Job Opportunity for Program Manager, SMB Program at Wadhwani Foundation in Bangalore North, Karnataka, India, 560002

**Job Title:** Program Manager, SMB Program

**Company:** Wadhwani Foundation

**Location:** Bangalore North, Karnataka, India, 560002

**About Wadhwani Foundation:**

The Wadhwani Foundation, founded in 2001, is a global non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating economic growth in emerging economies.  Operating across India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, the Foundation focuses on large-scale job creation and economic development through entrepreneurship support, workforce skill enhancement, innovation fostering, and government digital transformation.  Key programs include entrepreneurship support for startups and small businesses, skilling and workforce development initiatives, government digital transformation partnerships, and innovation and research support.  The Foundation has a proven track record of empowering communities and businesses, working with thousands of entrepreneurs and upskilling millions of youth.

**About the SMB Programs:**

The Wadhwani Foundation’s SMB programs consist of two key initiatives:  The SMB Academy, offering courses and workshops to equip small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with essential skills; and the SMB Accelerate program, providing intensive support and mentorship to high-potential SMBs for rapid growth and scalability.

**Job Description:**

The Program Manager will oversee the implementation and management of Growth Support Programs for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs). This role requires leading program execution and enhancement, managing stakeholders (including program partners, industry associations, and participants), coordinating mentorship, monitoring program performance, maintaining comprehensive program records, and working closely with internal and external teams.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* Lead and manage the execution, monitoring, and enhancement of the SMB program(s).

* Engage with stakeholders to ensure effective program delivery and gather feedback.

* Facilitate mentorship and coaching between SMEs and industry experts.

* Regularly evaluate program effectiveness using predefined metrics and participant feedback.

* Maintain comprehensive records of program activities, budgets, and outcomes.

* Collaborate effectively with various internal and external teams.

**Required Skills and Qualifications:**

* Proven experience in program management, ideally within a business development, startup incubator, or SME support environment.

* Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams.

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to strategize and implement effective program initiatives.

* Experience in managing budgets and resources.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

* Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, business administration, or equivalent; Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is preferred.

**Experience:**

At least 5-10 years of relevant experience in program management or business development roles. Extensive experience managing large-scale business management or accelerator programs is required.  A strong background in working with SMEs is highly desirable, as is a proven track record in business advisory or consulting engagements across various business sizes.