Program Delivery Lead

Notes to focus on for future candidates -

• Must be strong communicators
• Looking for DEEP experience in 1 or more ENTERPRISE AI projects - not just used AI tools or did the analysis, provided recommendations - but haven't actually DONE it. Delivered an ENTPERRISE AI PRODUCT is a key thing
• Need to have worked in a TEAM that they understand its collaborative, working side by side, walking down the hall. NOT just scheduling meetings
• Having experience with a high-performance team
• "Overall fit" - communication, personality, give examples and answers in a sync manner
• If they had an opportunity to spend 60 seconds in an elevator with the SR VP for AI - express, why they are a good fit for this role. "Elevator pitch"

Program Overview

Manager explained that these openings support client’s Enterprise AI organization.

The objective is not simply staffing project managers against funded initiatives. Instead, Client is building a dedicated PMO support structure that works directly alongside Enterprise AI leadership to:

• Prioritize work across AI initiatives
• Improve planning and execution
• Reduce delays caused by limited leadership bandwidth
• Increase organizational maturity within the AI space
• Provide program structure and accountability around AI product delivery

Manager shared an example where Enterprise AI was unable to provide planning inputs on time because technical leaders were focused on delivery work rather than documenting plans. These new PMO resources are intended to close that gap.

Manager emphasized that these are not traditional PM roles.

Client wants candidates who resemble:

• Strategic advisors
• Operating model consultants

Key characteristics:

• 5-7+ years of consulting-level experience
• Ability to work through ambiguity
• Operating model leadership
• Organizational transformation experience
• Ability to improve execution across multiple teams

These individuals will work closely with AI leadership and directors. Manager repeatedly referred to these resources as being closer to strategic consultants than traditional PMs.

Look for candidates with titles such as:

• Enterprise AI Advisory Lead
• AI Strategy & Delivery Lead
• AI Program Director — Generative AI

The ideal candidate can enter an enterprise, engage executives, identify high-value AI opportunities, challenge technical assumptions, establish a roadmap and business case, and then lead the program through implementation.

The key distinction:

you want someone who can advise what the enterprise should do and lead how it gets done— not just manage a project plan or own a product backlog.

One question: when you say consultative, do you mean someone who primarily advises clients and shapes AI strategy, or someone who works alongside client leadership to solve problems and drive delivery? The best candidate profile differs quite a bit between those two.