Program Director: Coding data

Company Intro

At Toloka AI we create data that powers leading GenAI models and innovations. We work with frontier labs, big tech, renowned AI startups, enterprises, and non-profit research organizations worldwide. We use a combination of Experts + Crowd + Tech Platform to teach AI models to reason and evaluate their efficacy and safety. W 

About the position

We are seeking an exceptional Program Director, to own and scale the execution of complex AI data projects across a major client portfolio or service vertical. This role focuses on operational excellence and flawless delivery, working in close partnership with our Business Development team to drive revenue growth through exceptional client outcomes.

You'll own the execution excellence for a substantial portfolio of projects, ensuring every delivery exceeds client expectations on quality, while hitting timeline and gross margin targets. Working closely with client researchers, C‑level stakeholders, product, data, and engineering teams, you'll be the execution backbone that turns business development wins into delivered value.

The ideal candidate combines a Big 3 consulting background with hands‑on technical depth in software engineering and modern AI (LLMs, ML, data platforms).

• Full remote

• Full-time and contract opportunities available

What you’ll do

• Take ultimate ownership for AI program strategy, roadmaps, and success metrics, ensuring they are fully aligned with business goals and senior leadership expectations;

• Lead end-to-end delivery of multiple complex AI initiatives (LLM-powered products, automation, analytics), ensuring all projects meet scope, budget, and quality standards;

• Translate ambiguous business problems into clear technical workstreams and architectures, collaborating directly with data scientists, ML engineers, and software engineers;

• Establish and own program governance, including operating rhythms, steering committees, risk/issue management, and high-level executive communications;

• Drive solution design reviews and provide technical oversight, challenging approaches where needed to ensure the robustness, scalability, and security of AI solutions;

• Embed responsible and ethical AI practices into program design, focusing on data privacy, bias mitigation, model monitoring, and human-in-the-loop workflows;

• Manage vendor and partner relationships (cloud, model providers, integrators), including technical evaluations, contracts input, and performance management;

• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams (PMs, tech leads, data scientists), fostering a high-performance delivery culture and driving continuous process improvement.

What we're Looking For

• 10+ years in technology consulting and delivery, with significant experience at a Big 3 or top-tier firm in technology, digital, or data;

• 5+ years of program or portfolio management, leading large, multi-disciplinary tech programs with multi-million dollar budgets;

• Proven track record of delivering AI, data, or analytics programs (LLM/ML products, intelligent automation) into production;

• Hands-on technical background in Data Science or Software Engineering (Python, Java, etc.), with the ability to read code and support technical decision-making;

• Demonstrated ability to influence and communicate effectively with C-level stakeholders and non-technical audiences;

• Proactiveness in suggesting process changes and a deep understanding of the LLM life cycle.

What we can offer

• You will be part of an international and dynamic environment, driving innovation and setting new standards in the AI and technology sector;

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, and ESOP;

• Paid PTO and benefits will vary depending on location;

• We offer a full remote or hybrid model (if you based in NL or Serbia);

• IT set up and home office allowances.

Toloka compensation for this role is benchmarked to local market rates and varies by location within the United States. For candidates in the US, the base salary range for this role is USD 160.000 - 210.000 $ per year. Since this is a remote role, actual compensation will depend on factors such as location, relevant experience, skills, knowledge, internal pay equity, and market conditions. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for other elements of compensation such as [bonus/commission/equity, as applicable], as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information about total compensation and benefits will be shared with candidates during the hiring process.