Program Leader IT Operations Technology Transformation

Job Title: Program Leader – IT Operations Technology Transformation
Location: Remote – EST or CST area.
Duration: 6-12 months 

Responsibilities:
A go-getter seasoned senior Program Leader – IT Operations Technology Transformation is responsible for leading complex, multi year programs across IT Operations, with a strong focus on cloud infrastructure, hosting platforms, observability, network operations, and operating model transformation. This role requires deep expertise in cloud and infrastructure environments, along with the ability to design, lead, and run specialized, interdependent programs that drive measurable improvements in reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
The role provides end to end program leadership, including defining transformation roadmaps, establishing governance, driving execution discipline, and leading cross functional teams and vendors to successful outcomes. The Program Leader partners closely with architecture, engineering, and operations teams to translate strategy into executable plans, leverages modern automation and AI enabled practices where relevant, and ensures sustained adoption through effective change and stakeholder management.

Role Summary
We are seeking a senior Program Leader to drive a complex, multi-year technology and operating model transformation across IT Operations, including hosting platforms, cloud operations, observability and monitoring, network and network operations, and outsourcing/vendor transitions. This individual is accountable for end-to-end program outcomes, ensuring execution rigor, stakeholder alignment, and sustainable adoption.
The role requires strong leadership presence, the ability to engage from team-level through executive leadership, and deep experience keeping large, interdependent programs on track through disciplined follow-up, transparent reporting, and proactive risk management. A strong understanding of AI applications in IT operations (AIOps, automation, predictive analytics, intelligent monitoring) is essential to shaping and delivering the future-state vision.

Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Execution
Own the overall transformation roadmap, integrating multiple workstreams with clear milestones, dependencies, and success metrics.
Establish and run program governance, rhythms, and decision forums to ensure pace, accountability, and alignment.
Drive execution discipline through active tracking of actions, risks, issues, and dependencies, ensuring timely mitigation and resolution.
Ensure delivery of measurable outcomes aligned to reliability, scalability, operational efficiency, and service quality.

IT Operations & Technology Transformation
Lead transformation initiatives across: 
Hosting and platform modernization
Cloud operations and operating model evolution
Observability and monitoring (metrics, logs, traces, event management)
Network and network operations
Apply AI-enabled approaches to IT operations, including AIOps, intelligent monitoring, automation, anomaly detection, predictive incident management, and operational insights.
Partner with architecture, engineering, and operations teams to translate strategy into executable plans and operational readiness.

Outsourcing & Vendor Management
Lead planning and execution of outsourcing and managed service transitions, including service integration, governance, and performance management.
Coordinate internal teams and vendors to ensure clarity of roles, handoffs, SLAs, escalation paths, and operational processes.
Provide transparency into vendor risks and performance, driving corrective actions where required.

Stakeholder & Change Leadership
Build and sustain strong relationships with IT leadership, engineering teams, security, architecture, and external partners.
Understand stakeholder needs and priorities; manage expectations and resolve conflicts across complex organizational boundaries.
Drive change management and adoption by aligning communications, engagement, and readiness activities to the transformation roadmap.

Executive Communication & Reporting
Prepare and present clear, executive-ready updates on status, risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
Communicate effectively at all levels—detailed, hands-on engagement with teams and concise, outcome-focused messaging with executives.
Surface decision points early and facilitate timely, informed decision-making.

Required Qualifications
10+ years leading large-scale, cross-functional technology transformation programs.
Strong experience in IT operations environments, including hosting, cloud, observability/monitoring, and network operations.
Proven success delivering programs involving outsourcing or managed services.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, drive follow-through, and maintain momentum in complex initiatives.
Experience applying or enabling AI-driven capabilities in IT operations (e.g., AIOps, automation, intelligent monitoring).
Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and executive presentation skills.