Technical Program Manager - FMCG/CPG

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Technical Program Manager with strong expertise in FMCG/CPG, technology delivery, program management, and technical team leadership, along with exposure to AI/ML technologies. The candidate will be responsible for driving complex technology programs from planning through execution, ensuring timely delivery, quality, stakeholder alignment, and business outcomes. The role requires a strong understanding of FMCG business processes and technology platforms, combined with the ability to work closely with Engineering, Product, Architecture, Data, AI/ML, QA, and Business teams.

Key Responsibilities:

- Own end-to-end technology program delivery, including planning, execution, governance, milestones, dependencies, risks, and overall delivery outcomes.

- Drive technology programs within the FMCG/CPG ecosystem, working closely with business and technology stakeholders.

- Understand FMCG business requirements and translate them into technology solutions and executable delivery plans.

- Provide strong technical program leadership to Engineering, Data, AI/ML, and technology teams.

- Lead multiple technical teams and workstreams, ensuring accountability, collaboration, and delivery excellence.

- Work closely with Architects, Product Managers, Engineering Leads, Data Scientists, and AI/ML teams to ensure successful delivery.

- Manage program risks, dependencies, issues, scope changes, and escalations.

- Establish effective program governance through regular reviews, dashboards, KPIs, status reporting, and leadership updates.

- Drive Agile/Scrum practices including sprint planning, release planning, backlog prioritization, reviews, and retrospectives.

- Identify opportunities to leverage technology and AI/ML to improve FMCG business processes and outcomes.

AI/ML Responsibilities:

- Good understanding of AI/ML concepts, use cases, and technology ecosystems.

- Work with AI/ML teams to understand requirements, solution approaches, dependencies, and delivery challenges.

- Exposure to Generative AI, LLMs, Machine Learning, NLP, Predictive Analytics, or AI-enabled applications.

- Understand the overall AI/ML lifecycle from data preparation and model development through deployment and monitoring.

- Identify opportunities where AI/ML can create value within FMCG business processes.

- Track AI/ML initiatives from PoC to production deployment.

- Hands-on model development or coding is not mandatory.

Technical & Delivery Skills:

- Strong understanding of software engineering and technology delivery.

- Good understanding of enterprise applications, APIs, integrations, databases, and cloud platforms.

- Understanding of microservices, cloud architecture, SDLC, Agile/Scrum, DevOps, CI/CD, and MLOps.

- Ability to engage effectively with Architects, Developers, Data Scientists, ML Engineers, QA, and Product teams.

- Strong program governance, delivery management, risk management, and dependency management capabilities.

- Ability to understand complex technical challenges and drive teams toward scalable solutions.

People & Stakeholder Leadership:

- Lead, mentor, and develop technical, engineering, data, and AI/ML teams.

- Manage multiple teams and workstreams with competing priorities.

- Build a culture of ownership, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

- Partner with senior business and technology stakeholders to drive alignment and timely decisions.

- Communicate complex technical and AI/ML concepts effectively to technical and business stakeholders.

- Manage escalations and ensure timely resolution of critical issues.

Experience & Qualifications:

- 12-15 years of overall experience in technology, program, or delivery management.

- Proven experience as a Technical Program Manager / Program Manager / Technology Delivery Manager.

- Strong experience managing large-scale technology programs and technical teams.

- Strong FMCG/CPG domain experience with good understanding of RTM, Sales & Distribution, DMS/SFA, or related platforms.

- Exposure to AI/ML programs, products, or initiatives.

- Experience working with cross-functional Engineering, Product, Data, AI/ML, Architecture, QA, and Business teams.

- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, AI/ML, Data Science, or a related discipline.