Director, AI Programs & Vendor Governance

Cytel; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Cytel is seeking a Director, AI Program Management to oversee a portfolio of AI initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment, governance, and executive reporting across the organization. The role requires extensive experience in managing complex, cross‑functional programs with a strong AI/business background.

You will lead planning, governance, and delivery, coordinating with vendors and external partners while driving ROI and consistency in AI project execution.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project or program management experience, including leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI concepts.
• Demonstrated experience managing executive stakeholders and external vendors.
• Excellent communication, planning, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• PhD Education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic AI initiatives across the organization.
• Develop integrated project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Establish governance frameworks and reporting processes for AI programs.
• Track milestones, risks, dependencies, and overall program performance.
• Coordinate all AI-related activities and strategic initiatives.
• Prioritize projects based on business needs, resource availability, and impact.
• Ensure alignment between AI initiatives and corporate objectives.
• Monitor progress and provide updates to executive leadership.
• Coordinate AI competitive intelligence and battleground activities.
• Manage cross-functional teams evaluating emerging AI technologies and market developments.
• Support decision-making through structured program oversight and reporting.
• Manage relationships with AI vendors, consultants, and strategic partners.
• Oversee vendor selection, contract management, performance reviews, and delivery governance.
• Ensure external partners meet objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary program management lead across business, scientific, technology, and operational teams.
• Facilitate executive reviews, steering committee meetings, and stakeholder communications.
• Drive collaboration and alignment among senior leaders and project teams.
• Prepare presentations, status reports, and business cases for leadership review.
• Implement program management with best practices and standards.
• Establish metrics and dashboards to measure program effectiveness and ROI.
• Identify and mitigate risks impacting delivery timelines or business outcomes.
• Promote continuous improvement in AI project execution and governance.

Skills

AI concepts

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Vendor management

Governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Technology, Engineering, Data Science, or related field

PhD Education

Tools

PMP

PgMP

Agile

Prince2

Job description

Cytel is seeking a Director, AI Program Management to oversee a portfolio of AI initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment, governance, and executive reporting across the organization. The role requires extensive experience in managing complex, cross‑functional programs with a strong AI/business background.

You will lead planning, governance, and delivery, coordinating with vendors and external partners while driving ROI and consistency in AI project execution.