Expedia Group Program Manager interview questions & guide 2026

The questions below represent common themes identified in recent candidate experiences. While specific questions may vary by team, the focus remains consistent on your ability to handle complex project lifecycles and interpersonal challenges.

Behavioral and Leadership

These questions test your ability to navigate team dynamics and influence outcomes in high-pressure environments.

• Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague and how you handled it.
• Tell me about a time you had to bring hostile stakeholders to the table.

Preparation for Expedia Group should focus on articulating your impact using structured, evidence-based storytelling. Because the interview process relies heavily on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), your preparation should prioritize concrete examples of your past performance.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate a clear understanding of the full project lifecycle, from ideation to delivery. Interviewers look for evidence that you understand technical dependencies and can facilitate meaningful discussions between diverse teams.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will be evaluated on how you dissect complex, ambiguous problems. Focus on your ability to structure a chaotic situation, identify key variables, and propose a logical path forward.

Leadership and Influence – At Expedia Group, you often lead without direct authority. Showcase your ability to build consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities and your skill in managing difficult personalities or "hostile" stakeholders.

Communication and Clarity – Your ability to communicate status, risks, and roadblocks clearly is critical. Be prepared to explain how you keep stakeholders informed when projects hit obstacles.

The interview journey for a Program Manager at Expedia Group is typically rigorous and multi-staged, reflecting the global and cross-functional nature of the work. Candidates should expect an initial screening with a recruiter, followed by a series of virtual interviews with hiring managers and cross-functional team members.

The process is designed to evaluate both your technical competency and your cultural alignment. You should expect a mix of behavioral assessments, scenario-based case studies, and, in some cases, specific technical checks like SQL proficiency. While the process is generally well-structured, it can be lengthy, often spanning multiple weeks and involving stakeholders from different regions.

This visual timeline highlights the progression from initial screening to the final interview loop. Candidates should use this to pace their preparation, ensuring they are ready to pivot from high-level behavioral answers in early rounds to more granular, project-specific details in later, panel-based interviews.

Behavioral Competency

This area is the cornerstone of your interview. You are being evaluated on your "soft skills"—your ability to lead, influence, and resolve conflict. Strong candidates provide crisp, concise answers that highlight their personal contribution to a team's success.

Be ready to go over:

• Conflict Resolution – Strategies for managing disagreements with peers or stakeholders.
• Influence – Techniques for getting buy-in from cross-functional partners.

As a Program Manager, you will spend your time orchestrating the delivery of products that impact millions of travelers and partners. Your day-to-day involves managing the "how" behind the "what," working closely with Product Managers who define the vision and Engineers who build the solution.

You will act as the primary point of contact for project health. This includes identifying risks early, ensuring that cross-team dependencies are tracked, and proactively communicating status to stakeholders. You are expected to move projects forward by removing blockers and keeping the team aligned on timelines and quality standards.

• Driving cross-functional alignment across product, engineering, and operations.
• Managing project documentation, including roadmaps, risk registers, and status reports.
• Facilitating meetings to ensure all stakeholders are aware of milestones and blockers.
• Utilizing data to evaluate program performance and drive continuous improvement.

A competitive candidate for Program Manager at Expedia Group is someone who has proven experience managing complex, global programs. You should be able to demonstrate that you are not just a task-tracker, but a strategic partner who understands the business impact of your work.

• Must-have skills: Expertise in the STAR method for communication, strong stakeholder management skills, experience in global cross-functional environments, and proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, etc.).
• Nice-to-have skills: Prior experience in travel-tech or e-commerce, proficiency in SQL or data visualization tools, and experience managing B2B or partner-facing programs.
• Experience level: Most roles require a significant track record of delivering large-scale initiatives, with typical expectations ranging from mid-level to senior leadership depending on the specific Program Manager level.

Q: How long does the interview process usually take? The process can vary significantly, typically lasting between 4 to 8 weeks from the initial recruiter screen to a final decision. Be prepared for a multi-round loop that may involve speaking with team members across different time zones.

Q: Are technical questions common for this role? Yes, but they are often focused on your ability to manage technical projects rather than pure coding. Expect case studies and questions about how you handle technical dependencies or data-driven decision-making.

Q: What is the best way to stand out during the interview? Focus on your "Result" in the STAR method. Expedia Group values candidates who can clearly articulate the business impact of their actions, such as cost savings, time-to-market improvements, or increased user engagement.

Q: How should I prepare for the "Why Expedia?" question? Research the company’s current focus on travel technology, sustainability, and global platform strategy. Connect your personal passion for travel and your professional expertise to their mission of making travel accessible to everyone.

• Use the STAR Method: Always structure your behavioral answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This ensures you provide enough context without getting lost in the weeds.
• Be Data-Driven: Whenever possible, quantify your impact. Use numbers, percentages, and clear outcomes to describe what you achieved in previous roles.
• Prepare for Ambiguity: Many interview questions will be open-ended. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions before diving into your answer to show that you are analytical and thorough.
• Research the Business: Understand that Expedia Group is a platform company. Think about how your program management skills help their B2B and B2C sides work together more effectively.

The Program Manager role at Expedia Group offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of global travel. By mastering the art of structured storytelling and demonstrating a deep commitment to data-driven, cross-functional execution, you will be well-positioned to succeed. Remember that your ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through influence is just as important as your technical project management skills.

You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. Dedicate time to refining your STAR stories and familiarizing yourself with the core values of the company, and you will find yourself in a strong position when you step into your interviews.

The compensation data provided covers typical ranges for Program Manager roles at Expedia Group. Candidates should interpret these figures as market benchmarks that vary based on seniority, location, and total compensation packages, including equity and performance bonuses.