Program/Delivery Manager - AI

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven AI Technical Program Manager / Delivery Manager to lead a centralized AI implementation and delivery organization supporting a Fortune 100 global retail client. This role will be responsible for driving enterprise AI initiatives from strategy through execution, managing cross-functional teams, ensuring successful deployment of AI solutions, and establishing delivery governance across multiple business units.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of program management, AI/ML delivery experience, stakeholder management, technology leadership, and operational excellence. This leader will serve as the primary interface between business stakeholders, data science teams, engineering organizations, and executive leadership to ensure successful adoption and realization of AI-driven business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Delivery Leadership

• Lead a centralized AI implementation team responsible for delivering enterprise AI and Generative AI initiatives across retail business functions.
  
• Own end-to-end program delivery including planning, execution, governance, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
  
• Develop and maintain AI delivery roadmaps aligned to business objectives and strategic priorities.
  
• Establish delivery frameworks, operating models, and best practices to drive consistent execution across AI programs.
  
• Manage multiple concurrent AI projects while ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
  

AI Solution Implementation

• Oversee deployment of AI/ML, Generative AI, Intelligent Automation, and Advanced Analytics solutions.
  
• Partner with Data Science, Data Engineering, Cloud Engineering, Security, and Architecture teams to transition AI solutions from prototype to production.
  
• Ensure AI solutions are scalable, secure, compliant, and aligned with enterprise standards.
  
• Drive adoption of responsible AI practices, governance controls, and model lifecycle management.
  

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary delivery leader and trusted advisor for senior client stakeholders.
  
• Conduct executive steering committee meetings and provide regular updates on program health, risks, outcomes, and value realization.
  
• Facilitate alignment between business, technology, operations, and vendor teams.
  
• Influence and drive decision-making across multiple stakeholder groups.
  

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team comprising AI Engineers, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, Architects, Product Owners, and Delivery Leads.
  
• Build a high-performance delivery culture focused on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  
• Drive resource planning, talent development, capacity management, and succession planning.
  

Governance & Operational Excellence

• Establish AI delivery governance, KPI frameworks, and operational dashboards.
  
• Define and track program success metrics including adoption, business value, model performance, productivity gains, and ROI.
  
• Manage program risks, dependencies, escalations, and mitigation plans.
  
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, regulatory, and enterprise governance requirements.
  

Experience

• 12+ years of experience in Technology Delivery, Program Management, or Digital Transformation.
  
• 5+ years managing AI/ML, Data Science, Advanced Analytics, or Generative AI delivery programs.
  
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale enterprise transformations for Fortune 500/Fortune 100 clients.
  
• Experience managing global delivery teams across multiple geographies.
  
• Proven track record of delivering complex technology programs exceeding $5M+ in annual portfolio value.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Retail industry experience preferred.
  
• Experience implementing AI solutions in areas such as:
  • Customer Service
    
  • Personalized Marketing
    
  • Merchandising
    
  • Supply Chain Optimization
    
  • Demand Forecasting
    
  • Store Operations
    
  • Inventory Optimization
    
  • Digital Commerce
    
• Knowledge of enterprise AI platforms including Azure OpenAI, Vertex AI, AWS Bedrock, Databricks, or similar ecosystems.
  
• Experience working with executive leadership and C-suite stakeholders.