AI Program Governance Lead

SAP; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A global enterprise software company in Bengaluru is seeking a Strategic AI Initiatives Expert to lead cross-Product & Engineering initiatives. This role involves managing complex AI programs, overseeing partner governance, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree and proven experience in AI/ML. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to shape the AI strategy and leverage partnerships to enhance operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional programs in AI/ML.
• Strong background in partner governance and operations.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive execution of strategic AI initiatives across multiple areas.
• Establish governance models for large-scale AI programs.
• Manage high-volume, complex projects ensuring milestones are met.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

AI/ML knowledge

Governance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a Strategic AI Initiatives Expert to join the Application AI (CoE) Strategic Initiatives team within the Product Engineering board area. The team is responsible for executing SAP’s AI strategy and leading cross‑Product & Engineering initiatives.

In this role, you will manage teams and programs that drive P&E‑wide strategic AI execution, accelerate high‑value AI and Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) use cases, and continuously improve execution through strong program and partner management. A core responsibility of this role is FDE Partner Program Leadership, including governance, operations, and performance management across a global partner ecosystem supporting our large Global Partners.

This position is based in India and plays a critical role in supporting Application AI Strategy initiatives, including:

• Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) – leading cross‑board engineering programs, partner delivery, and customer outcome KPIs
• Deep Research & Experience Generation AI products – supporting applied research programs and innovation initiatives
• Shared AI Services – partnering on service delivery, operational governance, and scalability initiatives

You will work closely with P&E development teams, partner organizations, and governance bodies, and collaborate extensively with S&O and CS&D board areas.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic AI & Program Leadership

• Drive execution of strategic AI initiatives across Application AI, Forward Deployed Engineering, and Shared AI Services in a highly self‑driven manner
• Provide thought leadership and act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across P&E and board areas
• Establish, evolve, and operationalize governance models and best practices for large‑scale AI programs
• Identify and resolve overlaps in scope, dependencies, and execution risks across multiple initiatives Partner Operations, Commercials & Governance
• Own operational and commercial governance across partners, including:
  • Budgets, cost controls, and financial tracking
  • Contracts, Statements of Work (SOWs), and commercial terms
  • Rate cards, margin management, and change control
  • Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and ongoing performance reviews with partners
  • Provide executive‑ and board‑level reporting on partner performance, risks, delivery health, and outcomes
  • Drive remediation plans for underperformance and ensure continuous improvement across the partner ecosystem
• Financial, Project & Risk Management
  • Manage high‑volume and high‑complexity projects, ensuring milestones, outcomes, and budgets are met
  • Track and manage project budgets, risks, and escalations proactively
  • Ensure tight alignment between customer commitments, partner delivery, and internal execution
  • Provide clear, regular status reporting to senior stakeholders

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proven experience leading complex, cross‑functional programs in AI/ML, product engineering, technology strategy, or research
• Demonstrated experience managing global partners and large enterprise customers
• Strong background in partner governance, operations, and commercial management
• Experience with budget ownership, contracts, SOWs, and financial governance
• Familiarity with AI/ML and modern LLM frameworks
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive‑level presentation & PowerPoint skills
• Strong organizational, leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities

Preferred

• Prior management consulting or corporate strategy experience
• Experience operating in multi‑board, global enterprise environments
• Exposure to data platforms, AI services, or engineering‑led customer engagement models

This role is ideal for a leader who combines strategic thinking, operational rigor, and partner leadership to scale SAP’s AI and FDE impact across global customers.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SAP is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with SAP and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e‑mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team: [e-mail].

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, etc.), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.

Successful candidates might be required to undergo a background verification with an external vendor.

AI Usage in the Recruitment Process

For information on the responsible use of AI in our recruitment process, please refer to our Guidelines for Ethical Usage of AI in the Recruiting Process. Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Requisition ID: 446261 | Work Area: Administration | Expected Travel: 0 - 10% | Career Status: Professional | Employment Type: Regular Full Time | Additional Locations: