Managing Director, Data & AI

Pioneer Management Consulting•Minneapolis, MN

3d•$200,000 - $284,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Pioneer is seeking a leader to build and grow its Data & AI practice in the Minneapolis market. The role leads a multidisciplinary practice combining data, AI, and applications expertise with change management and AI process reengineering. The Managing Director serves as the senior face of Pioneer’s Data & AI work in Minneapolis, builds executive relationships, represents the firm in the market, leads client AI transformations, grows revenue and the client portfolio, owns practice financial performance, and develops the local team. The role requires a hybrid schedule in the Minneapolis, Minnesota market and travel to clients across the Twin Cities and beyond as required. The leader will shape and sponsor AI transformation efforts ranging from organization-wide change to functional initiatives, translating business problems into AI strategies, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes. They will coordinate Pioneer’s analytics, AI, application development, change management, and AI process redesign teams, stay involved in high-visibility engagements, and maintain client satisfaction. They will also build the Minneapolis pipeline, lead major pursuits, expand existing accounts, and manage practice revenue, margin, and utilization as the business scales. The Managing Director will cultivate C-suite and Board-level relationships, advise clients on AI and transformation decisions, and lead conversations linking AI to operating models, workforce change, and enterprise strategy. They will lead and develop a team of 20 to 50 Pioneers through 4 to 8 direct reports at maturity, including responsibility for hiring, headcount planning, succession, performance, engagement, and continuous learning. The estimated salary range is $200,000–$284,000 annually. Bonuses and other incentives are discretionary and based on individual contributions and overall company performance. Pioneer offers a comprehensive benefits package, including meaningful time off, paid holidays, parental leave, 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement, and health and welfare benefits.

Requirements

15+ years leading strategy, transformation, and technology-enabled change in complex organizations.
Executive presence and a record of building C-suite and Board relationships and winning work, including pursuits of $3M+.
Experience in both enterprise operating leadership and consulting or professional services leadership.
P&L ownership and a record of growing a practice or business from small to scaled.
AI-first perspective, including understanding how AI creates business value and recognizing when data foundations, governance, or platform choices are constraints; hands-on engineering is not required.
Exceptional communication skills on stage, in writing, and in conversations with audiences from the front line to the Board.
Experience leading teams of 20+ and developing leaders.
Entrepreneurial, decisive approach with a bias toward action.
Ability to travel to clients across the Twin Cities metro and beyond as required.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Nice To Haves

Established external presence through keynotes, publishing, or board and industry leadership.
Experience guiding full-organization or multi-function AI and change programs.
Familiarity with AI governance, responsible AI, and enterprise AI adoption at scale.
Experience with technology partner ecosystems such as Microsoft and Anthropic.
Experience advising executives through M&A, restructuring, or major operating model change.
MBA or advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Shape and sponsor AI transformation efforts for Minneapolis clients, from organization-wide change to functional enablement in areas such as finance, HR, and supply chain.
Translate business problems into AI strategies, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
Coordinate data analytics, AI, application development, change management, and AI process redesign teams into a cohesive client experience.
Stay close to high-visibility engagements, intervene clearly and quickly when needed, and maintain client satisfaction at 90–92%.
Speak, publish, and lead market conversations to establish Pioneer as a leading AI firm in Minneapolis.
Represent Pioneer at industry events, conferences, boards, and community forums.
Bring emerging ideas to clients and relay Minneapolis market signals to the National Solutions Team.
Own the Minneapolis Data & AI pipeline from initial conversation through signed engagement; at maturity, manage $10M–$20M in active pipeline and bring in $5M–$10M+ in new annual revenue.
Sponsor flagship pursuits of $1M–$5M+ and partner with business development on positioning, pricing, and winning work at a 40–60% win rate.
Plan and expand a portfolio of 10+ existing Minneapolis accounts, focusing on industries where AI has high strategic value.
Own the Minneapolis practice P&L, including revenue of $10M–$40M+ at maturity and margin and utilization in the 82–88% range.
Build and sustain trusted C-suite and Board-level relationships and serve as a key advisor on AI and transformation decisions.
Lead executive discussions connecting AI with operating model design, workforce change, and enterprise strategy.
Lead and develop the Minneapolis team of 20–50 Pioneers through 4–8 direct reports at maturity, and build a bench of future leaders.
Own hiring, headcount planning, succession, and recruiting for data and AI talent.
Coach and calibrate team performance, maintain team engagement at 85% or higher, and promote continuous learning.