Program Manager

Program Manager

FTE Status: Full time

Location: Los Gatos (hybrid with regional travel required)

Reporting to: Managing Director 

About SVG Ventures | THRIVE

SVG Ventures | THRIVE is the leading global agrifood innovation and investment platform, advancing the future of food and agriculture through innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration. Our mission is to drive innovation and sustainability in the agrifood value chain, bridging global ecosystems and catalyzing impact where it matters most.

The Role

We are seeking a highly organized, entrepreneurial Program Manager to own the end-to-end delivery of accelerator and innovation programs. This person will act as the operational lead, ensuring programs run seamlessly, deliver impact, and create an exceptional experience for startups, partners, corporates and stakeholders. You will work closely with THRIVE leadership, external partners and a distributed global team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Delivery (Core Ownership)

• Own full lifecycle of programs from planning through execution and wrap-up

• Build and manage detailed program timelines, milestones, and deliverables

• Ensure high-quality execution of all sessions, workshops, and events

• Track progress against program goals and KPIs

2. Startup / Cohort Management

• Lead onboarding of selected startups

• Serve as primary point of contact for founders throughout the program

• Monitor progress, engagement, and outcomes

• Coordinate mentor matching and support founder success

3. Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Act as day-to-day contact for partners 

• Coordinate with corporate partners, speakers, and mentors

• Prepare regular updates and reports for stakeholders

• Ensure alignment between partner expectations and program delivery

4. Program Design & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to curriculum design and program structure

• Identify opportunities to improve participant experience and outcomes

• Capture insights and feedback to refine future programs

5. Operations & Execution

• Coordinate logistics including events (virtual and in-person), schedules, and materials

• Work closely with a global, distributed team

• Manage vendors, tools, and program platforms

• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations

6. Reporting & Administration

• Track and report on KPIs, outputs, and impact metrics

• Support compliance and reporting requirements (especially for public sector programs)

• Maintain accurate documentation and records

Requirements

Must-Have

• 5+ years experience in program management, accelerators, innovation programs, or similar

• Strong project management skills (timelines, stakeholders, delivery)

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders (corporates, startups, public sector)

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Ability to operate independently and manage ambiguity

Nice-to-Have

• Background in startups, venture, or innovation ecosystems

• Experience in agrifood, climate, or sustainability sectors

• Familiarity with venture capital, accelerator or cohort-based programs

Profile

• Highly organized and execution-focused

• Commercially aware and interested in innovation and venture ecosystems

• Strong relationship builder across startups and corporates

• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working across multiple workstreams

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action

Why Join THRIVE

• Work at the forefront of global agrifood and climate innovation

• Lead high-impact programs with startups, corporates, and governments

• Build relationships across Europe’s innovation ecosystem

•Opportunity to grow into a broader leadership role as THRIVE expands