Senior Program Manager - AI and Data Initiatives

Senior Program Manager

Job Description Summary

We are looking for an experienced Program Manager to manage cross-functional initiatives that deliver AI and data-driven products. The role involves defining program objectives, ensuring effective execution, managing risks, and driving alignment between business, stakeholder collaboration, data engineering, and data science teams. The ideal candidate has strong program management capabilities and fundamental understanding of AI, machine learning, data engineering, and analytics platforms.

Job Description

Location – Hyderabad  #LI Hybrid

Key Accountabilities

• Define program scope, roadmap, milestones, and success metrics for AI and data initiatives.

• Lead end-to-end delivery, ensuring timelines, quality, and outcomes are met.

• Manage governance routines, risks, dependencies, and overall program health.

• Partner with product managers, engineers, data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders.

• Drive clarity across teams, ensuring alignment and removing execution barriers.

• Translate business problems into structured technical program plans.

• Oversee initiatives involving data pipelines, ML models, analytics tools, and AI capabilities.

• Ensure data readiness, consistent data quality, and smooth model lifecycle processes.

• Support responsible AI principles, privacy standards, and compliance requirements.

• Identify risks early, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure proactive problem resolution.

• Manage scope changes and evaluate impact on timelines, resources, and dependencies.

• Maintain documentation for program decisions, progress, and deliverables.

• Provide regular program updates to leadership and key stakeholders.

• Present risks, insights, and recommendations in a clear and structured manner.

• Build strong relationships across business and technical teams.

Minimum Requirements

• 10+ years in program or project management within technology, AI, or data-driven environments.

• Proven experience managing AI/ML, data platform, or analytics initiatives end-to-end.

• Fair understanding of data lifecycle, MLOps, data engineering, and cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, or GCP).

• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.

• Comfort working in Agile/Scrum environments with tools like Jira or Confluence.

• Prior experience with healthcare and life science is plus

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, data, business, or a related field.

• Certifications such as PMP, Scrum Master, or Program Management credentials (preferred but optional).

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together.  https://www.novartis.com/about/roadmap/people-and-culture 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse team’s representative of the patients and communities we serve. 

Values and Behaviors: Demonstrates and upholds Novartis values and behaviors in all aspects of work and collaboration. 

Location: Hyderabad NKC. Hybrid | 3 days a week in office is mandatory. 

Skills Desired

Agile Methodology, Agile Projects, Agility, Analytical Thinking, Business Analytics, Collaboration, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Data Product Management, Data Science, Product Data, Program Management, Program Strategy, Project Management, Project Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management

Experience Level

Senior Level