Lead Product Program Manager

Role Description

The Lead Specialist Product Program Manager (AI) is responsible for leading cross-functional teams to deliver highly complex, AI-driven programs that bring AI technologies into production and are critical to business success. This role sits on Pearson’s Expert track and requires deep technical and domain expertise, exceptional execution skills, and the ability to independently drive significant initiatives from concept through delivery.

The individual in this role will be trusted to deliver outcomes across large, interdependent AI programs, serve as a technical advisor to peers and leaders, and mentor other program managers, while remaining hands-on in execution rather than people management. This role partners closely with Product Managers and other leaders to ensure AI product and platform initiatives are effectively planned, orchestrated, and delivered, owning execution across complex, multi-team programs.

This role supports programs centered entirely on AI technologies in production, including:

• Machine learning systems
• Data platforms
• AI-enabled student and teacher experiences
• Responsible AI practices

Programs may include initiatives such as:

• The AI Teacher Assistant
• The AI Student Tutor
• Foundational AI platforms that enable AI-powered capabilities across Pearson Virtual Schools

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
• 8–12+ years of experience in Technical Program Management or equivalent roles, with significant experience delivering AI-driven initiatives
• Experience working with machine learning platforms, data science teams, and AI-first product organizations
• Familiarity with Responsible AI principles, data privacy requirements, and ethical AI delivery practices
• Strong technical background with deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, including experimentation, data platforms, model lifecycle considerations, and production readiness
• Demonstrated success delivering complex, cross-functional programs in AI-enabled or highly technical environments from concept through launch
• Strong experience operating in Agile environments and adapting delivery approaches to fit discovery-driven work
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities
• Proven ability to lead by influence in matrixed organizations without direct authority

Requirements

• Expert-level proficiency in Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and hybrid delivery models
• Demonstrated ability to mentor peers and junior team members without formal people-management responsibility
• Proficiency in coordinating go-to-market readiness, launch execution, or post-launch operationalization for AI capabilities
• PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or other relevant certifications

Benefits

• Compensation influenced by skill set, level of experience, and specific location
• Minimum full-time salary range is between $115,000 - $130,000
• Eligible to participate in an annual incentive program