Included Health Program Manager interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns observed in the Included Health interview process. Use these to understand the types of challenges you will be asked to discuss, rather than attempting to memorize specific answers. Focus on framing your experiences through the lens of impact and structured problem-solving.

Operational Strategy & Execution

These questions assess your ability to design processes from the ground up and manage them to completion.

• How do you handle competing priorities when multiple high-stakes projects are running simultaneously?
• Can you describe a time you identified a major inefficiency in a program and the steps you took to resolve it?

Preparation at Included Health should be rooted in the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Your goal is to demonstrate that you are not just a task-manager, but a strategic partner who understands the "why" behind the work.

Operational Rigor – This refers to your ability to maintain structure in a fast-paced environment. Interviewers look for evidence that you use data to drive decisions and that you possess a toolkit of methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches) to keep projects on track.

Strategic Influence – You will be evaluated on your ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences. Focus on demonstrating how you build consensus, navigate organizational politics, and maintain transparency with stakeholders at all levels.

Adaptability – Included Health operates in a dynamic industry. Be prepared to discuss how you handle ambiguity, pivot when priorities shift, and maintain team morale during periods of organizational change.

The interview process at Included Health is designed to be rigorous and thorough, reflecting the high standards expected of a Program Manager. You can generally expect a sequence that begins with a recruiter screen to assess your background and interest, followed by a series of deep-dive interviews with key stakeholders, including peers, cross-functional partners, and potential leadership.

The process is collaborative and data-driven. You will likely meet with team members from Talent Operations or Product to gauge how you think, how you prioritize, and how you integrate into the company culture. The pace can be fast, so it is important to stay organized and keep your documentation ready.

This timeline provides a high-level view of the progression from initial screening to final decision. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have enough time to review your past projects and prepare specific examples for each stage. Remember that the process can vary slightly by team, so stay in close communication with your recruiter regarding the specific focus of your upcoming rounds.

Program Lifecycle Management

This area evaluates your end-to-end management capabilities. You must show that you understand the full arc of a program—from discovery and planning to execution and post-launch analysis. Strong performance involves demonstrating how you handle documentation, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Be ready to go over:

• Project Scoping – How you define requirements and manage expectations early on.
• Milestone Tracking – Your methods for monitoring progress and reporting status.

As a Program Manager at Included Health, your day-to-day will involve high-level coordination and tactical execution. You will likely lead large-scale initiatives such as rolling out new talent acquisition tools, optimizing internal operational workflows, or managing the cross-departmental roadmap for high-priority business projects.

You will spend significant time documenting processes, facilitating meetings, and creating visual dashboards to keep leadership informed of project health. Collaboration with technical teams is common, especially when your programs involve digital tools or platform enhancements. You are expected to be the primary owner of your program’s success, which means anticipating problems before they escalate and proactively managing resources.

A strong candidate for this role balances technical project management proficiency with high emotional intelligence.

• Must-have skills:
  • Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional programs.
  • Strong proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, or similar).
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
  • Ability to translate business goals into actionable operational plans.
• Nice-to-have skills:
  • Experience within the healthcare or health-tech industry.
  • Background in Talent Operations or Recruiting Systems.
  • Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, CSM).

Q: How long does the interview process typically take? The timeline varies, but from the initial screen to a final decision, candidates often see a process spanning 3–5 weeks. Keep your schedule flexible to accommodate multiple rounds of interviews.

Q: What differentiates a good candidate from a great one? A great candidate does not just describe what they did; they explain why they chose a specific path and what they would have done differently. Focus on the impact of your results and your ability to learn from past challenges.

Q: Is the role fully remote? Many Program Manager roles at Included Health are listed as remote, but always confirm the specific expectations for your role with your recruiter during the initial screen.

• Own your narrative: Be prepared to tell a cohesive story about your career trajectory and why you are interested in the mission of Included Health.
• Prepare questions for them: Interviewers will evaluate your curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions about the team’s current pain points and how this role can alleviate them.
• Structure your answers: Use the STAR method to ensure your responses are concise, clear, and impactful.
• Focus on the "How": It is not enough to say a project was successful; explain the specific management techniques you used to make it happen.

The Program Manager position at Included Health is a pivotal role that offers the chance to make a tangible impact on the company’s operations and, by extension, the health outcomes of our members. By mastering the art of cross-functional influence and operational rigor, you will position yourself as a key driver of our future success.

Candidates can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. Preparation is the most effective way to build confidence and ensure your skills shine during the evaluation process. With a structured approach and a clear focus on your past achievements, you are well-equipped to succeed.

This module provides insight into the compensation range for this position. Candidates should interpret these figures as the base salary range, keeping in mind that total compensation packages may also include equity, bonuses, and benefits, which can vary based on experience and seniority level.