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. We have experts in more than 50 different domains—from doctors and lawyers to physicists and engineers—and boast one of the most diverse global crowds, representing over 100 countries and speaking 40+ languages. We are a well-funded startup with an enviable portfolio of clients, including Anthropic, Amazon, Microsoft, Poolside, Recraft, and Shopify.

Recently, we secured a strategic investment led by Bezos Expeditions and Nebius Group with participation from Mikhail Parakhin, CTO of Shopify and board advisor to leading GenAI companies, who now serves as our Chairman of the Board. Our remote-first team is globally distributed around the world: USA, UK, the Netherlands,  Serbia, and more.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Toloka is committed to providing equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Selection decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

• Official Communication: Our recruiting team will only contact you from an official "toloka.ai" email address. We will NEVER use Gmail, Yahoo, Tolokainc, toloka.inc,  or other personal or seemingly business email accounts.
• Our Process: We will never ask for your bank account details, credit card number, or any fees as part of the application or interview process.
• Official Listings: All legitimate job openings are posted on our official careers page: https://toloka.ai/careers#job-list