AI Program Manager

SMART TECH SKILLS LLC

6d•Remote

About The Position

The AI Program Manager leads enterprise AI transformation initiatives, owning the end-to-end lifecycle of AI programs from strategy through execution. This role operates at both strategic and tactical levels, partnering directly with executive leadership, business stakeholders, and technical teams to operationalize AI capabilities. The position requires strong program leadership, governance development, and hands-on delivery oversight for AI and data-driven initiatives.

Requirements

8 or more years of experience leading enterprise programs or projects
5 or more years of experience in IT leadership or technology management roles
Proven experience delivering AI, machine learning, or data-driven transformation initiatives
Experience developing AI use case frameworks, governance models, and prioritization methods
Strong understanding of AI and machine learning lifecycle concepts
Experience managing enterprise stakeholders and cross-functional teams
Strong communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills
Ability to translate technical concepts into business-focused outcomes
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, supply chain, distribution, or operational business environments
Experience with AI governance, risk management, and operationalization frameworks
PMP certification or actively pursuing certification
Agile certifications such as Scrum or SAFe
Certifications or experience in AI, machine learning, or data analytics

Responsibilities

Lead and manage enterprise AI programs across discovery, prioritization, planning, delivery, and post-implementation support
Establish the program structure, operating model, and delivery framework for AI initiatives
Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on AI transformation and program direction
Partner with business stakeholders to identify, define, and refine AI use cases
Develop and maintain AI use case scorecards, prioritization frameworks, and value metrics
Present recommendations and prioritization decisions to executive leadership
Translate business challenges into actionable AI solutions
Develop and implement AI governance processes, standards, and operating procedures
Manage risks related to data quality, bias, explainability, compliance, and security
Define and enforce best practices for AI adoption and lifecycle management
Ensure alignment with enterprise policies and regulatory requirements
Independently manage multiple AI initiatives without dedicated project management support
Develop and maintain project plans, communication plans, testing strategies, and risk logs
Manage scope, budget, timeline, dependencies, and vendor coordination
Ensure predictable and timely delivery of AI initiatives
Facilitate executive workshops, AI roundtables, and cross-functional working sessions
Drive alignment across business, IT, data, and operational teams
Lead change management efforts to support AI adoption and usage
Communicate program progress, risks, and outcomes to leadership
Apply Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies based on project needs
Support adoption of Agile practices across AI initiatives
Promote continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and delivery efficiency