Program Manager-Performance & Growth Initiatives

Program Manager-Performance & Growth Initiatives

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and execution-driven Program Manager to join our team. In this high-impact role, you will spearhead the development, implementation, and refinement of cutting-edge performance management and learning systems. You will be instrumental in empowering our employees with AI-driven tools and insights, fostering a culture of high ownership, and aligning our talent practices with NxtWave's ambitious organizational goals. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on execution, innovation, building from 0-1, and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Management Systems

• Lead the comprehensive rollout and execution of monthly performance review cycles (GROW process), goal-setting, check-ins, and rating cycles across all teams, ensuring full adoption and effectiveness.
• Analyze performance data and employee feedback (peer, manager, stakeholder) to deliver actionable insights and create founder-ready dashboards highlighting risks, role alignment, culture gaps, and improvement suggestions.
• Design, implement, and continuously refine scalable performance management systems and processes for greater efficiency and impact, exploring AI tools for enhanced data analysis.
• Drive the development and adoption of Individual Growth Plans (IGPs) and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for critical contributors and future leaders, empowering employees to take ownership of their career progression.
• Establish and monitor systems for tracking role alignment and fostering robust feedback loops to enhance clarity, boost ownership, and reduce escalations.

Learning & Development Ecosystem

• Design, implement, and manage scalable learning programs (including online-first modules) to address skill gaps, boost performance, and tackle organizational challenges like communication and feedback, leveraging AI tools for personalized learning experiences and content delivery where appropriate.
• Champion initiatives to enhance manager effectiveness, coaching capabilities, and address feedback flow issues, fostering a culture of self-directed learning and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for AI empowerment, equipping employees with the skills and tools to leverage AI effectively in their roles to enhance productivity and innovation.
• Measure the impact and effectiveness of all training initiatives through data analysis and participant feedback, iterating for continuous improvement.

Culture & Engagement

• Ensure new hire inductions to effectively align new team members with the organization’s mission, values, and culture, emphasizing employee ownership from day one.
• Work collaboratively with teams to embed NxtWave's core values into everyday practices, promoting a culture of high ownership, accountability, and proactive problem-solving.
• Partner with HR and leadership to design and implement initiatives that boost employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, reinforcing a sense of belonging and ownership.

Leadership Development & Career Frameworks

• Support the design and execution of leadership development programs, meticulously tracking their success and impact.
• Identify, nurture, and develop high-potential employees, creating a clear readiness pipeline for future leadership roles.
• Collaborate with functional heads to design and implement clear role ladders and career pathways across the organization (especially Sales, Pre-Sales, Marketing), providing transparency on growth trajectories and empowering employees to navigate their careers.

Operational Excellence & Partnership

• Prepare and present comprehensive reports and dashboards synthesizing performance, learning, leadership development, and cultural data for senior leadership.
• Ensure all people programs and systems run smoothly with high-quality documentation, operational rigor, and a focus on building robust, repeatable processes.
• Partner closely with HR and functional leaders to identify critical talent needs and contribute to defining requirements for key roles, enhancing organizational structure and effectiveness.

What You’ll Bring

• 0–3 years of relevant experience in roles focused on program management, performance management, learning & development, organizational development, HR, or similar, with a strong emphasis on execution and building systems.
• An

  entrepreneurial mindset

  with proven 0-1 experience (e.g., building something from scratch, demonstrating significant personal initiative) and a strong bias for action.

• Exceptional execution skills:

  ability to deliver high-quality results accurately and on time in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

• High Integrity

  and a commitment to ethical practices.
• A genuine

  growth mindset:

  passionate about learning, enjoys the process of building, and continuously seeks improvement and feedback.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities: capable of interpreting data, identifying trends, and translating them into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal in English), collaboration, and influencing skills to work effectively across all organizational levels.
• High adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving in dynamic environments.
• A

  systems-thinking approach

  to designing scalable processes and solutions.

• (Good to Have)

  Experience with data analysis & dashboard creation, career laddering/frameworks, or prior experience in EdTech or fast-paced startups.

Why Join Us?

• This is a high-impact Program Manager role where you’ll directly influence performance, culture, career growth, and leadership capability across NxtWave.
• You will be at the forefront of

  building and scaling our people systems from the ground up

  , significantly shaping our practices while rapidly developing your own skills and expertise.
• Play a crucial part in

  empowering our workforce with AI

  and fostering a culture of

  enhanced employee ownership

  .
• This role offers significant growth potential into a leadership position for high performers who demonstrate impact and strategic thinking.

Logistics:

• Location:

  Hyderabad (Work From Office)

• Working Days:

  6 days a week

• Timings:

  10 AM to 7 PM

• Notice Period:

  Immediate to 15 days preferred