Design Program Manager, AI Transformation & Foundations

Ladders; United States; Remote; USD 139,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with matching contributors

Paid parental leave and short- andlong

Flexible vacation time off program for

16 days of paid vacation for non-exem­

10 paid holidays and a floating

Optional 10 paid volunteer days per

Job summary

Ladders seeks a Design Program Manager for AI Transformation & Foundations to guide the operating model for AI-enabled design practices and turn strategy into repeatable execution across a matrixed organization. You will own program management for foundational AI initiatives, driving alignment, milestones, and reporting.

The role focuses on building roadmaps, documentation, and cross-functional coordination to move AI initiatives from exploration to sustainable practice in a remote work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, or Master's with 6 years, or PhD with 3 years, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years in design program management or operations within a matrixed organization.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional programs and AI transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive the operating model for AI-assisted design practices.
• Own program management for AI Transformation and Design Foundations initiatives.
• Build roadmaps, milestones, and reporting mechanisms for AI workstreams.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to advance AI initiatives from exploration to practice.
• Shape prioritization, delivery, and measurement of AI work to create organizational change.
• Ensure alignment and progress of AI-focused workstreams across various teams.

Skills

Roadmapping & planning

Cross-functional leadership

Program governance

Change management

User-centered design understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

AI transformation tools

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Design Program Manager, AI Transformation & Foundations to join the team of a leader in the Telecommunications & Hardware space.

This role will guide the operating model for AI-enabled design practices and help turn strategy into repeatable execution across a matrixed organization. You will own program management for foundational AI initiatives, driving alignment, prioritization, and measurable progress across cross-functional teams. The work will focus on building the roadmaps, milestones, documentation, and reporting needed to move AI efforts from exploration into sustainable practice.

Location: Remote

Compensation: $139,200 – $201,400 annually

Responsibilities

• Drive the operating model for AI-assisted design practices
• Own program management for AI Transformation and Design Foundations initiatives
• Build roadmaps, milestones, and reporting mechanisms for AI workstreams
• Partner with cross-functional teams to advance AI initiatives from exploration to practice
• Shape prioritization, delivery, and measurement of AI work to create organizational change
• Ensure alignment and progress of AI-focused workstreams across various teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, or Master's degree with 6 years, or PhD with 3 years, or equivalent experience
• 6+ years in design program management or operations within a matrixed organization
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional programs
• Experience driving AI transformation and change management initiatives
• Skilled in creating roadmaps, program documentation, and reporting mechanisms
• Understanding of user-centered design methods and product development workflows
• Familiarity with AI tools for scaling agents and automations

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• Paid parental leave and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees
• 16 days of paid vacation for non-exempt employees, plus additional paid time off for wellness and emergencies
• 10 paid holidays and a floating holiday per year
• Optional 10 paid volunteer days per year

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.