Principal AI Program Manager at WesternDigital

Western Digital is seeking a Principal AI Program Manager to lead enterprise-scale AI initiatives across the organization. This role operates at a strategic level, partnering with senior stakeholders to define and execute a comprehensive AI roadmap, while ensuring operational excellence, governance, and measurable business impact. You will act as a critical bridge between business priorities, technology capabilities, and execution teams—driving alignment, scalability, and value realization across multiple concurrent AI programs.   Essential Duties  & Responsibilities Strategic Stakeholder Alignment • Develop and own the enterprise AI roadmap, aligned with corporate priorities and cross-functional stakeholder needs • Partner with executive leadership to define clear outcomes, success metrics, and timelines for AI initiatives • Drive alignment across IT, Product, Engineering, and Business functions to ensure cohesive execution • Translate business objectives into scalable AI-enabled solutions and prioritized programs  Program & Project Execution • Lead multiple concurrent AI programs from ideation through delivery and adoption • Establish program structures, milestones, and delivery frameworks across complex initiatives • Drive execution rigor, risk management, and dependency tracking across cross-functional teams • Ensure delivery of measurable outcomes, including productivity gains, cost efficiencies, and innovation impactGovernance & Operational Excellence • Establish and scale program governance frameworks for AI initiativesFinancial Planning & Resource Management • Develop and manage budgets, including resource allocation, vendor spend, and workforce planning • Optimize onboarding strategies for FTEs and contingent workersOperational Excellence • Implement standardized processes, KPIs, and reporting to ensure program health and performance visibility • Drive continuous improvement through data-driven insightsTalent Development & Agile Ways of Working • Champion Agile methodologies and modern delivery practices • Mentor and grow program managers, engineers, and cross-functional talent • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learningAI Technology Enablement • Maintain strong understanding of AI/ML tools, platforms, and emerging technologies • Identify and deploy tools that improve productivity, automation, and decision-making across teamsVendor & Partner Management • Identify, evaluate, and onboard strategic vendors and partners, including contingent workforce • Establish frameworks for vendor assessment, interviewing, and selection • Manage vendor performance, contracts, and deliverables to ensure quality and alignment with business outcomes • Build scalable partner ecosystems to support AI program delivery