Program Manager - Data, AI & Databricks

Program Manager Data, AI & Databricks

Location: Remote (U.S.) / Detroit, MI Preferred Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager Data, AI & Databricks to lead and deliver large-scale data, analytics, and AI transformation programs. This role requires a strong blend of program management, technical understanding, and stakeholder engagement to successfully drive complex initiatives across business and technology teams.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience managing enterprise data platforms, Databricks-based solutions, AI/ML programs, and globally distributed delivery teams. You will be responsible for ensuring successful program execution, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, and driving outcomes across multiple workstreams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of enterprise data, analytics, and AI programs from planning through execution and deployment.
• Partner with business stakeholders, product owners, architects, and engineering teams to define program objectives, priorities, and success metrics.
• Manage cross-functional teams across onsite and offshore locations, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery alignment.
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, milestones, resource allocation, and budget tracking.
• Drive governance processes, status reporting, risk management, issue resolution, and executive communications.
• Oversee Databricks-based data platform initiatives, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with technical leadership on data engineering, analytics, cloud, and AI/ML solution strategies.
• Identify and manage program risks, dependencies, and bottlenecks while implementing mitigation plans.
• Ensure adherence to organizational quality, compliance, security, and delivery standards.
• Facilitate Agile and hybrid delivery methodologies, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
• Provide regular updates and insights to leadership regarding program health, key achievements, and strategic recommendations.
• Drive operational excellence and process improvements across program delivery functions.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of overall IT experience with significant experience in Program Management roles.
• Proven track record managing large-scale Data, Analytics, and AI programs.
• Strong experience with Databricks and modern data platform initiatives.
• Deep understanding of Data Engineering, Data Lakes, Data Warehousing, and cloud-based data architectures.
• Experience leading AI/ML initiatives from concept through deployment.
• Demonstrated success managing globally distributed teams and delivery models.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Experience working in Agile, Scrum, and Hybrid delivery environments.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, priorities, and dependencies in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Familiarity with data governance, data quality, and security frameworks.
• Experience working with enterprise analytics and reporting solutions.
• PMP, PgMP, Scrum Master, SAFe, or other relevant certifications are a plus.

What You'll Bring

• Strategic thinking combined with strong execution capabilities.
• Ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders across business and technology functions.
• Excellent leadership skills with a focus on collaboration, accountability, and delivery excellence.
• Passion for driving innovation through data, analytics, and AI solutions.