Senior Program Manager

Start2 Group is a global innovation leader taking your startup journey to the next level. As a premier startup ecosystem platform, Start2 Group serves as the ultimate destination for growth-oriented startups, corporations, investors, and governments to shape and scale ventures with growth potential.

Founded in 2008, Start2 Group has consistently played a pivotal role in the success stories of thousands of startups, guiding them seamlessly from initial fundraising to global expansion. We operate in key markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, shaping the future of innovation on a global scale.

We are looking for a Senior Program Manager to execute startup accelerator and corporate innovation programs in China. This position requires an understanding of entrepreneurship, relevant project and program management experience, and strong communication skills.

The ideal candidate has experience navigating both fast-paced startup environments and structured corporate landscapes, combining agility with strong process management. You will work closely with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, aligning programs with business objectives while optimizing execution efficiency.

The responsibilities outlined below are not exhaustive and can include other related tasks. The employee may, from time to time, work on other projects as the company sees fit.

Role and Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, development, and execution of one or more startup accelerator and corporate innovation programs in China, focusing on topics such as scaling, internationalization, and corporate innovation.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, client coordination, vendor management, task delegation, and collaboration across departments.
• Support the shaping and refining of program content by designing dynamic, relevant workshops, speaker sessions, events, and learning experiences tailored to the needs of startups and corporate teams.
• Identify, engage, and maintain a high-level network of mentors, coaches, investors, government leaders, and corporate partners across national and international ecosystems.
• Represent the company and its programs at key industry events, conferences, and partner meetings, positioning it as a leader in startup acceleration and innovation in Asia.
• Facilitate high-impact workshops, mentoring sessions, and strategic advisory for startups and intrapreneurship teams, driving measurable business outcomes.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations based on program outcomes, mentor feedback, and industry trends, contributing to continuous program improvement.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for programs and projects to evaluate success, impact, and areas for improvement.
• Identify and mitigate potential program risks, ensuring smooth delivery even in complex environments.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (marketing, scouting, local country teams, business development) to deliver programs and ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Support startups and corporate teams with entrepreneurship knowledge, market understanding and strategy in their respective verticals through industry research, and tailored guidance.
• Facilitate all necessary program operations to ensure a seamless experience and maximum benefit for startups.
• Ensure programs' and projects' sustainability and growth by collaborating with business development teams on sponsorships, partnerships, and client engagement strategies.
• Mentor and support junior program team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance team culture.

Key Qualifications

• A relevant degree in business administration, finance, or technical/scientific fields.
• Native Chinese speaker and excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Previous involvement with startup, innovation, and corporate innovation programs, or related entrepreneurial services
• Experience working in a startup is a plus, with a core understanding of the challenges and opportunities of scaling a business is a bonus
• A growing active network within the global startup and investment community, ready to leverage for program and startup advantage
• Approaches challenge in a proactive, innovative manner, combined with resilience and a deep passion for supporting startups and fostering global innovation
• Confidence in presenting to and engaging with external stakeholders
• Good team player and always willing to help out with additional tasks when required
• Strong skills in cross-cultural communication and collaboration
• Passionate about supporting global startups with expansion, scaling, and fundraising.
• Strong communication skills, able to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, geographies, and cultures.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Savvy with state-of-the-art software tools (e.g. Hubspot, Notion, ChatGpt).
• Able to travel up 10% of time (primarily China and Asia, ~3 to ~5 times annually)

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.