Program Manager - AI Engineering

Program Manager – AI EngineeringCharlotte, NCThis role serves as a strategic partner to the Head of AI Engineering, acting as an extension of leadership across a rapidly growing portfolio of AI, GenAI, and Agentic AI initiatives. Combining executive-level strategic support with strong program management discipline, this individual will drive key priorities, portfolio execution, governance, and organizational alignment.The ideal candidate has a proven track record of supporting senior technology leaders, influencing across complex organizations, and independently driving high-impact initiatives from strategy through execution.RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Leadership & Executive EnablementServe as a trusted partner and extension of AI Engineering leadership, helping drive strategic priorities across the organization.Operate with a high degree of autonomy, translating leadership direction into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.Represent leadership in meetings and stakeholder forums when needed.Develop executive communications, business reviews, and leadership presentations.Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities, and proactively drive resolution.AI Engineering Portfolio Delivery & GovernanceLead a portfolio of AI, GenAI, and Agentic AI initiatives from ideation through production and optimization.Provide executive-level reporting on delivery status, risks, dependencies, and business outcomes.Establish and maintain governance practices supporting AI lifecycle management, risk controls, and regulatory requirements.Ensure programs align with enterprise standards and achieve target adoption, performance, and stability outcomes.Financial, Vendor & Workforce ManagementManage portfolio budgets, forecasts, funding allocations, and financial reporting.Oversee vendor relationships, including SOWs, contract governance, invoicing, and performance management.Develop workforce strategies including capacity planning, staffing optimization, resiliency, and critical skill development.Partner with leadership to build scalable operating models that support growing AI Engineering demand.Program Leadership & Stakeholder EngagementProvide oversight of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment between business objectives, engineering delivery, and investment priorities.Apply Agile and modern software delivery practices to improve execution and time-to-market.Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across AI Engineering, Finance, Risk, Compliance, Sourcing, and business teams.Drive alignment, decision-making, and accountability across complex cross-functional initiatives.Business Impact Success in this role will drive:Greater transparency into AI Engineering investments, priorities, risks, and outcomes.Strong financial stewardship and optimized portfolio investments.Scalable vendor and workforce models supporting AI growth.Reliable, well-governed, production-grade AI and GenAI solutions.Faster delivery of AI capabilities and business value.Stronger operational resilience, governance, and risk management.Increased effectiveness of AI Engineering leadership through proactive execution and strategic support.QUALIFICATIONS8+ years in program/portfolio management within technology organizations (banking preferred)Experience managing AI/ML, GenAI portfoliosTechnical Expertise & Understanding:AI/ML lifecycle (data, training, deployment, monitoring)GenAI and LLM-based solutionsAgentic frameworks and orchestration patternsMLOps / AIOps practicesCloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Data engineering and big data ecosystemsDevOps and CI/CD pipelines Financial & Operational Skills & Experience:Portfolio budgeting and forecastingCost optimization strategies for cloud and AI workloadsVendor contract and SOW managementLeadership & Execution:Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional portfoliosStrong executive communication and reporting skillsProven ability to drive delivery stability and operational excellence at scaleRegulatory & Risk Awareness:Understanding of model risk management, governance, and compliance within financial servicesDemonstrated Executive Partnership & InfluenceSupporting senior executives, business leaders, or technology leadersRepresenting leadership priorities across large organizationsInfluencing without direct authorityPreparing executive-level presentations and communicationsEngaging confidently with senior stakeholdersPREFERRED EXPERIENCE:Chief of Staff, Business Operations, Strategic Initiatives, Portfolio Operations, or Executive Program Management experienceExperience serving as a strategic advisor or operational extension to senior technology leadersExperience supporting board, executive committee, or senior leadership reviewsHours & Work ScheduleHours per Week: 40Work Schedule: Monday-FridayLocation: Charlotte, NCPay TransparencyThe salary range for this position is $146,000-$155,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit #LinkedIn-Citizens1Equal Employment OpportunityCitizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.Equal Employment and Opportunity EmployerJob Applicant Data Privacy PolicyBackground CheckAny offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.Full timePosting Date: 2026-08-17