Associate Product Manager Program Lead- Project Hire

Job ID 10140456 Location Burbank, California, United States / Bristol, Connecticut, United States / New York, New York, United States Business ESPN Date posted Jan. 22, 2026

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Job Summary:

About the Role:

We are seeking a Program Lead for a 12 month project hire to design, develop, and implement a new Associate Product Management Program that will serve as a strategic talent pipeline for future product leaders. This role requires a visionary approach to program architecture, operational excellence, and strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and external learning partners. This individual will play a critical role in shaping the future pipeline of product management talent within our organization by creating a best-in-class program that attracts, develops, and retains professionals in early careers.

What Will You Do?

Program Design

Define the program vision, objectives, and success criteria aligned with organizational goals.
Design the rotational structure, including duration, functional assignments, and learning experiences.
Develop competency frameworks and career pathways for participants
Collaborate with stakeholders across Product, HR, Talent Development, and Business Units to design rotations, learning experiences, and career pathways.

Program Development

Build detailed program components such as onboarding, training curriculum, mentorship models, and evaluation processes.
Create program documentation, policies, guidelines, success metrics and participant resources.
Partner with Talent Acquisition to design recruitment strategies targeting early career talent.

Program Implementation

Lead end-to-end project management for program launch, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of rotations and learning experiences.
Establish governance and reporting mechanisms to track progress and outcomes.
Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of program milestones.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution.
Collaborate with APMs around program progress and support.

Vendor Management

Serve as the primary liaison with external learning vendors to design and deliver high-quality learning experiences.
Negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and ensure vendor deliverables meet program standards.
Monitor vendor performance and maintain strong partnerships to support program success.

Continuous Improvement

Develop KPIs and measurement tools to assess program effectiveness.
Gather feedback from participants, managers, and stakeholders to refine program design.
Report on program impact and recommend enhancements to ensure scalability and long-term success.

Qualifications and Skills:

5 years or more in project management or program development within a large organization or equivalent experience
Experience designing and implementing rotational or leadership development programs
Expertise working in the tech industry preferred although not required.
Ability to manage external vendors and develop and maintain partnerships.
Expertise in program design and implementation.
Strong project management skills with proficiency in tools like MS Project, Asana, or similar.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Strategic thinker with strong execution capability.
Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple levels and functions.
Skilled in vendor relationship management and contract oversight.
Passion for talent development and building future leaders.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Project Management, or related field or equivalent experience
Master’s degree preferred but not required
Certifications: PMP or similar certification preferred.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $168,200.00 to $205,400.00 per year and in New York, NY is $185,020.00 to $225,940.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered

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About ESPN:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Streaming Technology LLC, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

Disney Streaming Technology LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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Hiring Process

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Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.