Program Executive

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. So why work at Kyndryl? We are always moving forward - always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.

The Role

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Program Executive to lead a landmark, multi-year AI transformation program for a key client in a highly regulated industry. This is not just a delivery role; you will be the primary architect and driving force behind our customers' ambition to "Be AI Native." You will orchestrate a portfolio of complex AI projects, navigate a fragmented organizational landscape with diverse stakeholders, and build a commercially sustainable program that delivers transformative business value. If you are passionate about the potential of AI and possess the executive presence to lead change at the highest level, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership & Vision:

• Champion the Vision: Act as the ultimate owner and evangelist for the customer's "Be AI Native" vision, translating it into a tangible, strategic program roadmap with clear phases, milestones, and success metrics.

• Executive Alignment: Serve as the primary liaison between our organization and the customer's C-suite, ensuring consistent alignment on strategic goals, investment, and expected outcomes (ROI).

• AI Strategy Formulation: Collaborate with customer executives and internal AI experts to define the art of the possible, identifying high-impact areas for AI/ML application across their business units.

• Orchestrate a Portfolio of Projects: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of multiple, concurrent AI projects-from ideation and prototyping to deployment and scaling.

• Dynamic Resource Management: Lead and inspire dynamic, cross-functional project teams, ensuring the right talent is deployed to the right initiative at the right time.

• Risk & Compliance: Proactively identify and mitigate program-level risks. Ensure all AI solutions are designed and implemented in strict adherence to industry regulations, data privacy laws, and ethical AI principles.

• Quality Assurance: Establish and enforce rigorous standards for quality, reliability, and performance across all program deliverables.

• Navigate Complexity: Skillfully manage relationships across a highly fragmented customer organization, building consensus and fostering collaboration among stakeholders with competing priorities and interests.

• Masterful Communication: Articulate the program's vision, progress, and value proposition with exceptional clarity to diverse audiences, from technical data scientists to non-technical business leaders.

• Conflict Resolution: Act as the key escalation point to diplomatically resolve conflicts, manage expectations, and keep the program moving forward.

• Build the Pipeline: Proactively identify and cultivate a pipeline of new AI project opportunities within the customer's organization to ensure the long-term funding and sustainability of the program.

• Value Realization: Develop compelling business cases for each project, defining clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and tracking value realization to continuously demonstrate the program's ROI.

• Financial Oversight: Hold accountability for the program's overall budget, financial performance, and commercial success (P&L responsibility).

• 15+ years of professional experience with a minimum of 7-10 years in a senior Program Director/Executive role, managing large-scale, complex, multi-million-dollar business transformation programs.

• Demonstrable experience leading programs with a significant AI/ML or data analytics component. You must be able to "talk the talk" on AI concepts, project lifecycles, and enabling technologies.

• Proven success operating within a highly regulated industry (e.g., Public, Finance/Banking, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Energy, Telecommunications).

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with a proven ability to build relationships and influence C-level executives in a politically complex and fragmented environment.

• Strong commercial and business development acumen, including experience with business case development, pipeline creation, and program-level financial management.

• Formal certification in program or portfolio management is required. Leading credentials include MSP®, PgMP or PfMP. A foundational project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP) coupled with extensive, direct program management experience will also be considered.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

• A true passion for Artificial Intelligence and a deep belief in its power to transform industries.

• Executive Presence: The gravitas and credibility to command a room of senior leaders.

• High Resilience & Adaptability: The ability to thrive in ambiguity, navigate setbacks, and maintain focus on the long-term vision.

• Servant Leadership: A natural ability to lead through influence rather than authority, empowering dynamic teams to do their best work.

• Strategic Thinker: An aptitude for seeing the big picture, connecting disparate dots, and anticipating future trends and challenges.

• Enterprise Agile Fluency: Familiarity with scaled agile frameworks, particularly SAFe®, is a significant advantage.

• Change Management Expertise: A formal understanding of change management principles (e.g., Prosci® methodology) is highly desirable.

• An MBA or other advanced business degree is a strong plus.