AI Program Manager

Ports North; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry seeks an AI Program Manager to lead enterprise-wide AI and digital transformation initiatives. You will partner with executive leadership to define, prioritize, and execute programs that drive business value, efficiency, risk mitigation, and organizational transformation.

The role emphasizes strong program management, executive presence, and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders in a regulated enterprise environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of program, portfolio, or transformation management experience.
• Experience leading large-scale enterprise transformation initiatives involving AI, data, technology, digital modernization, automation, or business transformation.
• Proven track record of directly supporting and influencing executive-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of strategic AI, data, and technology transformation programs aligned to business objectives.
• Partner with senior executives to shape vision, roadmap, governance, and execution strategies.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across business, technology, operations, risk, and external partners.
• Establish program governance, success metrics, risk management frameworks, and executive reporting.
• Assess opportunities, risks, and value realization of AI initiatives.
• Influence decision-making while aligning with strategic priorities.
• Manage budgets, timelines, resources, and change management activities.
• Develop executive presentations and communicate progress to leadership.
• Ensure governance, regulatory, security, and operational controls for AI solutions.
• Identify and remove barriers to execution while maintaining momentum.

Skills

Program management

Executive stakeholder influence

Cross-functional collaboration

Emotional intelligence (EQ)

Change management

Strategic vision & roadmap

Risk mitigation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

AI Program Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and influential AI Program Manager to lead enterprise-wide AI and digital transformation initiatives. This role will partner directly with executive leadership to define, prioritize, and execute high-impact AI, data, and technology programs that drive business value, operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and organizational transformation. The ideal candidate combines strong program management expertise with executive presence, business acumen, and the emotional intelligence required to influence diverse stakeholders across a complex organization.

Financial Services experience is highly preferred; however, candidates from other highly regulated or transformation-focused industries will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of strategic AI, data, and technology transformation programs aligned to business objectives.
• Partner directly with senior executives and business leaders to shape vision, roadmap, governance, and execution strategies.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across business, technology, operations, risk, compliance, and external partners.
• Establish program governance, success metrics, risk management frameworks, and executive-level reporting.
• Assess business opportunities, operational impacts, implementation risks, and value realization associated with AI initiatives.
• Influence decision-making across competing stakeholder groups while maintaining alignment with strategic priorities.
• Manage complex dependencies, budgets, timelines, resources, and change management activities.
• Develop executive presentations and communicate program progress, risks, and recommendations to leadership.
• Ensure AI solutions are implemented responsibly, with appropriate governance, regulatory, security, and operational controls.
• Identify and resolve barriers to execution while maintaining organizational alignment and momentum.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of program, portfolio, or transformation management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale enterprise transformation initiatives involving AI, data, technology, digital modernization, automation, or business transformation.
• Proven track record of directly supporting and influencing executive-level stakeholders.
• Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience developing business cases, value assessments, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, competing priorities, and complex organizational environments.
• Strong emotional intelligence (EQ) with demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational change.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within Financial Services, Banking, Insurance, Wealth Management, FinTech, or other regulated industries.
• Familiarity with AI/ML technologies, Generative AI, data analytics, cloud platforms, and enterprise technology environments.
• PMP, PgMP, Agile, SAFe, or equivalent program management certifications.
• Experience establishing AI governance, responsible AI practices, or risk management frameworks.

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com