Data, Analytics & AI Team Lead

GHD•Houston, TX

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

At GHD, we are seeking a Data, Analytics & AI Team Lead to join our Americas Business Advisory practice. This is a senior seller-doer role for a technically deep consulting leader with strong market-facing capabilities and hands-on expertise in data architecture, data engineering, and advanced analytics. The team partners with public and private sector clients to define information-driven strategies, design and implement modern data platforms, and deliver advanced analytics and AI solutions. GHD delivers end-to-end solutions from business problem definition through architecture, build, and implementation. This role will lead client engagements, shape and sell new work, and provide technical and delivery leadership across complex data and AI programs. Preferred offices include Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta. Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility, with three days a week in the office.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field strongly preferred
10+ years of experience in data analytics, data engineering, and AI, with at least 5 years in a senior consulting or leadership role
Proven experience as a seller-doer in a consulting environment, including business development and client leadership
Deep experience defining and implementing enterprise data architectures and analytics platforms
Strong background working with public and private sector clients on complex, multi-stakeholder engagements
Demonstrated ability to bridge business strategy and technical execution
Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and modern data platforms and engineering patterns
Strong experience with cloud data platforms such as Azure, Databricks, and Snowflake.
Experience with machine learning and AI frameworks and analytics platforms
Experience with data visualization and decision-support tools such as Power BI
Familiarity with data governance, data management, and operating model design
Executive-level communication and presentation skills
Strong stakeholder management and facilitation capabilities
Ability to lead teams, influence without authority, and operate in matrixed environments

Nice To Haves

Certifications in data strategy, cloud architecture, AI, or digital transformation
Experience implementing enterprise-scale data platforms and governance frameworks
Background in infrastructure, environmental, industrial, or asset-intensive sectors

Responsibilities

Act as a seller-doer, originating, shaping, and closing data, analytics, and AI opportunities across priority markets
Build trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders, including executives and operational leaders
Lead proposal development, solution shaping, and commercial structuring for complex consulting engagements
Partner with market, sector, and account leaders to identify high-value use cases and growth opportunities
Contribute to the evolution of GHD’s Data, Analytics & AI offerings and go-to-market strategy
Lead large, complex data and digital transformation programs from strategy through implementation
Serve as the senior engagement lead for key clients, accountable for scope, quality, outcomes, and financial performance
Translate business objectives into scalable data architecture, analytics, and AI solutions
Facilitate executive workshops and working sessions to define vision, roadmap, and investment priorities
Present insights, recommendations, and progress updates to executive and governance audiences
Provide hands-on technical leadership in data architecture, data engineering, and analytics solution design
Lead the creation and execution of enterprise data and AI strategies, roadmaps, and reference architectures
Guide the design of modern data platforms across cloud and hybrid environments
Oversee solution design involving analytics, machine learning, generative AI, computer vision, and digital twins
Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with data governance and operating model requirements
Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams of data engineers, data scientists, and analytics consultants
Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and practical problem solving
Set technical standards, review solution designs, and provide quality assurance across engagements
Support talent development, coaching, and growth of future technical and consulting leaders
Stay current on emerging trends in data platforms, analytics, AI, and digital transformation
Drive adoption of AI-enabled solutions relevant to infrastructure, environment, and asset-intensive sectors
Contribute to internal thought leadership, client presentations, and industry forums