IT Program Manager- Data Analytics & AI

Overview

With the stabilization of our SAP S/4HANA RISE and Cloud First transformation, The Marzetti Company has entered a new phase—transitioning from platform implementation to ongoing business transformation. Our intentionally nimble technical landscape is maintained, improved, and continuously optimized through the capabilities of a centralized Business Transformation team within the Information Technology (IT) department. 

The Program Manager may lead a team of Project Managers and/or Project Admins that is responsible for managing enhancements, projects, and programs.  The role will be responsible for balancing the delivery of operational work, enhancements, and projects across three major IT delivery areas of Data, Analytics, & AI Programs.  The role will plan strategies, provide advice to stakeholders, review, advise and sometimes lead projects, audit and QA project plans and execution, and be responsible for risk and issue management and escalation to senior management.  The Program Manager will support the Director of IT Portfolio Management, the VP of Data, Analytics, AI, and Infrastructure and other relevant stakeholders in project selection, prioritization, feasibility, and resource management for their Program(s).  This position will also include facilitating collaboration and management of portions of the Marzetti AI Council. 

This role will collaborate closely with all levels of IT leadership to advance and refine the organization’s internal portfolio management processes and tools. The Program Manager will drive greater efficiency and effectiveness in program execution by optimizing portfolio management systems such as Microsoft, SAP, ServiceNow, and Planisware, ensuring seamless integration of project planning and financial management across the enterprise. 

Responsibilities

Essential Functions / Primary Responsibilities 

Leadership 

• Build and lead high-performing matrixed teams; provide coaching and mentorship. 

• Directly supervise staff/subcontractors; oversee hiring, training, performance, and issue resolution. 

• Monitor program/project activities for accuracy, quality, and consistency. 

• Benchmark performance and drive continuous improvement in program/portfolio management. 

Program Governance & Oversight 

• Manage intake and portfolio alignment within IT hierarchy and standards. 

• Translate corporate strategy into a data & AI program roadmap. 

• Define scope, objectives, metrics, and charters for initiatives. 

• Manage budgets, forecasts, and cloud/AI training costs. 

• Maintain schedules, monitor RAG status, and mitigate risks. 

• Enforce stage gate compliance; train/support PMs and admins. 

• Oversee staffing, resourcing, and project execution. 

• Audit project plans and track benefits realization. 
• Report status, risks, and progress to stakeholders. 

AI Program Leadership 

• Partner with AI Council and enterprise architects to guide AI strategy. 
• Manage AI use-case pipeline and prioritization (e.g., forecasting, predictive, generative). 
• Define standards for model lifecycle (development, deployment, monitoring). 
• Oversee ethics, responsible AI, risk controls, and compliance (GDPR, CCPA). 
• Ensure adoption through organizational change management and training. 

Data Analytics Leadership 

• Prioritize analytics initiatives across business units. 
• Ensure data quality, lineage, and master data processes. 
• Enable scalable, governed analytics platforms with architecture teams. 
• Advance dashboards, self-service, and advanced analytics capabilities. 

Stakeholder & Change Management 

• Act as liaison between business and IT leadership. 
• Drive adoption of AI and analytics solutions through communication/training. 
• Track and communicate value realization to executives. 

Vendor & Technology Management 

• Govern vendor relationships and ensure SLAs/contract compliance. 
• Recommend standards for BI tools, AI frameworks, and ML platforms. 
• Support RFPs, renewals, sourcing, and cost optimization. 

Reporting & Continuous Improvement 

• Deliver KPIs, dashboards, and executive updates. 
• Capture lessons learned and share best practices. 
• Monitor emerging AI/analytics trends and recommend pilots. 
• Establish standards for project reporting and documentation. 

Qualifications

Experience & Requirements 

• Bachelor’s in business, IS, or related field; or equivalent experience. 
• 8 years IT project management (increasing size/complexity). 
• 3 years business-facing delivery in analytics, custom dev, or AI. 
• Proven success coordinating large/multiple projects. 
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred. 
• Skilled in estimation, scheduling, risk/issue management, lifecycle adherence, budget/benefits tracking. 
• PMP certification preferred. 

Competencies

• Customer Focus 

• Manages Ambiguity 

• Drives Results 

• Collaborates 

• Optimizes Work Processes 

• Instills Trust  

• Business Insight  

• Communicates Effectively