
Drive an inspection mindset across all operating reviews—focusing on metrics, drivers, deltas, and path-to-green
Hold leaders accountable for clear ownership, measurable outcomes, and timely closure of commitments
Cross-Functional Program Leadership
Partner with Product, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and HR to ensure alignment across roadmaps, headcount, and financial plans
Act as a trusted operator who challenges assumptions, drives clarity, and resolves dependencies without over-reliance on executive escalation
Action & Decision Hygiene
Maintain rigorous action tracking across all forums, including aging, escalation, and closure
Ensure decisions and commitments are clearly documented and carried forward across cadences
Drive continuity from QBO → MBR → WBR to ensure execution aligns with strategic commitments
Business and Financial Acumen
Analyze operating metrics, targets, trends, and variances; connect execution performance to roadmap, headcount, and financial outcomes
Operate effectively in ambiguity, balancing incomplete data with the need for timely decisions
Exceptional Written and Verbal Communication
Produce clear, concise executive-level materials suitable for VP/SVP audiences and global teams
Maintain strong meeting hygiene and consistently represent the operating model across stakeholders
3+ years of experience in program management, business operations, product operations, or a Chief of Staff–adjacent role
Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs at scale
Strong analytical skills with experience working with business and financial metrics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting Product or Engineering organizations in a technology company
Demonstrated success building or scaling operating cadences (WBR, MBR, QBR/QBO)
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence without authority
Experience working in global, matrixed organizations
Optional “Signal” Qualifications
Prior experience in Product Operations, Business Operations, or Chief of Staff–adjacent roles supporting senior executives
Demonstrated success evolving operating mechanisms as organizations scale in size and complexity
Why This Role
This role sits at the center of how the Product organization operates. You will directly impact how decisions are made, how priorities are executed, and how leaders stay aligned and accountable. It’s a high-visibility position with meaningful influence across the business.
WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the " Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal ” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available he
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