Technical Program Manager, Data

About the role

Figma is seeking its inaugural Technical Program Manager dedicated to Data Science to spearhead the shift towards a self-service analytics environment. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the execution of our Self-Serve Analytics initiative, which encompasses the development of the Figma Data Assistant and the expansion of our semantic layer. You will also lay the groundwork for operational excellence within our expanding data science team.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the comprehensive delivery of the Self-Serve Analytics program, which includes semantic layer enhancements, integration of Slack bots, automated evaluation frameworks, and the implementation of the Figma Data Assistant.
• Facilitate collaboration across various teams, including Data Engineering, Data Science, Security, IT, and business units such as Product, Finance, Sales, and Research.
• Manage governance and security initiatives, focusing on policies for LLM data access, PII protection measures, and vendor approvals.
• Promote internal adoption of analytics tools through training initiatives, establishing champion networks, and implementing change management strategies across platforms like Slack and Notion.
• Oversee the operational aspects of the data science team, including tracking headcount, managing planning cycles, and coordinating team onboarding processes.
• Monitor and report on program success metrics, such as the time taken to derive insights, the decrease in ad-hoc requests, and the rates of self-service tool adoption.
• Collaborate with fellow Technical Program Managers and Data Scientists to ensure alignment on infrastructure requirements and platform development initiatives.
• Drive strategic planning sessions to identify future needs and improvements in the analytics landscape.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure that analytics solutions meet organizational goals.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with program delivery, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization by advocating for best practices in analytics usage.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in technical program management or similar roles, particularly in areas related to data infrastructure, analytics platforms, or democratization of data.
• Practical experience with contemporary data stacks, including semantic layers, data catalogs, and business intelligence tools such as Hex or Sigma, as well as AI-driven query interfaces like RAG or Cortex Analyst.
• Demonstrated success in influencing behavioral changes and promoting tool adoption among both technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong competencies in managing cross-functional projects, including dependency tracking, stakeholder engagement, and detailed project planning.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within scope, while managing competing priorities effectively.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of tools such as dbt, Snowflake Semantic Views, Acryl, or Dagster.
• Experience in developing evaluation frameworks for AI outputs, including accuracy dashboards, regression detection, or golden SQL methodologies.
• A background in developer tools or product analytics would be advantageous.
• A self-driven attitude, with a natural curiosity and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Skills & tools

• Familiarity with modern data stacks, semantic layers, data catalogs, and business intelligence tools (Hex, Sigma).
• Experience with AI-powered query interfaces (Cortex Analyst, RAG), as well as dbt, Snowflake Semantic Views, Acryl, and Dagster.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools to streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration.

Practical notes

• The annual base salary for this position ranges from $185,000 to $317,000 USD.
• Benefits offered include equity options, comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision), retirement contributions, parental leave, mental health support, and flexible paid time off.
• Candidates are required to keep their cameras on during video interviews to facilitate engagement.
• In-person onboarding is mandatory for the selected candidate to ensure a smooth transition into the company.
• Figma is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please reach out to accommodations-ext@figma.com.

About the company

Figma is a collaborative design platform used by teams to create, prototype, and ship products. Founded by Dylan Field and Evan Wallace in 2012, Figma pioneered browser-based design tools. Adobe attempted to acquire Figma for $20 billion in 2022 but the deal was terminated in December 2023 due to regulatory concerns.