Programme Manager (AI & Big Data)

Recruiter

A 1L Realization (Pty) Ltd

Job Ref

JHB001021/AG

Date posted

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Location

Midrand, South Africa

SUMMARY

Our client in the telecommunications sector is looking for a Programme Manager (AI & Big Data) on a contract duration of 6 months.

Role Purpose

The Programme Manager – AI & Big Data is responsible for leading the planning, governance, execution, and successful delivery of enterprise-wide Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Advanced Analytics, and Big Data transformation programmes. The role ensures that AI and data initiatives align with business strategy, deliver measurable business value, and are implemented securely, ethically, and within agreed scope, budget, and timelines. The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership, data scientists, data engineers, solution architects, cloud engineers, business stakeholders, and third-party vendors to drive large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

POSITION INFO

Minimum Requirements Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Data Science, Business Information Systems, or a related field. Postgraduate qualification (Honours/Master's) is advantageous. Programme Management certification (PgMP, MSP, PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, AgilePM, or equivalent). Agile certification (SAFe, Scrum Master, PMI-ACP, or similar) is advantageous. Experience 10+ years' experience managing large technology programmes. 5+ years leading AI, Machine Learning, Big Data, or Advanced Analytics programmes. Proven experience delivering enterprise digital transformation initiatives. Experience managing programmes exceeding R50 million. Experience leading geographically distributed delivery teams. Strong stakeholder engagement at Executive and Board level. Experience working within Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid delivery environments.