Job Title

Data and AI Practice Lead (typically 15+ years)Purpose of the Role:The Data and AI Practice Lead is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, growth, and successful delivery of the company's Data and Artificial Intelligence service offerings. This individual will be a recognized expert in the field, providing technical leadership, fostering innovation, and driving customer success. They will own all aspects of the practice, from solution development and data architecture to delivery excellence, team management, and commercial success. This role requires a strong blend of technical depth, business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills to elevate the company's Data and AI capabilities and market presence.Key Responsibilities:1. Practice Strategy and Direction:Develop and articulate a clear vision and strategic roadmap for the Data and AI practice, aligning with the overall company strategy and market trends.Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities in AI and data management, and translate them into actionable service offerings.Drive innovation within the practice, fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation.Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to ensure the practice remains competitive and relevant.2. AI Solution Development and Data Architecture:Provide technical leadership and guidance in the design and development of innovative AI-powered solutions for clients.Oversee the development and implementation of robust and scalable data architectures, ensuring data quality, security, and governance.Maintain a strong understanding of various AI/ML methodologies, tools, and platforms, and guide the team in their effective application.Ensure adherence to best practices and architectural standards in all data and AI projects.3. Service Delivery and Quality:Own the end-to-end delivery of all Data and AI services, ensuring high quality, on-time, and within-budget project execution.Establish and maintain robust delivery methodologies, processes, and standards for the practice.Work closely with delivery teams to troubleshoot complex technical issues and ensure client satisfaction.Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for service delivery and implement improvements as needed.Ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations and security standards.4. Team Leadership and Development:Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of data scientists, AI engineers, data architects, and other relevant specialists.Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented team culture, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.Identify skill gaps within the team and implement training and development programs to enhance capabilities.Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support the career growth of team members.Manage team capacity and resource allocation effectively to meet project demands.5. Technical Leadership and Expertise:Serve as a recognized technical authority in Data and AI, providing thought leadership and guidance to both internal teams and clients.Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, data science, and data management technologies.Contribute to the development of internal knowledge assets, including white papers, best practices, and case studies.Represent the company at industry events and conferences, showcasing the practice's capabilities and expertise.6. Customer Relationship Management:Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, understanding their business needs and challenges related to data and AI.Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic guidance and recommendations on their data and AI initiatives.Identify and pursue opportunities for expanding existing client engagements and developing new business.Lead technical discussions with clients, effectively communicating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.7. PMO Support and Governance:Collaborate closely with the Project Management Office (PMO) to ensure effective project planning, execution, and reporting for Data and AI engagements.Provide technical input to project plans, risk assessments, and resource allocation.Ensure adherence to PMO standards and processes within the Data and AI practice.8. Commercial and Financial Responsibilities:Understand and own the commercial aspects of new statements of work (SOWs) for Data and AI projects, including scope definition, pricing, and resource planning.Contribute to the development of compelling proposals and presentations for potential clients.Participate in commercial discussions and negotiations with clients.Develop and manage the financial plan for the Data and AI practice, including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue generation.Monitor the financial performance of the practice and identify opportunities for improvement.Qualifications and Experience:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.Significant experience (typically 15+ years) in the field of data management and AI solution development, with demonstrable experience in a leadership role.Deep understanding of various AI/ML algorithms, techniques, and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).Proven expertise in designing and implementing scalable data architectures and data pipelines using various technologies (e.g., cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP, data warehousing solutions, ETL tools).Strong experience in delivering data and AI services to clients, with a track record of successful project delivery.Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences.Strong business acumen and understanding of commercial principles.Experience in developing and managing budgets and financial plans.Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).Experience in pre-sales activities and proposal development is highly desirable.Key Relationships:Internal:Head of Technology/VP of Service DeliveryProject ManagersSales and Business Development TeamsOther Practice LeadsTechnical TeamsExternal:Clients (technical and business stakeholders)Technology PartnersPersonal Attributes:Strategic thinker with a strong vision for the future of Data and AI.Results-oriented and driven to achieve excellence in service delivery.Highly collaborative and able to build strong working relationships.Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership.Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.Passionate about data and artificial intelligence and its potential to drive business value.This role brief outlines the core responsibilities and requirements for the Data and AI Practice Lead. It is intended to provide a general overview and may be subject to adjustments based on the specific needs of the company.