Congerton joins the club from German outfit Hamburg, where he was working as technical director, and effectively replaces former director of football Roberto De Fanti, who left the Stadium of Light in January.
Lee Congerton: "I'm delighted to join Sunderland AFC and would like to thank the Board and owner for this great opportunity.
"Working alongside Gus and his team was one of the influential factors in me joining the club and something that I am very much looking forward to."
Gus Poyet: "I would like to welcome Lee to the club. Recruitment is one of the most important areas in football nowadays, so I'm looking forward to working alongside Lee for the best of the club."