Certification Program Manager

Join a fast-moving certification program team that is scaling globally and needs a strong operator to help run the systems, vendors, policies, and reporting that keep the program moving. This role partners closely with program leadership to improve exam delivery, strengthen security and integrity, support partner-facing operations, and turn ideas into efficient processes that help the program grow.ResponsibilitiesServe as the operating partner for the certification program leader by owning assigned workstreams from start to finish and keeping priorities moving across teams and vendors.Coordinate day-to-day work with exam delivery, proctoring, digital badging, and prep-content vendors, including cadence management, escalations, service tracking, and invoice or voucher reconciliation.Support exam security and integrity efforts by reviewing flags, monitoring for exposure risks, and helping manage candidate integrity cases.Respond to partner questions and escalations, and draft clear communications for program updates and process changes.Help drive adoption of certifications across the partner ecosystem by tracking performance, identifying gaps, and supporting enablement and outreach efforts.Translate certification policies into practical workflows and candidate-facing documentation, including renewals, appeals, misconduct, revocations, and verification requests.Collaborate with support teams on escalated learner and candidate cases and use ticket trends to improve response paths and templates.Maintain and improve program tools and workflows by gathering needs, prioritizing enhancements, and partnering with engineering and other stakeholders on delivery.Analyze program data such as pass rates, item performance, retake trends, and security indicators, then share insights through dashboards and recurring reviews.Use AI tools to streamline operations, improve communications, and reduce manual effort wherever possible.SkillsExperience operating a technology certification program with direct involvement in exam delivery through a proctored vendor.Working knowledge of the certification development lifecycle, including blueprinting, item development and review, standard setting, and related processes.Hands-on experience with exam security, candidate policy, and integrity-related workflows.Ability to interpret assessment data and identify meaningful trends in pass rates, item statistics, retakes, and security patterns.Experience managing external vendors, including scope, service levels, escalations, and process follow-through.Experience working with partners or customers and their account teams on questions, escalations, and program communications.Strong program management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, dependencies, risks, and timelines.Experience operationalizing policies and handling edge cases with sound judgment and attention to detail.Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to support both technical and non-technical audiences.Hands-on use of AI tools in day-to-day work to improve efficiency, analysis, and documentation.Preferred SkillsExperience helping build or scale a certification program in a fast-paced environment.Familiarity with digital badging platforms and credential lifecycle management.Experience with partner or channel programs and understanding how certifications support program tiers and incentives.Experience working with integrations between exam vendors, badging systems, identity tools, CRM platforms, or data warehouses.Experience with support tooling and ticket-based service workflows.Experience building reporting in a data warehouse or BI tool, or partnering closely with analytics teams.Experience supporting hands-on or performance-based assessments.Experience creating process documentation so others can successfully run the work.Horizontal is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can thrive. We value equity, belonging, and respect, and we encourage candidates from all communities to apply.By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at www.horizontaltalent.com/job-board. Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $126 - $185 per hour based on qualifications and experience.