Epic Program Manager interview questions & guide 2026

The questions you encounter at Epic are designed to probe how you think, how you handle pressure, and how well you align with the company’s unique operational culture. While specific prompts may vary based on the team, you should prepare for a blend of high-level strategic thinking and personal introspection.

Behavioral and Self-Reflection

These questions aim to uncover your self-awareness, your values, and your ability to articulate your professional identity under scrutiny.

• What are 5 things you are not?
• Tell me about a time you had to persuade a stakeholder who was initially resistant to your project plan.

Preparation for Epic requires a focus on structural clarity and evidence-based storytelling. You must demonstrate that you are not only capable of managing a schedule but that you possess the intellectual depth to understand the "why" behind your projects.

Strategic Thinking – You will be evaluated on your ability to see the big picture. Approach challenges by identifying the root cause rather than just the immediate symptom, and always link your solutions to the overall goals of the organization.

Collaborative Problem Solving – Epic values team-oriented individuals. During group case studies, demonstrate that you can listen actively, build on others' ideas, and guide the team toward a consensus without being overbearing.

Operational Rigor – Your ability to maintain order in chaotic environments is vital. Be ready to discuss the specific methodologies or frameworks you use to track progress, manage risks, and ensure transparency across project stakeholders.

The interview process at Epic is designed to test your cultural fit and your ability to thrive in a high-intensity, collaborative environment. You should expect a multi-stage journey that begins with a high-level overview of the company and the role, followed by assessments that measure your analytical and interpersonal capabilities.

The process is notably rigorous and emphasizes real-time interaction. You will move from initial screenings into structured assessments, culminating in a series of sessions that include group case studies and individual presentations. This structure allows the hiring team to see how you perform in both independent and team-based settings, ensuring you possess the versatility required for the Program Manager position.

The visual timeline above illustrates the progression from initial engagement to the final interview day. Use this to pace your preparation; focus on refining your ability to think on your feet for the group case study while preparing concise, impactful narratives for your individual presentation.

Analytical Reasoning

You will be tested on your ability to break down complex, multi-layered problems. Strong performance involves demonstrating a logical, step-by-step approach to identifying constraints and proposing scalable solutions.

Be ready to go over:

• Identifying project dependencies and critical paths.
• Managing resource allocation under uncertainty.

As a Program Manager, your primary responsibility is the successful delivery of projects that support Epic’s mission. You will act as the central point of contact for your projects, ensuring that engineering, product, and operations teams are synchronized.

You will be responsible for defining project scope, establishing milestones, and proactively identifying risks that could impact delivery. This involves constant communication with team members to remove blockers and ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed of progress, changes, and potential risks. You will also be expected to contribute to process improvements, refining how the team operates to drive greater efficiency over time.

A successful candidate for this role demonstrates a balance of operational discipline and interpersonal savvy. While your background may vary, you must show a track record of driving projects to completion in complex environments.

• Must-have skills: Exceptional project documentation, strong stakeholder management, the ability to synthesize complex data into clear reports, and high-level organizational skills.
• Nice-to-have skills: Prior experience in healthcare technology or large-scale software implementation, proficiency with internal project tracking tools, and experience managing international or remote teams.

Q: How long does the hiring process typically take? The process is designed to be thorough. While it can vary, candidates should prepare for a timeline that spans several weeks from the initial screen to the final decision.

Q: What is the company culture like for Program Managers? The culture is fast-paced and highly collaborative. You will be expected to take ownership of your projects and contribute to a high-performance environment where results and efficiency are prioritized.

Q: How can I stand out during the group case study? Focus on being a facilitator. The most successful candidates are those who help the team stay on track, encourage quieter participants to contribute, and help synthesize the group's disparate ideas into a coherent strategy.

• Structure your answers: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to keep your behavioral responses concise and impactful.
• Be ready for the unexpected: Some interview questions are intentionally open-ended to see how you define scope and handle ambiguity.
• Research the mission: Understand Epic’s role in the global healthcare ecosystem; showing you care about the "why" of the company goes a long way.
• Master the presentation: For your 10-minute presentation, ensure you have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and practice timing it accurately.

The Program Manager role at Epic is a demanding but highly rewarding position that places you at the heart of healthcare innovation. By focusing on your ability to structure complex information, influence cross-functional teams, and maintain composure in high-pressure scenarios, you will be well-positioned to succeed.

You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford to further refine your strategy. Consistent, focused preparation is the most effective way to demonstrate your potential to the hiring team.

The compensation data provided covers a wide range, reflecting the global nature of the role and the varying levels of seniority and responsibility. When reviewing these figures, consider your total experience and the specific requirements of the location and team you are interviewing for to set realistic expectations for your offer.