**Introduction** At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk. **Your role and responsibilities** We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Program Manager to lead a new IBM Z Ecosystem team in Sofia responsible for expanding the Ecosystem mission and initiatives in Europe for the IBM Z and LinuxONE platforms. The goal in this role is to effectively lead, manage and optimize the local team’s ongoing performance and outcomes success in key strategic areas spanning a new Perfomance Benchmark Center for client engagements, Ecosystem partner go-to market initiatives and programs, and competitive research. The role will also focus on driving community building and advocacy, and establishing a concentrated hub of IBM Z Ecosystem experts who foster enhanced collaboration, innovation, and internal and external engagement. With sharp focus on Europe, the Program Manager will drive and scale adoption of ecosystem programs and work with worldwide internal and external stakeholders to build and showcase a diverse, sustainable, vibrant, skilled community of partners, clients, job seekers, influencers, and team members, to drive client success and growth and drive adoption of the IBM Z platform. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, strong collaborator, and proactive global leader with a passion for technology, driving the Ecosystem mission through program and technical enablement and consistently identifying new potential partners and open source communities to engage and expand options for clients to accelerate digital transformation. Our goal is to bring together the global ecosystem to share knowledge, accelerate innovation, create joint solutions, and ultimately deliver success to our mutual clients and users. The role drives engagement and enablement of regional clients and partners and involves supporting GTM initiatives like running regional events, client workshops and so on. The candidate should have strong experience in project management, and background in IBM Z would be very helpful. The program manager plays a central and critical role in supporting the Z Ecosystem partners and client success. Key Responsibilities: * Understand the IBM Z and LinuxONE ecosystem landscape * Must demonstrate a track record of strong team leadership skills. This role will lead the new and diverse IBM Z Ecosystem Europe expansion team in Sofia with outcome focus and ownership openness. * Work with global Ecosystem leadership to define, implement and manage the diverse team portfolio of tasks and actions to achieve quarterly performance outcomes in all areas, ensuring their successful execution through effective collaboration and strong team engagement. * Lead strong collaboration with global and local IBM Z teams, spanning leadership, technical project leaders, infrastructure specialists, research specialists, Washington System Center, IBM Z Skills team, Ecosystem partner go-to market leads, Community and Advocacy team and co-located IBM Z technical teams. * Drive adoption of easy button, frictionless Ecosystem programs, strategic initiatives and technical enablement that build skills and foster innovation within the IBM Z Ecosystem. * Drive Ecosystem partner and stakeholder skills advancement, engagement and acts of advocacy * Coordinate activities ensuring close alignment and integration with leadership and global team stakeholder objectives. * Proactively integrate best practices and capabilities across global IBM Z Ecosystem teams, emphasizing seamless collaboration and innovation. * Ensure adherence to best practices and standardized processes, tools, and methodologies within IBM initiatives. * Foster teaming and ongoing cross-organization integration and interlock to eliminate organizational silos and improve the organization’s operational efficiency. * Build and manage a high performing, engaged team locally that clearly understands the impact or their role on the success of the IBM Z Ecosystem global mission. * Manage ongoing leadership reporting and communication of team performance against quarterly metrics set; drive intra-quarter tracking and take appropriate actions throughout the quarter to ensure team remains on track to achieve targets. * Drive team Agile Scrum engagement with global, mapped squads. **Required technical and professional expertise** * Minimum 2+ years of team management experience and a proven track record of success. Experience in managing teams, overseeing team dynamics, and effectively managing a portfolio of team activities and responsibilities to successful outcomes is required for role success. * At least 5-years of experience in an Ecosystem, Go-To-Market, Technical Enablement or Channel role (Mainframe knowledge / experience highly desirable). * Exceptional Analytics, Communications, Presentation and Interpersonal skills. * Exposure to working with one or more of the following: ISVs, Global System Integrators (GSI’s), Managed service providers (MSP’s) and Clients. * Highly self-motivated, resourceful, growth minded, agile and flexible. * Ability to work effectively under deadlines and time pressure with a sense of urgency to drive successful outcomes with proven problem solving skills. **Preferred technical and professional experience** * Strong Project Management and Program Management skills with relevant experience. PMP Certification is desirable. * Agile and Scrum expertise, Jira and/or Monday expertise. * Mural expertise. * A strong past technical background especially with Mainframe Systems (IBM Z and/or LinuxONE Systems). * Technical exposure and working knowledge of AI, Hybrid Cloud Environment, Application Modernization and Mainframe.