Phani Nikolopoulou

Staff Technical Program Manager | Data & Software Systems | Execution & Operational Leadership

Berlin Metropolitan Area

About

Staff Technical Program Manager with 20+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional AI-, data-, and software-driven programs in global, high-growth environments, including Tesla, Amazon, HERE, TomTom, Nokia, and Siemens. I operate at the intersection of strategy and execution, translating ambiguous goals into structured, scalable delivery systems. In my current role, I lead large-scale technical programs across AI, data, and software systems while partnering closely with senior leadership to align execution, operating cadence, and decision-making. My background spans AI- and data-driven products, manufacturing-adjacent software systems, large-scale release governance, and operational ramp-up in complex environments. I specialize in designing and scaling execution mechanisms — including Agile enablement, tooling architecture (Jira governance & workflows), KPI frameworks, dashboards, and structured operating cadences — that provide real-time visibility into delivery health, risk, and performance. I am known for bringing clarity to complexity, anticipating risks and dependencies early, and establishing execution frameworks that enable engineering and operations teams to deliver with predictability and confidence. I combine strong technical fluency with pragmatic business judgment and am deeply credible with engineers while trusted by executives. I thrive in high-ambiguity environments where structured execution and calm operational leadership make the difference. Core focus areas include: - Staff / Principal-level Technical Program Leadership - AI-, data-, and software-driven systems - Execution systems, Agile transformation & operating governance - Cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Product, Data & Operations - Operating cadences, delivery health & execution at scale - Executive partnership in complex, high-ambiguity environments

Experience

  • Tesla (Full-time · 5 yrs 4 mos)
    • Staff Technical Program Manager - Shop Floor Intelligence - Powertrain Manufacturing
      Dec 2021 - Dec 2025 · 4 yrs 1 mo

      Staff Technical Program Manager leading enterprise-scale technical programs across data, analytics, and operational platforms, operating in an Acting Chief of Staff capacity to senior manufacturing leadership. Partner with Director- and Managing Director level leaders to translate strategic priorities into execution, establish operating cadence, and drive cross-functional alignment across engineering, data, IT, and operations, enabling informed prioritization and outcome-focused delivery in highly dynamic environments. Operating within a regulated automotive manufacturing environment with strong governance, safety, and compliance standards.

    • Staff Technical Program Manager, Core Automation Engineering - Vehicle Manufacturing
      Sep 2020 - Nov 2021 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Staff Technical Program Manager for factory controls and automation programs, focusing on execution alignment, resource planning, dependency management, and delivery coordination across vehicle and cell manufacturing organizations.

  • parental leave at parental leave
    Jun 2020 - Aug 2020 · 3 mos

  • Senior Manager, Software Engineering - Map Visualization at HERE Technologies
    Dec 2019 - May 2020 · 6 mos

    Senior engineering manager responsible for software delivery and release execution for map visualization platforms Led and coached engineering teams, establishing predictable release planning, execution discipline, and quality standards Partnered with Product and Architecture to prioritize backlog, balance technical debt, and align delivery with customer needs Introduced scalable Scrum and sprint practices, improving transparency, delivery reliability, and cross-team collaboration

  • Technical Program Manager, Alexa Machine Learning at Amazon
    Jun 2018 - Nov 2019 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Technical Program Manager operating at the intersection of AI/ML-driven products, engineering, research science, and operations within Alexa. Partnered closely with product and business stakeholders to localize and scale Alexa capabilities for the German market, balancing customer experience, adoption, and delivery constraints in large-scale releases impacting millions of users. Drove cross-functional execution across engineering, science, and operations teams, enabling data-informed prioritization, predictable delivery, and high-quality customer outcomes in a fast-moving product environment.

  • TomTom (Full-time · 3 yrs 5 mos)
    • Customer Program Manager, Automotive - Traffic & Travel Information
      Jun 2016 - May 2018 · 2 yrs

      Owned end-to-end delivery of Traffic & Travel Information solutions for automotive OEM customers in ISO- and A-SPICE-driven environments, covering scope, quality, and timelines Acted as the primary customer interface, managing delivery commitments, change requests, and expectation alignment Coordinated cross-functional teams across Product, Engineering, and Operations to ensure reliable, customer-focused execution Reported program status, risks, and outcomes directly to senior business leadership

    • Senior Manager, Test Engineering & QA - Navigation
      Jan 2015 - May 2016 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Senior leader responsible for quality strategy and delivery governance across Navigation software within a large-scale SAFe environment Led and coached test engineering teams across multiple Scrum teams, reporting directly to VP-level leadership Defined and owned quality KPIs, risk management, and release readiness, ensuring delivery stability at scale Acted as Epic Owner for cross-team quality initiatives, driving consistency and execution alignment across the organization