Senior Program Manager, Certifications

at GitLab

Canada, Remote

GitLab is an open-core software company that develops the most comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps Platform, used by more than 100,000 organizations. Our mission is to enable everyone to contribute to and co-create the software that powers our world. When everyone can contribute, consumers become contributors, significantly accelerating human progress. Our platform unites teams and organizations, breaking down barriers and redefining what's possible in software development. Thanks to products like Duo Enterprise and Duo Agent Platform, customers get AI benefits at every stage of the SDLC.

The same principles built into our products are reflected in how our team works: we embrace AI as a core productivity multiplier, with all team members expected to incorporate AI into their daily workflows to drive efficiency, innovation, and impact. GitLab is where careers accelerate, innovation flourishes, and every voice is valued. Our high-performance culture is driven by our values and continuous knowledge exchange, enabling our team members to reach their full potential while collaborating with industry leaders to solve complex problems. Co-create the future with us as we build technology that transforms how the world develops software.

Senior Program Manager, Certifications

Position Summary

As 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

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.

Country Hiring Guidelines: GitLab hires new team members in countries around the world. All of our roles are remote, however some roles may carry specific location-based eligibility requirements. Our Talent Acquisition team can help answer any questions about location after starting the recruiting process.

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GitLab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. GitLab’s policies and practices relating to recruitment, employment, career development and advancement, promotion, and retirement are based solely on merit, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information (including family medical history), discharge status from the military, protected veteran status (which includes disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans), or any other basis protected by law. GitLab will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. See also GitLab’s EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know during the recruiting process.