Program Director: AI & Data CTO's Office

TM Forum; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications organization is looking for a Program Director: AI & Data to guide strategic initiatives and engage community members globally. This role is crucial for delivering flagship Missions and requires a strategic leader with a strong background in telecoms and digital transformation. The candidate should have excellent communication skills, proficiency in agile methodologies, and experience in fostering community engagement. A diverse, inclusive workplace awaits, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Diversity and Inclusion programs

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven track record of driving complex programs, preferably in telecoms or digital transformation.
• Strong consultative approach with ability to build trusted relationships.
• Experience in mentoring and developing team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning and delivery of the Program.
• Coordinate a portfolio of projects supporting the Mission roadmap.
• Build and maintain a diverse, engaged community of member contributors.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Community engagement

Agile methodologies

Relationship building

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Atlassian toolsets (e.g., Confluence, Jira)

Job description

Program Director: AI & Data

Location: Worldwide

Introduction to TM Forum

TM Forum is a global alliance of telco and tech companies, leading the industry in defining the building blocks for new operating models, impactful new partnerships, and advanced software platforms. TM Forum helps its members unlock the value of data to create nearly endless opportunities for players across the communications ecosystem. At DTW – Ignite, Accelerate and Collaboration events, TM Forum provides a platform for industry change‑makers to share groundbreaking innovation, market developments, product launches and business transformation journeys. We are the only industry body to count the world’s top 10 CSPs and all the key hyperscalers as active, strategic members. With over 800 members, we are on a mission to reinvent the telco industry as a vibrant part of the digital landscape – and a driving force in shaping its future. Visit tmforum.org for more information.

Role Overview

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 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 Lead’s 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 Forum’s 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.
• Act as a deputy as and when required for the Mission lead at events and other activities.
• Evangelise the work, both internally and externally, speaking at external events, writing thought‑leading material, and maintaining an 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 KPIs, 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.
• Drive 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.

Key Skills & Experience

• 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 galvanise 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 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 teammates to reach their full potential.
• Deep understanding of agile methodologies and business change‑management practices.
• Highly organised and outcome‑focused, thriving in fast‑paced, collaborative environments where clarity, adaptability, and momentum are essential.
• Passionate about creating real industry‑level impact, with strong alignment to TM Forum’s values and mission.
• Ideally has a strong understanding of Atlassian toolsets (e.g., Confluence, Jira).
• PMP, MSP, SAFe, or equivalent certifications are a plus.

Diversity & Inclusion at TM Forum

TM Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, inmediatamente or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.