Managing Director, Data & AI

Pioneer Management Consulting•Minneapolis, MN

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

Pioneer is seeking a leader to build and grow its Data & AI practice in the Minneapolis market. The practice combines data, AI, and application development with change management and AI process-reengineering expertise. The Managing Director will lead AI transformation work across organizations and functions, develop executive relationships, represent Pioneer in the market, grow the business, and attract and develop top talent while maintaining the company’s culture and values. The role is responsible for the Minneapolis Data & AI practice’s client experience, pipeline, revenue growth, and P&L. At maturity, the practice is expected to have a $10M–$20M active pipeline, generate $5M–$10M+ in new annual revenue, manage $10M–$40M+ in revenue, and serve a portfolio of 10+ existing accounts. The leader will also develop a team of 20–50 employees through 4–8 direct reports at maturity. The work location requires maintaining a hybrid schedule in the Minneapolis, Minnesota market, with travel to clients across the Twin Cities and beyond as required. Estimated annual salary is $200,000–$284,000. Bonuses and other incentives are discretionary and based on individual contributions and company performance.

Requirements

15+ years leading strategy, transformation, and technology-enabled change in complex organizations.
Executive presence and a track record of building C-suite and Board relationships and winning work, including pursuits of $3M or more.
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 and ability to identify how AI creates business value, including when data foundations, governance, or platform choices are the primary constraint.
Exceptional communication skills on stage, in writing, and in person, from frontline audiences to Boards.
Experience leading teams of 20 or more and developing leaders.
Entrepreneurial, decisive style 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, 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.
Bring data analytics, AI, application development, change management, and AI process-reengineering teams together into a cohesive client experience.
Stay close to high-visibility engagements, address critical issues with clarity and speed, and maintain client satisfaction at 90–92%.
Speak, publish, and lead conversations to build Pioneer’s presence in the Minneapolis AI market.
Represent Pioneer at industry events, conferences, boards, and community forums, and introduce clients to emerging ideas.
Share Minneapolis market signals with Pioneer’s National Solutions Team to improve firmwide offerings.
Own the Minneapolis Data & AI pipeline from initial conversation through signed engagement; at maturity, manage a $10M–$20M active pipeline and bring in $5M–$10M+ in new annual revenue.
Sponsor flagship pursuits of $1M–$5M+, and partner with business development to position, price, and win 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, margin, and utilization; at maturity, manage $10M–$40M+ in revenue and 82–88% utilization.
Build and sustain trusted C-suite and Board-level relationships, and advise clients on AI and transformation decisions.
Lead executive conversations connecting AI with operating model design, workforce change, and enterprise strategy.
Lead and develop a Minneapolis team of 20–50 Pioneers through 4–8 direct reports at maturity, while building a bench of future leaders.
Own hiring, headcount planning, and succession, and recruit for deep data and AI talent.
Coach and assess performance with honesty and care, maintaining team engagement at 85% or higher.
Make continuous learning a competitive advantage for the team.