Senior Manager, Technical Program Management (Infrastructure)

Airbnb

1d•$232,000 - $282,000•Remote

About The Position

Airbnb is seeking a technical, hands-on, and mission-driven Senior Manager of Technical Program Management (TPM) for the Infrastructure team to lead AI Platforms initiatives spanning Search Relevance, Machine Learning Infrastructure (MLI), and Search Knowledge Infrastructure (SKI). This role will partner with engineering and product teams to build and enhance data-driven decision-making across multiple areas of Airbnb. The TPM will collaborate closely with senior individual contributors and engineering directors on processes, strategy, and execution. The position involves working with Machine Learning (ML) engineers, infrastructure engineers, and product managers to develop holistic solutions for a vibrant and equitable marketplace. The Search Relevance, MLI, and SKI teams are responsible for core AI Platform capabilities including search ranking, recommendations, model infrastructure, and search intelligence for various Airbnb products and services. They also create the foundation for personalization and underlying model infrastructure used both on and off platform. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, a deep understanding of the problem space, the ability to drive requirements, and leverage AI/ML expertise to resolve strategic challenges aligned with Airbnb's goals.

Requirements

13+ years in technical program management function.
At least 8 years of experience leading and mentoring a team of TPMs, creating a culture of inclusiveness and sustainability.
Demonstrated experience in search relevance, natural language search, and recommendation systems.
Demonstrated ability to work through ambiguity to detailed solutions.
Self-motivated, proactive and proven ability to adapt well and work with teams having different operating cadences.
Sound business judgment, a proven ability to influence others, strong analytical skills, and a track record of taking ownership, leading data driven analyses, and influencing results.
Experience with ML models, LLMs, LRMs, feature development, model testing and resource management to support the development of AI-powered product experiences.
Familiar with A/B testing, incremental delivery and deployment.
Ability to ramp up quickly and learn new technologies with minimal lag time.
Excellent written and oral business communication and people skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience with applying GenAI/LLM technologies on search is a plus.

Responsibilities

Shape and influence the technical direction of projects, ensuring stakeholder needs are met while maintaining high-quality standards.
Rapidly prototype and validate project ideas through iterative development cycles, adapting based on insights and data.
Define and secure stakeholder alignment on clear, measurable success criteria to accelerate AI initiatives.
Regularly assess risks and opportunities, and devise proactive mitigation strategies.
Maintain transparent and effective communication channels to keep stakeholders informed of progress, developments, and challenges.
Present outcomes and updates to senior leadership, articulating trade-offs, risks, and emerging opportunities.