Program Manager, Provider Program

About the role

OpenRouter is building the backend plumbing for the entire AI ecosystem, and this role is central to that mission. You will architect the systems that let hundreds of model labs and inference providers operate through a single, coherent interface. The position demands ownership of the full provider lifecycle, from first conversation through long-term renewal and tier management. You will eliminate one-off negotiations by creating templates, playbooks, and rules that apply to every partner. This is a strategic operator role that ensures the marketplace scales predictably as the network grows. You will manage flagship initiatives like MPEAP and verified provider tracks with the same rigor as routine compliance. The work sits at the intersection of product, engineering, legal, finance, and security, requiring comfort with ambiguity and cross-functional influence. Your documentation and processes will become the operating manual for how OpenRouter does provider relationships.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Own the provider lifecycle. Define and operate the standard path from sourcing → onboarding → activation → QBR → renewal, with clear stage gates, owners, and SLAs.
• Design provider tiering. Build and maintain the tiering framework (the "buckets") that determines how providers are classified, what they get, and what's expected of them.
• Build programmatic structure that scales. Turn one-off relationships into repeatable systems - templates, playbooks, self-serve onboarding, and automated provider comms - so the program grows without linear headcount.
• Run cross-program operations. Execute program-wide changes (re-paper all providers, launch a new tier, roll out a new compliance attestation) as a single coordinated motion.
• Run the flagship programs. Operate MPEAP and the verified/certified provider tracks, from intake criteria to ongoing management.
• Own the compliance cadence. Keep SLAs, attestations, and provider obligations on schedule and auditable.
• Set the operating cadence. Run the rhythm of the team - reviews, reporting, and the operating cadence that keeps everyone aligned.
• Partner cross-functionally. Work across Product, Engineering, Legal, Finance, and Security to unblock providers and ship program improvements.
• Analyze provider performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for structural improvements to the tiering framework.
• Translate complex technical and business requirements into clear operational workflows that non-technical stakeholders can execute.
• Coordinate stakeholder input to create scalable policy language that balances growth with risk management.
• Drive the roadmap for the Provider Program, prioritizing initiatives that deliver the highest leverage across the ecosystem.
• Maintain a centralized repository of program artifacts, including contracts, SLAs, and compliance evidence, to support audits and executive reporting.
• Act as the primary escalation path for cross-partner conflicts or exceptions, ensuring fair and consistent treatment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of experience building and running programs or strategy at a large, complex organization (e.g. a Salesforce-scale org).
• Demonstrated ability to impose structure on ambiguity and turn unstructured problems into repeatable processes.
• Experience owning operations that span multiple functions, including Product, Engineering, Legal, Finance, and Security, without direct authority.
• High agency and a bias to ship, with a track record of end-to-end ownership in fast-moving environments.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to create clear docs, playbooks, and operational guidance.
• Comfort working with technical partners and understanding integration and compliance requirements.
• Willingness to work within US regulations and time zones, with full eligibility to work in the United States.
• Must be available during US business hours to coordinate with internal teams and external provider organizations.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with the AI ecosystem - model labs, inference providers, and what it takes to onboard and certify them.

Practical notes

This is a remote, full-time position based in the United States. The role requires availability during US business hours to support coordination with internal teams and external partners. Travel is not required, and there are no visa sponsorship needs for candidates located in eligible work locations. The start date will be determined based on candidate availability and business needs.