Program Director

Role OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Program Director – Data & AI Transformation to lead large-scale enterprise transformation programs across data, AI, technology, and digital innovation. The role will be responsible for strategic program leadership, governance, architecture alignment, stakeholder management, and building scalable data and AI capabilities.The ideal candidate should have a strong track record of managing complex transformation programs, advising senior executives, driving enterprise-wide data and AI initiatives, and building high-performing teams and Centres of Excellence.Key Responsibilities1. Programme Leadership & GovernanceLead large-scale enterprise transformation programs from strategy through execution and benefits realisation.Establish and manage program governance frameworks, steering committees, governance forums, and operating rhythms.Provide delivery oversight across multiple workstreams, ensuring scope, timelines, quality, risks, and dependencies are effectively managed.Drive escalation management and resolution of critical program issues.Provide regular executive-level reporting on program progress, risks, financials, dependencies, and outcomes.Ensure appropriate quality assurance and adherence to enterprise standards.2. Data & AI StrategyDefine and execute enterprise Data and AI strategies aligned with business objectives.Identify, evaluate, and prioritise AI and data use cases based on business value, feasibility, and strategic importance.Develop AI operating models, governance frameworks, and transformation roadmaps.Drive innovation initiatives and support the adoption of emerging AI and data technologies.Establish mechanisms to measure business impact, value realisation, and ROI from Data and AI investments.3. Enterprise Architecture & Technology StrategyProvide strategic direction on enterprise architecture and technology alignment across transformation programs.Ensure solution architecture aligns with enterprise technology strategy, business objectives, security, and scalability requirements.Drive interoperability across applications, platforms, data ecosystems, and enterprise systems.Provide direction on data platforms, integration architecture, and technology roadmaps.Partner with architecture and technology leadership to ensure long-term scalability and sustainability of solutions.4. Team & Centre-of-Excellence LeadershipBuild, lead, and scale high-performing Data, AI, analytics, and transformation teams.Establish and develop Centres of Excellence focused on AI, data, analytics, and innovation.Define capability-building strategies, operating models, and talent plans.Mentor senior leaders and develop a strong leadership pipeline within the organisation.Promote knowledge sharing, innovation, reusable assets, and best practices across teams.5. Executive & Stakeholder ManagementAct as a strategic advisor to C-suite executives and senior business and technology leaders.Manage relationships with senior clients, government stakeholders, partners, and other strategic stakeholders.Facilitate executive decision-making by providing clear insights, options, risks, and recommendations.Drive cross-functional alignment across business, technology, data, AI, operations, and transformation teams.Represent the organisation in strategic forums, leadership reviews, and external engagements.Required Experience & Skills15+ years of experience in program management, digital transformation, technology transformation, data, AI, or enterprise architecture.Proven experience leading large, complex, enterprise-scale transformation programs.Strong experience in Data & AI strategy, governance, operating models, and value realisation.Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, data platforms, integration, and technology strategy.Experience building and managing AI/Data Centres of Excellence or similar transformation practices.Strong executive stakeholder management and C-suite communication skills.Demonstrated experience managing senior teams and multiple cross-functional workstreams.Strong understanding of program governance, financial management, risk management, and delivery assurance.Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related discipline.MBA or equivalent management qualification is preferred.Relevant certifications such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, TOGAF, SAFe, or AI/Data certifications would be an advantage.Key CompetenciesEnterprise Program LeadershipData & AI StrategyDigital TransformationEnterprise ArchitectureProgram GovernanceExecutive Stakeholder ManagementAI & Data Operating ModelsCentre-of-Excellence LeadershipStrategic Planning & InnovationBusiness Value & Benefits RealisationRisk & Escalation ManagementTeam Leadership & Capability Building