Programme Manager - AI-ready Data Foundation programme

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead an AI-ready Data Foundation programme for our client in the life-science industry.

The programme will bring together existing data and AI initiatives across multiple teams into one aligned and governed programme. This is not a greenfield build. The key challenge is to connect work already underway, resolve overlaps and dependencies, establish a shared direction and drive delivery across teams and stakeholders. The Programme Manager will act as an integrator and driver of the programme, rather than a hands-on technical lead.

Main Responsibilities

The Programme Manager will oversee the AI-ready Data Foundation programme from initiation to delivery, driving initiatives towards a cohesive direction.

• Lead the programme through an initial readiness phase, establishing scope, delivery milestones, resources, governance and baselines

• Develop and manage an integrated delivery plan across multiple parallel workstreams

• Consolidate existing, independently sponsored initiatives into one aligned and governed programme

• Align stakeholders and teams around shared priorities, dependencies and definitions of done

• Manage programme governance, risks, dependencies and change control

• Establish measurable baselines and track programme benefits and outcomes

• Coordinate delivery across data foundation, AI and machine learning initiatives

• Facilitate communication and decision-making across international, multi-site teams

• Manage dependencies on specialist resources, platforms and external partners

Key Requirements

• At least eight years of experience delivering complex data programmes

• Demonstrated experience consolidating existing, independently sponsored initiatives into a single governed programme

• Experience with enterprise data foundations, including areas such as data catalogue, governed access, metadata, lineage, business glossary, semantic or ontology layers and data ownership

• Technical literacy in modern data and lakehouse platforms such as Databricks or equivalent

• Delivery experience within GxP or a comparable regulated validation environment

• Experience establishing baselines and demonstrating measurable programme benefits

• Experience leading delivery in a matrix organisation and influencing stakeholders without direct line authority

• Working familiarity with AI and machine learning

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

• Professional English and experience working across international teams

Nice to Have

• Experience within pharmaceutical or life-science R&D

• Familiarity with FAIR data principles and data certification frameworks

• Experience sourcing or managing knowledge-engineering and ontology specialists

• Experience working in a two-in-a-box operating model alongside an internal counterpart

• Experience handing over a programme to a permanent internal owner

Other Details

Duration: 01/09/2026 to 31/03/2027

Commitment: Full-time

This role is essential for establishing a governed AI-ready data foundation, focusing on leading the connection of existing capabilities within a defined R&D scope.