Senior Manager/ Director, Technical Program Management - AI Research

Salesforce•San Francisco, CA

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

Salesforce AI Research discovers new research problems, develops novel models, and bridges the gap between groundbreaking theory and customer-facing reality. We are dedicated to a high-impact research model that provides the best of both worlds: the ability to advance the state-of-the-art in AI and the opportunity to see that work operate at massive, real-world scale within the world's #1 AI CRM. Technical Program Managers (TPMs) play a critical role in leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives within our Technology & Products organizations. TPMs supervise programs from beginning to end, ensuring a better workflow and more effective communication. They work closely with executives and key company stakeholders to drive critical programs across the company.

Requirements

Overall professional experience of 10 to 15 years with at least 7+ years of recent professional work experience leading large enterprise product programs.
Experience in a research, AI/ML, or technology organization required; knowledge of AI concepts and research culture is a significant advantage
Outstanding organizational, communication, and relationship building skills conducive to driving consensus; able to work well in a cross-functional, executive level environment, comfortable giving and preparing exec level presentations
Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with a history of hands-on, detail orientation.
Ability to derive insights from data, expert at using project management and data analysis tools
Ability to establish credibility and rapport with senior executives and technical and non-technical team members alike.
Ability to master technical subjects and technologies relevant to the program.
Ability to successfully partner with all functions across the entire company and across multiple time zones, and strong time management, analysis, and planning skills.
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or related disciplines or equivalent experience in technical leadership roles.

Nice To Haves

knowledge of AI concepts and research culture is a significant advantage
Exposure to working with AI tools like Claude/Cursor is a plus
Management Degrees preferred

Responsibilities

Lead programs by achieving alignment on program scope, release planning, as well as aligning one or more teams on vision, business goals, creating program structure, and securing cross-functional alignment.
Drive weekly product review meetings with key stakeholders for each program to help make key decisions, remove obstacles, and address key program issues.
Be the key driver to ensure business goals are met and drive the strategic vision of each program.
Develop strong partnerships with key functional stakeholders to drive focus on business goals.
Be a trusted partner for executive management to ensure program success.
Drive workgroup alignment meetings to address tactical release issues, dependencies, team status, production issues, metrics review, milestones, etc. (cross functional - Product Owners, AI Researchers, TechOps, Release Eng, Capacity, Functional Managers, Release Management).
Provide visibility to program status (issues, risks, metrics, etc.) on an ongoing basis through push status reporting (to all stakeholders, team members, and interested parties).
Manage "program/feature" dependencies across multiple teams, scrum teams, functions, divisions, and stakeholders.
Anticipate and remove obstacles with a sense of urgency that slow down or prevent project teams from delivering on project goals.
Provide monthly program reviews and updates at sprint reviews (deep dive into current state of project goals, risks, escalations).
Create a collaborative environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and learning.
Be a catalyst within the organization, someone who can help advance our Product & Technology strategy globally and drive others in the organization to change.