Program Director

Program Director – Saatchi & Saunchi Canada

Location : Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Program Director with strong AI expertise to lead, manage, and scale AI‑driven initiatives across our advertising and creative operations. This role sits at the intersection of program management, AI strategy, and marketing innovation, guiding cross‑functional teams to deliver transformative, AI‑enabled capabilities for clients and internal workflow.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end planning, execution, and delivery of enterprise‑level AI programs spanning creative automation, audience intelligence, media optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Define program roadmaps, milestones, success metrics, and governance frameworks.
• Manage cross‑functional teams including data science, engineering, creative, strategy, and client services.
• Oversee budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation across multiple concurrent AI workstreams.
• Maintain high‑quality program documentation, communication plans, and reporting.
• Partner with senior leadership to define the agency’s AI strategy and long‑term roadmap.
• Translate business goals into AI opportunities, outlining use cases, feasibility, and expected outcomes.
• Evaluate emerging AI tools and vendors (e.g., generative AI, predictive modeling, automation platforms) and recommend adoption based on strategic fit.
• Promote responsible and ethical use of AI across all initiatives.
• Serve as a central liaison across internal departments and external partners, communicating complex technical concepts in a clear, business‑friendly manner.
• Engage with clients to understand their needs and align AI programs with campaign goals and audience insights.
• Drive change management, ensuring smooth adoption of new AI capabilities with stakeholders.
• Standardize frameworks, workflows, and best practices for AI‑driven processes; implement scalable program management methodologies (Agile, hybrid, or waterfall as needed).
• Monitor performance and continuously optimize AI programs for efficiency, quality, and impact; ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and internal governance.

Qualifications

Benefits & Compensation

Full‑time position; salary range : CAD 123,200.00 – 169,400.00 (approximately) plus benefits.

Seniority Level

Director.

Employment Type

Full‑time.

Job Function

Advertising and Information Technology.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Saatchi is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome and encourage applications from all interested parties. Accommodations are available, upon request, for all stages of the interview and employment process for those with a disability or medical need during any stage of the recruitment process.

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