Staff Program Manager, Security & IT

Overview

The IT & Security team within the CISO organization at Instacart is responsible for safeguarding the company’s systems, infrastructure, and data while enabling business growth at scale. We partner closely with Engineering, Product, Infrastructure, and cross-functional stakeholders to continuously strengthen our security posture and ensure operational excellence across the enterprise.

We are looking for a Staff Technical Program Manager to lead high-impact, cross-departmental initiatives spanning IT, Security, and Engineering. This role will be instrumental in driving security-driven transformations and elevating our organizational maturity.

About the Job

As a Staff Technical Program Manager, you will drive complex, enterprise-wide initiatives that often originate from security reviews, risk assessments, and compliance requirements. These initiatives are highly visible, cross-functional, and foundational to strengthening our overall security posture.

You will:

• Lead large-scale, cross-departmental programs across IT, Security, and Engineering.


• Translate security findings and risk assessments into actionable, structured programs.


• Drive alignment across diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and technical teams.


• Establish program governance, milestones, metrics, and executive reporting mechanisms.


• Anticipate dependencies, manage risks, and unblock teams to ensure forward momentum.


• Build scalable program frameworks that improve execution across the CISO organization.


• Foster strong collaboration between technical and non-technical partners.


• Serve as a trusted thought partner to Security and IT leadership on strategic initiatives.

This is a highly strategic, influence-based role requiring exceptional program leadership, systems thinking, and the ability to drive change without direct authority.

About You

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Technical Program Management, Project Management, or related roles in technical environments.


• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives across Engineering, IT, and/or Security teams.


• Strong understanding of security concepts (e.g., risk management, compliance, vulnerability management, identity & access management).


• Demonstrated ability to drive large-scale organizational change and process improvement.


• Excellent executive communication skills, including experience preparing materials for senior leadership.


• Strong stakeholder management and influence skills in matrixed organizations.


• Experience establishing program structure, governance, reporting, and success metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within a CISO organization or dedicated Security function.


• Background in enterprise security programs (e.g., audit remediation, security posture improvement, zero trust initiatives).


• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and modern SaaS environments.


• Experience in high-growth technology companies.


• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification.


• Demonstrated ability to build and scale program management practices within technical organizations.