Senior Program Manager, CertificationsPosition SummaryAs a strategic leader, the Senior Program Manager of Certifications will own the design, development, and expansion of GitLab's comprehensive certification ecosystem. This role is critical to establishing GitLab as the industry standard for DevSecOps certification while directly impacting career advancement for thousands of professionals globally. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution to build and maintain a certification program that validates professional skills and knowledge.
This role will drive the creation and maintenance of our portfolio of professional credentials, including GitLab Certified Associates, GitLab Certified Professionals, and specialized certifications across the GitLab DevSecOps platform. Working cross-functionally, you'll establish GitLab certifications as premier credentials in the DevSecOps, CI/CD, and software delivery space.
What You'll Do• Design and execute comprehensive certification roadmaps aligned with GitLab's product evolution and market demands
- Lead end-to-end development of knowledge-based and performance-based certification exams for technical audiences
- Conduct job task analysis (JTA) using industry-standard methodologies and create psychometrically sound exam blueprints
- Monitor and analyze other certification offerings to maintain market leadership and develop growth strategies
- Collaborate with internal GitLab engineers, solution architects, and SMEs to ensure content accuracy and relevance
- Utilize AI-powered tools for content generation, automated question creation, and assessment innovation
- Establish processes for content lifecycle management, including regular updates and alignment with GitLab releases
- Partner with Product, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success teams to align certification objectives with business goals
- Oversee vendor relationships with testing platforms, badging vendors, and proctoring services
- Establish KPIs, track program performance, and deliver executive-level reporting on certification impact and ROI
- Drive adoption within GitLab's user community, including enterprise customers, partners, and practitioners
- Design structured learning paths from foundational to expert levels across Associate, Professional, and specialist tracks
What You'll Bring• Experience successfully growing certification programs from beginning to enterprise scale
- Proven experience conducting comprehensive Job Task Analysis (JTA) sessions using industry-standard methodologies
- Strong experience creating psychometrically sound exam blueprints and facilitating item writing workshops
- Hands-on experience with GitLab CI/CD, security features, and DevSecOps workflows; GitLab certification(s) strongly preferred
- Proven track record in developing performance-based testing, simulations, and hands-on technical assessments
- Experience leveraging AI tools for content generation and assessment innovation
- Understanding of test development principles, item response theory, and certification program validation
- Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder programs from conception through execution
- PMP, PgMP, or similar program management certification preferred
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to executive audiences
- Strong data analysis capabilities and strategic thinking abilities
- Experience with digital credentialing and modern certification delivery platforms
- Deep understanding of learner needs and commitment to delivering exceptional certification experiences
How GitLab will support you
- Benefits to support your health, finances, and well-being
- Flexible Paid Time Off
- Team Member Resource Groups
- Equity Compensation & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Growth and Development Fund
- Parental leave
- Home office support
Please note that we welcome interest from candidates with varying levels of experience; many successful candidates do not meet every single requirement. Additionally, studies have shown that people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you're excited about this role, please apply and allow our recruiters to assess your application.