Senior Manager - Data & AI

MAKE STRATEGY A REALITY | ACCELERATE YOUR GROWTH | CHOOSE YOUR PATH

As the world's leading change and transformation consultancy, we're helping businesses move from strategy to reality by taking a pragmatic and practical approach to build solutions that last.
We're seeking a Senior Manager (AI & Data Architect) in London within our Technology and Data practice to help us bring our vision to value and create a lasting impact.

SUMMARY

This role is primarily responsible for leading our AI initiatives within the Tech & Data practice, balancing hands-on delivery with business development. You will drive AI strategy, adoption, governance, and implementation for our clients, leveraging cloud platforms, data architecture expertise, and modern analytical techniques. Working across multi-disciplinary and multi-location teams, you will guide the professional growth and AI upskilling of consultants while ensuring exceptional client outcomes.

YOU WILL:

• Lead AI strategy and implementation projects, balancing technical expertise with business value creation for our clients.

• Drive business development for AI services, identifying opportunities and building relationships with key stakeholders.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement AI solutions that address complex business challenges.

• Architect AI solutions that integrate with cloud platforms, data management systems, and existing client infrastructure.

• Demonstrate hands-on technical leadership in AI projects, from concept to implementation and evaluation.

• Guide the development of AI models, ensuring ethical implementation, robust governance, and measurable business outcomes.

• Translate complex AI concepts into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Lead discovery workshops with clients to understand business requirements and translate them into scalable AI solutions.

• Mentor and develop consultants within multi-disciplinary and multi-location teams, fostering their professional growth.

• Contribute to thought leadership in AI, including articles, speaking engagements, and client-facing materials.

• Show a bias to action through high-quality hands-on work delivered on time and on budget to our clients.

• Develop and implement AI adoption strategies and governance frameworks for clients at various stages of AI maturity.

• Design and deliver AI upskilling programmes for both client teams and internal consultants.

• Adopt and communicate new concepts, ideas, techniques, and best practices in AI, including prototyping new methods, tools and products.

IDEALLY, WE'D LIKE:

• Bachelor's or equivalent degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related field; advanced degree preferred

• 5+ years of experience in AI, data science and/or data architecture, including both delivery and business development aspects

• Proven experience leading AI projects from concept to implementation, with demonstrable business outcomes

• Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks) along with their AI/ML services

• Comprehensive knowledge of data management principles, data architecture, and integration patterns

• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams across multiple locations

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop consultants, supporting their professional growth and AI upskilling

• Strong business development skills, including opportunity identification, proposal development, and client relationship management

• Hands-on technical skills in AI/ML technologies, frameworks, and methodologies

• Experience in AI governance, responsible AI frameworks, and ethical AI implementation

• Experience with Automation using Agentic AI, including designing and implementing autonomous AI systems that can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention

• Expertise in designing and implementing AI adoption strategies across different organisational functions

• Track record of successful AI upskilling initiatives for technical and non-technical audiences

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

• Adaptable working style with the ability to collaborate effectively in dynamic environments

• Travel: regional travel expected on an as-needed basis depending on client needs, up to 50%Total

Total Rewards associated with this position include a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial security. Unique perks include flexible time off, a private medical plan, a health cash plan, a workplace savings scheme (including ISAs and GIAs), and enhanced parental leave.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United Kingdom, without the need for visa sponsorship by North Highland. Work visa sponsorship will not be provided, either now or in the future, for this position.

North Highland is an equal opportunity employer, and we adhere to all applicable laws and regulations to ensure a fair and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We handle all information in accordance local privacy standards and maintain strict confidentiality.