Program Director – Data Modernization

Program Director – Data ModernizationSarasota, FL (Hybrid)Local candidates preferred. Candidates outside Sarasota, FL must be willing to relocate for a hybrid work schedule.Employment Type: Contract (W2 Only) – No C2CPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Program Director to lead a large-scale Enterprise Data Modernization Program. This executive-level leadership role will be responsible for driving the transformation of legacy data environments into a modern, cloud-native, scalable data platform built on Medallion Architecture principles.The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading enterprise data transformation initiatives within Property & Casualty (P&C) Insurance or other regulated financial services environments. This individual will provide strategic leadership, influence executive stakeholders, guide architectural decisions, manage cross-functional teams, and oversee the successful delivery of a complex, enterprise-wide modernization program.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & StrategyLead the end-to-end delivery of a large-scale Enterprise Data Modernization Program, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management.Develop and execute a strategic program roadmap aligned with business objectives and enterprise data transformation goals.Serve as the primary escalation point for program governance and critical issues.Establish governance frameworks, steering committees, operating cadences, decision-making processes, and RACI models.Drive alignment across business, technology, architecture, and vendor organizations.Executive Leadership & Strategic AdvisoryPartner with executive leadership to define enterprise data strategy and modernization initiatives.Leverage previous modernization experience to identify risks, remove roadblocks, and accelerate decision-making.Provide strategic guidance on platform selection, modernization sequencing, and enterprise data governance.Data Modernization & ArchitectureLead the migration from legacy platforms to a modern cloud-based data ecosystem.Collaborate with Data Engineering and Architecture teams to implement best practices for:Medallion ArchitectureData contractsSchema versioningMetadata managementData partitioning strategiesEnterprise data governanceVendor & Delivery ManagementLead vendor evaluations, RFP processes, contract negotiations, and partner selection.Manage relationships with cloud vendors, implementation partners, and third-party delivery teams.Evaluate technology roadmaps and provide recommendations on build vs. buy strategies.Ensure external delivery teams align with organizational standards, governance, and delivery expectations.Stakeholder & Change ManagementPartner with Change Management and Communications teams to drive organizational readiness and user adoption.Ensure successful stakeholder engagement, training, and enterprise-wide adoption of modernized data capabilities.Foster collaboration across business units, IT leadership, architecture, engineering, and external partners.Required Qualifications10+ years of experience leading large-scale enterprise technology or data transformation programs.Minimum 5 years of experience as a Program Director leading enterprise modernization initiatives.Strong experience delivering Enterprise Data Modernization programs.Experience working within Property & Casualty (P&C) Insurance is highly preferred.Deep understanding of enterprise Data Architecture and Data Engineering principles.Hands-on experience with Databricks and modern cloud-based Data Lake platforms.Proven ability to lead large cross-functional teams, executive stakeholders, and third-party vendors.Excellent communication, leadership, governance, and executive presentation skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience leading enterprise Data Modernization initiatives within the P&C Insurance industry.Expertise in Databricks and Medallion Architecture.Experience with cloud-native data platforms and enterprise data governance frameworks.PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or equivalent Program Management certification is a plus.Work Authorization: W2 Only (No C2C)Location Requirement: Candidates must be local to Sarasota, FL or willing to relocate for a hybrid work schedule.