Program Manager & AI Automation Lead

Excelerate LLC

$166K — $208K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of technical program management experience in platform and high-scale technology environments.
  • Hands-on experience designing and delivering AI-agent-driven automation connected to live data and workflows.
  • Proven ability to build automation and workflows personally, including API integrations and dashboard creation.
  • Ability to articulate personal contributions to automation projects and their outcomes.
  • Experience with AI governance, including auditability and validation controls.
  • Strong operational knowledge of incident management and distributed systems; ID, security, or authorization experience is a plus.
  • Excellent executive communication and influencing skills.
  • Proactive and adaptable in fast-moving, complex environments.

Responsibilities

  • Lead program execution across 55+ production services and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Establish program scope, priorities, milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
  • Identify and prioritize opportunities for automation to replace manual processes.
  • Design, build, and productionize AI-agent automation solutions.
  • Direct multiple AI agents towards specified outcomes with proper validation controls.
  • Ensure automation reliability and maintainability with accurate documentation.
  • Communicate program progress and outcomes to senior technology leadership.
  • Build cross-functional relationships and drive commitments through proactive communication.

Benefits

  • Project-based hourly position with benefits eligibility.
  • Opportunity to lead high-impact technical initiatives in the automation space.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge AI automation technology.
  • Work collaboratively across multiple teams and services.
  • Flexible work environment with a focus on operational excellence.
Full Job Description
We're seeking a Program Manager & AI Automation Lead to lead a high-impact technical initiative focused on strengthening operational excellence while automating the manual processes that support it. You'll combine hands-on technical program management with the design, build, and delivery of AI-agent-driven automation, with working solutions as a core project deliverable.

The role brings together two key capabilities: technical program management and agentic automation delivery, requiring someone who can drive complex cross-functional work while personally building automation that improves how programs operate.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead program execution across a portfolio of 55+ production services, including executive operating reviews, incident and RCA tracking, readiness activities, and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Establish program scope, priorities, milestones, dependencies, deliverables, and success measures while coordinating execution across multiple teams.
  • Identify and prioritize opportunities to streamline or replace manual program processes through automation.
  • Design, build, and productionize AI-agent automation, including ticketing and routing, cross-platform reconciliation, program telemetry, executive reporting, and automated follow-up workflows.
  • Direct multiple AI agents toward defined outcomes, establishing appropriate context, acceptance criteria, validation controls, and human-in-the-loop processes.
  • Ensure automation is reliable, auditable, and maintainable, with appropriate documentation and runbooks.
  • Communicate program progress, risks, decisions, and outcomes clearly and concisely to senior technology leadership.
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships and drive commitments through influence, proactive communication, and consistent follow-through.


Qualifications
  • 7+ years of technical program management experience in platform, infrastructure, or high-scale technology environments, with a proven track record leading complex technology initiatives from planning through implementation and transition.
  • Hands-on experience designing and delivering AI-agent-driven automation connected to live data and workflows.
  • A track record of personally building automation and workflows yourself, including API integrations to tools like Jira and Smartsheet, building dashboards and tracking systems, and hands-on experience with AI/agent tools (like Claude, agent frameworks, or similar integration methods).
  • Ability to provide examples of automation you've built and shipped, and can clearly explain your individual contribution, how you designed the solution, and the outcomes it produced.
  • Experience with AI governance, including validation controls, auditability, and human-in-the-loop processes.
  • Strong operational knowledge of incident management, SDLC, and distributed systems; identity, security, or authorization experience is a plus.
  • Excellent executive communication and the ability to drive cross-functional delivery through influence.
  • Highly proactive and comfortable operating in fast-moving, complex technology environments.

Duration: 40 hours a week, 10 months

Type: Project-Based Hourly W2, Benefits Eligible

Rate: $80-100/hour

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