Program Director – Data - AI Transformation

VPS Elite Human Resources Consultancies LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

VPS Elite Human Resources Consultancies LLC is seeking a Program Director – Data; AI Transformation to lead large-scale enterprise transformation initiatives across Data, AI, Technology, and Digital Innovation.

The role requires 15+ years of program management and a proven track record in complex transformations, with strong governance, leadership, and executive communication skills. Arabic-speaking candidates are mandatory, with a preferred MBA and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Program Management, Digital/Technology Transformation, Data, AI, or Enterprise Architecture.
• Proven experience managing complex, enterprise-scale transformation programs.
• Strong expertise in Data & AI Strategy, Governance, Operating Models & Value Realisation.
• Strong understanding of Enterprise Architecture, Data Platforms, Integration & Technology Strategy.
• Experience establishing or leading AI/Data Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
• Excellent C-suite communication and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Strong experience in program governance, financial management, risk management, and delivery assurance.
• Proven leadership experience managing senior teams and multiple cross-functional workstreams.
• Strong strategic thinking, influencing, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Arabic-speaking candidates are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale enterprise transformation initiatives across Data, AI, Technology, and Digital Innovation.
• Oversee governance, financial management, risk management, and delivery assurance for programs.
• Establish or lead AI/Data CoEs to drive value and operating maturity.
• Engage with C-suite and senior stakeholders to align on strategy and benefits.
• Direct multiple cross-functional teams and drive program governance and delivery.

Skills

Program Management

Digital Transformation

Data

AI

Enterprise Architecture

Governance

Executive Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Technology/Engineering/CS/Business Administration

MBA (preferred)

PMP / PgMP / PRINCE2 / TOGAF / SAFe / AI-Data certifications (advantage)

Job description

💼 Experience: 15+ Years🕒 Employment: Full-Time

🎯 Level: Senior Leadership

🗣️ Language: Arabic Speaker – Mandatory

📅 Preferred Joining Date: 15 October 2026

We are looking for an accomplished Program Director – Data ; AI Transformation to lead large-scale enterprise transformation initiatives across Data, AI, Technology, and Digital Innovation.

🔹 Required Experience ;

✅ 15+ years of experience in Program Management, Digital/Technology Transformation, Data, AI, or Enterprise Architecture

✅ Proven experience managing complex, enterprise-scale transformation programs

✅ Strong expertise in Data amp; AI Strategy, Governance, Operating Models amp; Value Realisation

✅ Strong understanding of Enterprise Architecture, Data Platforms, Integration amp; Technology Strategy

✅ Experience establishing or leading AI/Data Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

✅ Excellent C-suite communication and executive stakeholder management skills

✅ Strong experience in program governance, financial management, risk management, and delivery assurance

✅ Proven leadership experience managing senior teams and multiple cross-functional workstreams

✅ Strong strategic thinking, influencing, negotiation, and presentation skills

✅ Arabic-speaking candidates are mandatory

🎓 Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors/Masters degree in Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related discipline

• MBA is preferred

• PMP / PgMP / PRINCE2 / TOGAF / SAFe / AI ; Data certifications are an advantage

⭐ Key Competencies: Enterprise Program Leadership | Data ; AI Strategy | Digital Transformation | Enterprise Architecture | Program Governance | Executive Stakeholder Management | AI ; Data Operating Models | CoE Leadership | Strategic Innovation | Benefits Realisation | Risk Management | Team Leadership