Practice Director - Data Engineering and AI/ML

Summary

Join us as a Practice Director and lead our Data Engineering, Analytics, and AI/ML practice. You will leverage your 15+ years of leadership experience in consulting to drive strategic growth and technical excellence. This role involves managing and executing professional services engagements, leading teams of data engineers, architects, and machine learning professionals, and mentoring their development. You will be responsible for practice building, team development, engagement management, business development, and providing technical and strategic expertise. Success in this role requires strong communication, collaboration, and a passion for cutting-edge technology.

Requirements

• 15+ years of leadership, with a strong track record of 12+ years in the consulting industry
• Proven experience managing a business line and P&L
• Demonstrated ability to lead analysis, architecture, design, and development of cloud Data and AI and technology solutions, including process redesign, change management, and strategic alignment
• Experience delivering business advisory services, Data and AI solutions, and technology integrations
• Expertise in Data and AI/ML engineering, data science, and analytics consulting, with comprehensive knowledge across Data and AI disciplines
• Skilled in managing senior-level teams and driving their development and performance
• Strong ability to act as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders
• Proven experience in financial management and successfully operating a business
• Proficiency in leading transformation projects involving change management, organizational design, process mapping, data strategy/analysis, and technology implementation
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to establish trusted relationships with C-level executives
• Mastery in promoting organizational innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement through dynamic leadership
• Experience in leading strategic pursuits for key accounts and capability-focused deals
• Deep experience in cloud-based Data engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Agile delivery, ensuring efficient, scalable, and innovative solutions
• Ability to shape and lead delivery teams from architectural design to project inception, ensuring alignment with client objectives and high-quality outcomes
• Legally allowed to work in the US for any employer

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the growth of the practice area by developing innovative strategies for business development, talent management, and project delivery
• Cultivate thought leadership by creating best practices, reusable assets, case studies, and solution frameworks that differentiate the practice in the market
• Define and communicate a compelling vision for the practice, aligning with organizational goals and market opportunities to position the team as a leader in data and analytics
• Own all aspects of practice growth, including driving sales, recruiting top talent, managing client accounts, overseeing consulting engagements, and ensuring operational excellence across the practice
• Build a team of high-performing leaders and technical experts by mentoring and coaching individuals to grow their skills and take on greater responsibilities
• Encourage innovation and a growth mindset among team members
• Create a collaborative and inclusive culture that fosters engagement, trust, and continuous learning
• Lead recruiting efforts to attract and retain top talent while supporting onboarding to ensure a smooth transition into the team
• Provide thought leadership in data and analytics, ensuring the team stays ahead of industry trends and maintains technical expertise in emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies
• Manage engagement risks and project economics, including detailed planning, budgeting, and monitoring of accounts receivable
• Define project deliverables clearly and ensure alignment with client objectives and expectations
• Maintain high levels of client satisfaction by delivering impactful solutions and building trust at the highest levels of client organizations
• Foster long-term client relationships by consistently exceeding expectations
• Oversee the successful execution of all projects within the data and analytics portfolio, ensuring alignment with the practice’s standards for quality and delivery excellence
• Identify growth opportunities by analyzing market trends, client needs, and competitive dynamics
• Develop innovative offerings that meet evolving demands in data and analytics
• Build and nurture relationships with technology partners to co-develop and sell joint solutions
• Actively engage with local market teams to align on sales strategies, resource capacity, and technical capabilities
• Cultivate strong relationships with C-suite executives and other key client stakeholders, positioning the organization as a trusted advisor
• Partner with leadership to guide business development activities and expand the client portfolio
• Design and implement scalable data architectures for machine learning pipelines, automation frameworks, and CI/CD processes to solve complex client challenges
• Deliver robust solutions tailored to specific use cases and industries
• Lead the exploration of emerging technologies and methodologies in data Engineering, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence
• Consistently push the boundaries of what’s possible to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients
• Develop and disseminate thought leadership through whitepapers, blogs, conference presentations, and workshops
• Position the organization as a leader in the analytics and machine learning domains
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand their needs, shape project objectives, and define a clear roadmap for delivery
• Leverage Agile methodologies to ensure efficient execution and client satisfaction
• Work with stakeholders across internal teams, technology partners, and clients to develop and deliver cohesive solutions that address both technical and business requirements
• Partner with sales teams during the pre-sales process to provide technical insights and ensure alignment with the client’s vision and goals
• Promote a sense of community by organizing and participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives, technical meetups, and workshops
• Encourage team members to contribute to industry forums and internal communities of practice
• Share learnings and best practices from engagements with the broader organization to build a collective repository of insights and expertise

Preferred Qualifications

Specific licenses and certifications

Benefits

• Bonus
• Commissions
• Other discretionary payments
• Salary range: $180,300 - $307,000 a year
• Colorado salary range: $191,900 - $255,900
• Hawaii and New York (excluding NYC) salary range: $180,300 - $240,400
• California, New York City, and Washington salary range: $230,300 - $307,000
• Travel up to 50% during peak periods