Program Manager AI / Data Transformation

Job Description Program Manager (AI / Data Transformation)

Job Title: Program Manager AI / Data Transformation
Location: United States (Preferred: Dallas, TX; New York City, NY; Columbus, OH) | Remote (U.S.) considered
Job Type: Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead large-scale AI and Data Transformation initiatives within the Financial Services industry. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of program management experience with a proven track record of delivering complex enterprise programs, managing executive stakeholders, and driving cross-functional teams. This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills to ensure successful execution of business-critical transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of enterprise AI and Data Transformation programs within the financial services domain.
• Develop and manage program roadmaps, budgets, timelines, risks, dependencies, and resource plans.
• Partner with business leaders, technology teams, and external vendors to deliver strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and senior executive stakeholders.
• Drive governance, program reporting, executive presentations, and steering committee meetings.
• Identify and mitigate program risks while ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams across technology, data, business, and operations teams.
• Ensure adherence to project management methodologies and organizational governance standards.
• Monitor program KPIs, milestones, and financial performance.
• Foster collaboration and drive organizational change management activities to support successful adoption.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Program Management experience leading large enterprise initiatives.
• Strong experience managing AI, Data Transformation, Data Modernization, or Digital Transformation programs.
• Proven experience within the Financial Services industry (Banking, Capital Markets, Insurance, Wealth Management, or FinTech).
• Extensive experience working directly with clients, senior executives, and C-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cross-functional teams and complex enterprise programs.
• Strong expertise in program governance, risk management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid delivery environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP, PgMP, Scrum Master, SAFe, or Agile certifications.
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform).
• Familiarity with AI/ML initiatives, data governance, analytics, and enterprise data platforms.
• Experience with enterprise PMO governance and executive reporting.
• MBA or Master's degree is a plus.

Required Skills

• Program Management
• AI Transformation
• Data Transformation
• Financial Services
• Executive Stakeholder Management
• Client Management
• Enterprise Program Delivery
• Risk & Issue Management
• Governance
• Budget & Resource Management
• Agile / Scrum / Waterfall
• Change Management
• Cross-functional Leadership