In a recent restructuring move, Meta has implemented layoffs, letting go of 60 employees. The company has shed several roles within technical programme management (TPM) across the organisation.
As per Business Insider, the restructuring this week signals a phase-out of TPM positions. Furthermore, employees in these roles now face a crucial decision – they can opt to reapply and undergo a new interview process to secure positions as programme managers. However, those not selected for the new roles are expected to conclude their employment in March.
The decision to eliminate TPM positions is said to align with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s push for efficiency in the previous year, aiming to streamline management layers within the company. This initiative has resulted in numerous layoffs, a reduction in management ranks and a slowdown in hiring and promotions.
Although Meta has not officially addressed the layoffs, a former Instagram employee took to LinkedIn to discuss the expected changes in TPM roles. The post suggested that individuals may need to ‘re-interview for PM roles’ or explore opportunities as product managers.
TPMs in the tech industry play a vital intermediary role between technical workers, such as engineers and programme managers.
Despite the downsizing, Meta has been rehiring some of the previously laid-off workers. The move to eliminate TPM roles is part of Meta’s broader restructuring strategy, referred to as “the flattening’, implemented last year, which involved eliminating various management positions and offering affected employees the option to transition into non-management roles.
As Meta employees gradually returned to the office, speculation grew regarding potential future layoffs. In the past fall, a smaller layoff impacted a team within Reality Labs (a division within Meta that focuses on technology related to virtual and augmented reality). The tech company had cut 11,000 jobs at the end of 2022, and an additional 10,000 workers were let go last year to save costs.