Program Manager

Overview

The Program Manager will collaborate closely with the Chief Business Officer (CBO) to convert strategic objectives into actionable and manageable programs, emphasizing technology and AI integration. The role centers on identifying opportunities where AI and digital innovations can enhance sales, design, project operations, manufacturing, and support functions, followed by steering these projects from conceptualization through adoption with measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate the CBO's strategic directives into a comprehensive program roadmap detailing scope, timelines, responsibilities, and budget allocations.
• Manage multiple concurrent cross-functional initiatives across various business units and corporate groups.
• Establish robust program governance including weekly monitoring dashboards, steering committee reviews, risk and issue logs, and leadership reporting tools.
• Create executive-level presentations, business cases, and progress updates suitable for board and leadership consumption.
• Analyze business workflows across sales, design, estimation, project management, manufacturing, procurement, and HR to identify high-impact AI and automation applications.
• Develop detailed business cases for each AI use case capturing problems, expected ROI, required effort, risks, and success metrics.
• Lead AI technology pilots and full-scale implementations involving generative AI, large language model-based assistants, AI agents, workflow automation, and data analytics.
• Manage vendor assessments and selections, overseeing RFP processes, product demonstrations, contract negotiations, and coordination with implementation partners.
• Formulate AI governance policies addressing data privacy, security protocols, accuracy validation, and ethical usage guidelines.
• Serve as the nexus between business stakeholders, IT teams, and technology vendors, translating business needs into precise functional requirements and user stories.
• Champion user adoption initiatives through comprehensive training programs, change management strategies, and continuous feedback mechanisms post-launch.
• Monitor program KPIs including time savings, cost reductions, revenue impact, and adoption rates, reporting outcomes to leadership.
• Undertake additional strategic projects as assigned by the CBO such as market intelligence, competitive analysis, and evaluation of new business opportunities.

Qualifications and Skills

• Deep expertise with generative AI and large language models (LLMs) such as GPT, Claude, and Gemini, including prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI agents, and understanding their effective applications and limitations.
• Practical experience developing or implementing at least one AI or automation solution like chatbots, document intelligence systems, workflow automations, or predictive analytics tools.
• Familiarity with no-code/low-code automation platforms such as Power Automate, Zapier, Make (Integromat), or n8n, plus proficiency with AI APIs.
• Strong data skills including advanced spreadsheet functionalities (Excel or Google Sheets), foundational SQL knowledge, and experience with business intelligence platforms like Power BI or Looker Studio.
• Understanding of enterprise systems such as ERP and CRM, and how data integrates and flows across these platforms.
• Demonstrated capability in managing end-to-end technology or digital transformation projects within schedule and budget constraints.
• Proficiency in project management tools including Jira, Asana, ClickUp, Microsoft Project, or equivalents, alongside Agile and Scrum methodologies.
• Exceptional written communication abilities to craft clear business cases, product requirements documents (PRDs), and executive briefs.

Behavioral Qualities

• Highly analytical, utilizing structured problem-solving grounded in first principles, comfortable navigating ambiguous scenarios.
• Effective communicator with proven influence and engagement skills across senior leadership and operational teams.
• Results-driven with strong personal accountability, action orientation, and dedication to tracking impactful outcomes rather than activities alone.

Preferred Extras

• Experience in industries such as interior design, construction, real estate, manufacturing, or other project-centric businesses.
• Certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or formal training in AI/ML.
• Basic proficiency in Python scripting or hands-on experience creating AI prototypes.
• Background in consulting, strategic planning offices, or close collaboration with executive leadership (founder's office).