IT Program Management - Manager

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced IT Program Management Manager to lead the delivery of multiple concurrent AI and AI-agent implementation initiatives. This full-time role requires managing projects from initial concept through prototyping, testing, deployment, and transition to support, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days per month onsite in Bridgewater, NJ).

The successful candidate will oversee up to four AI projects, developing and maintaining comprehensive project plans, milestones, sprint goals, and resource requirements. You will drive 8-week implementation cycles using Agile/Scrum methodologies, facilitating daily standups, sprint planning, backlog refinement, reviews, and retrospectives with internal teams and external vendors. Close collaboration with business and technology leads is essential to translate AI ideas into actionable backlogs, user stories, and technical tasks.

Key responsibilities include maintaining strong PMI-based project management discipline across scope, schedule, risk, stakeholder management, governance, and financial tracking. You will manage RAID logs, project status reporting, and ensure early and parallel reviews for architecture, cybersecurity, privacy, and AI governance. The role involves coordinating with technical stakeholders, managing external vendors, and supporting SIT, UAT, defect triage, deployment, and transition-to-support activities.

To be considered, you must have at least 7 years of IT project or program management experience in complex enterprise environments, with hands-on leadership in AI, Generative AI, or intelligent automation projects. Strong Agile/Scrum delivery skills, familiarity with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and vendor management are essential. A bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field is required; a master's degree is a plus. PMP certification is strongly preferred, with additional Agile certifications highly desirable.

Excellent communication, facilitation, organizational, and problem-solving skills are critical. Experience in regulated environments such as pharmaceutical or life sciences is preferred. Proficiency in English and familiarity with tools like Jira, Smartsheet, MS Project, and Microsoft Teams are required.

Must-Have Skills: IT project management, program management, technology delivery, AI implementation, Generative AI, Agile, Scrum, Jira

Nice-to-Have Skills: AI-agent implementation, intelligent automation, PMI project management principles, sprint planning, backlog refinement, sprint reviews, iterative release cycles, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, privacy, AI governance, data protection, authentication, authorization, vendor management, SIT, UAT, defect management, production-readiness reviews, cutover, deployment, hypercare, transition to operational support, facilitation, RAID logs, action logs, decision logs, sprint plans, status reporting, project documentation, Smartsheet, MS Project, ServiceNow, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, PMP certification, PMI-ACP, Certified ScrumMaster, SAFe certification, matrixed organization, problem solving, written communication, verbal communication

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.

To find out more about Real, please visit www.realstaffing.com