Sr Program Manager - Design Studio

BECU•Tukwila, WA

About The Position

Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets say that success comes from focusing on people, not profits? Our “people helping people” philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving our deep commitment to serving our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where your work makes a real difference. While we’re proud of our history, we’re even more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be part of BECU. In this role, you’ll strengthen the Design Studio’s ability to operate smoothly, communicate effectively, and deliver exceptional design, research, and journey work across the organization. You’ll bring clarity to complex initiatives by improving workflows, elevating communication rhythms, and ensuring leadership has visibility into what matters most. You’ll partner closely with design leaders and cross‑functional teams to enhance transparency, coordination, and strategic alignment. With your operational expertise, you’ll help the team scale its impact and ensure members benefit from more consistent, human‑centered experiences. Most importantly, you’ll be a proactive problem solver who identifies opportunities, introduces structure, and elevates how the team works each day. This isn’t just about ticking off tasks on a list. It's about making a significant, positive change in BECU’s journey, where your contributions are valued, and your growth is continually fostered. A central place at the table shaping how a 25-person design organization operates and communicates The opportunity to bring your operational expertise to elevate visibility, coordination, and strategy Daily collaboration with design, research, and journey experts across the entire BECU ecosystem

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. in business or equivalent work or education related experience.
Experience managing project teams.
Five to seven years of program or project management experience with a focus on operational rhythm and process optimization.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build clear, compelling decks and deliver executive‑level updates.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience in operations management, technology implementation, or internal controls development and oversight preferred.
Strong understanding of UX and design environments, including familiarity with design, research, design thinking, and prototyping practices.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional delivery and process improvement: You’ll guide and collaborate with project and program teams to drive enhancements, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency across the Design Studio.
Implement standards, policies, and process excellence: You’ll help refine or strengthen standards and operational processes while creating meaningful metrics that track progress, success, and outcomes.
Enhance organizational communication and visibility: You’ll create clear, effective communications that highlight team accomplishments, elevate research insights, and grow visibility of key initiatives for stakeholders and leaders.
Analyze member and employee insights: You’ll interpret research and survey data to understand needs, surface opportunities, and guide action plans that improve experience outcomes.
Support regulatory and organizational compliance: You’ll ensure processes, communication, and programs align with applicable compliance and internal standards.
Partner across the organization: You’ll collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and cross-functional stakeholders to maintain alignment, share information, and move work forward.
Monitor operational performance and reporting: You’ll support ongoing operational reporting, metrics, and documentation that reflect performance and help leadership make informed decisions.
Contribute to BECU-wide goals: You’ll play a key role in helping the Design Studio deliver programs that contribute to broader organizational objectives and member-centered outcomes.
Support vendor and contract collaboration (as applicable): You’ll help ensure external partners provide high-quality, cost-effective support aligned to BECU standards.
Perform related responsibilities as needed: You’ll take on additional program or operational efforts that help the team achieve its goals.