How to apply for Program Manager (Ops)

About Pearl Certification

Pearl Certification is a mission-driven company that certifies efficient homes to boost their value and cut greenhouse gas emissions. It sits at the intersection of real estate, energy efficiency, and climate impact, offering a unique opportunity to work on tangible solutions that benefit both homeowners and the environment. Employees are drawn to its collaborative culture and the chance to make a measurable difference in reducing carbon footprints.

About the role

As a Program Manager (Ops) at Pearl Certification, you'll be the operational backbone of the program portfolio, translating strategic priorities into detailed project plans and driving day-to-day execution. You'll work cross-functionally with engineering, product, marketing, BD, customer success, and operations to keep multiple concurrent projects on track. This role is critical for ensuring that Pearl's certification programs are delivered efficiently and effectively, directly supporting the company's mission to scale home energy efficiency.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a stand-up with engineering and product teams, updating project plans in Asana, and coordinating with marketing on a certification launch. You'll spend time identifying and resolving blockers, communicating with stakeholders, and adjusting timelines to keep multiple projects on track. Expect a mix of virtual meetings, detailed planning, and proactive problem-solving to ensure programs are delivered efficiently.

Who Pearl Certification is looking for

• 5+ years of hands-on program or project management experience, preferably in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment (tech, energy, or operations).
• Proven ability to break down high-level strategies into actionable tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously from initiation to close.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working with engineering, product, marketing, and operations teams.
• Excellent communication and risk management abilities—you proactively surface blockers and adjust plans as needed.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) and a data-driven approach to tracking progress.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience managing cross-functional projects in a remote setting, as Pearl Certification is a remote-first company.
• Quantify your impact: use metrics like 'managed 10+ concurrent projects' or 'reduced project delays by 20%' to demonstrate your effectiveness.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize operations and program management, especially any experience in energy, sustainability, or certification programs.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your work to Pearl's mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through efficient homes.
• Show familiarity with Pearl's certification process or similar programs (e.g., LEED, Energy Star) to stand out as a mission-aligned candidate.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your hands-on approach to program management and ability to work closely with teams doing the work.', "Specific examples of how you've translated strategic priorities into detailed project plans and managed them to completion.", 'Your experience in surfacing risks early and keeping stakeholders informed in a remote, cross-functional environment.', "A genuine passion for Pearl's mission and how your operational skills can help scale their impact."]

Research before applying

• Understand Pearl Certification's certification process and the value it provides to homeowners and the environment.
• Research the home energy efficiency industry and current trends, including government incentives and market drivers.
• Look into Pearl's recent partnerships or announcements to understand their growth trajectory and strategic priorities.
• Explore the backgrounds of the leadership team, especially those in operations and program management, to align your experience with their vision.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How do you prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects when resources are tight?
• Describe a time when you had to adjust a project plan due to unforeseen blockers. How did you handle it?
• How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration across remote teams?
• What experience do you have with energy efficiency or certification programs, and how would you apply it at Pearl?
• Walk us through your process for breaking down a strategic initiative into a detailed project plan.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too generic in your application—failing to tailor your experience to Pearl's mission and the specific demands of a hands-on program management role.
• Overemphasizing strategic planning without demonstrating execution skills; Pearl wants someone who can dig into the details.
• Neglecting to mention remote work experience or cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for this role.