Program Director: AI & Data
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Program Director. This critical role is responsible for leading the delivery of one of TM Forum's three flagship Missions: AI & Data Innovation. Composable IT and Ecosystems or Autonomous networks.
The Program Director will drive the end-to-end execution of the Mission, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans and delivering high-impact outcomes. This includes shaping and implementing a cohesive program strategy that leverages the Forum's global capabilities, assets, and market influence to meet defined goals. The role requires effective coordination with fellow Mission Program Directors and the other Mission leads to ensure strategic alignment, avoid duplication, and focus efforts on building a diverse and engaged community of member professionals.
Working in close partnership with the Co-create and Innovation Engine leaders, the Program Director will define a compelling vision, establish a clear roadmap, and take full accountability for the timely delivery of program outputs. The role also involves collaboration with the Events and Research teams to curate relevant content that supports the Mission objectives, and with Regional Directors to capture local insights and maximize global impact. Additionally, the Program Director will ensure that marketing, sales, and member-facing teams are well-equipped to support and promote the Mission effectively.
Key Responsibilities
Mission Leadership & Strategy
- Responsible for overseeing the delivery of a Mission and is accountable for the quality, relevance, and impact of its outputs.
- Take the Mission Leads strategy and translate this into a cohesive, value-driven strategy for the Mission, leveraging TM Forum's matrix structure and member ecosystem.
- Provide input into the Wider TM Forums strategy based on knowledge, and understanding of industry problems and opportunities.
- Align the Mission's roadmap and outputs with TM Forum's overall strategic direction and the needs of members.
- Collaborate closely with Program Directors and Architects across all Missions to manage interdependencies, avoid duplication, and identify joint opportunities.
- Acts as a deputy as and when required for the Mission lead at events etc
- Evangelise the work, both internally and externally, speaking at external events, write thought-leading material and active social media presence
End to end Program Management
- Lead the end to end planning, delivery, and governance of the Mission program-ensuring timelines, milestones, resources, and deliverables are tracked and optimized.
- Provide visibility and communication around progress, risks, and benefits realization.
- Coordinate a portfolio of projects and assets that support the Mission's roadmap.
- Ensure all workstreams within the Mission follow agreed collaboration methodologies and quality standards.
- Responsible for delivering against and reporting on KPI's, key results and success criteria for the Mission.
Member Community Development
- Build and maintain a healthy, diverse, and engaged community of member contributors across regions, company types, and domains.
- Inspire and support member professionals to participate meaningfully in co-creation and innovation activities.
- Act as the primary point of contact for Mission contributors, fostering strong relationships and alignment.
- Driving the adoption of the Mission assets (and wider ODA)
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with TM Forum teams including Events, Research, CTO, Product, Innovation, Marketing, and Membership to drive Mission success.
- Ensure regional needs are considered by engaging with Regional Directors.
- Co-create go-to-market strategies with marketing and commercial teams to drive adoption and visibility of Mission outputs.
Requirements
- Strategic, high-energy leader with a proven track record of driving complex, multi-stakeholder programs to successful outcomes-particularly in telecoms or digital transformation contexts.
- Self-motivated and entrepreneurial, with the ability to think strategically, operate autonomously, and galvanize cross-functional and matrix teams toward a shared vision.
- Strong consultative approach, with experience working face-to-face with members or clients to build trusted, long-standing relationships.
- Excellent communicator with the gravitas and executive presence to engage effectively at all levels, including C-suite.
- Experienced team builder and motivator, skilled at navigating conflicting priorities, inspiring participation, and aligning diverse stakeholders to common goals.
- Experience in mentoring and developing team mates to reach their full potential
- Deep understanding of agile methodologies, and business change management practices.
- Highly organized and outcome-focused, thriving in fast-paced, collaborative environments where clarity, adaptability, and momentum are essential.
- Passionate about creating real industry-level impact, with a strong alignment to TM Forum's values and mission.
- Ideally a strong understanding of Atlassian toolsets e.g. Confluence, Jira.
- PMP, MSP, SAFe, or equivalent certifications are a plus.
