Managing Director, Data & AI

Pioneer Management Consulting•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$180,000 - $285,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Director (MD) of Data & AI is the senior executive accountable for the performance, growth, and long-term health of Pioneer’s Minneapolis Data & AI practice. This role leads a newly unified team — formed by merging Pioneer’s established data engineering and analytics capability with its AI and machine learning practice — and is responsible for integrating these teams into a coherent, market-leading offering. The MD blends deep technical fluency in modern data platforms (Databricks, Microsoft Azure & Fabric, Snowflake) with applied AI/ML expertise to deliver measurable outcomes for clients. This role serves as the primary growth engine and senior client relationship owner for data and AI work across the Minneapolis market, and contributes to the broader direction of Pioneer’s Technology Services strategy. The MD brings consultative credibility and helps clients harness data and AI as a strategic asset. The MD leads with executive presence, builds pipeline through relationships and reputation, and ensures the practice delivers with quality, pace, and accountability.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in data, analytics, AI/ML consulting or professional services
Demonstrated ability to grow revenue, manage a P&L, and own client relationships at the senior executive level
Hands-on fluency with modern data platforms & their AI capabilities — Databricks, Microsoft Azure & Fabric, and/or Snowflake
Experience leading or overseeing applied AI and machine learning engagements in a consulting or product context
Track record of building, integrating, and scaling high-performing technical consulting teams
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence C-suite stakeholders and win competitive work
Entrepreneurial mindset with sound judgment, decisiveness, and comfort with ambiguity
Thrives in a high-accountability, growth-oriented environment with a bias toward action
Expertise in Databricks: Data lakehouse, unified analytics, and ML engineering
Expertise in Microsoft Azure & Fabric: Cloud data platform, real-time analytics, and end-to-end data integration
Expertise in Snowflake: Cloud data warehousing and data sharing
Expertise in AI / ML Tooling: Model development, MLOps, LLM orchestration, and enterprise AI deployment
Expertise in Low Code / No Code Platforms: Governance, training, deployments and process automation

Nice To Haves

Industry experience in utilities, energy, or infrastructure — ideally with direct client relationships in the sector
Exposure to product development lifecycle and product ownership practices within a consulting or technology firm
Experience leading organizational integrations or practice mergers
Experience working with technology partnership networks (e.g. Microsoft, Anthropic, etc.)
Familiarity with AI governance, responsible AI frameworks, and enterprise AI deployment at scale
MBA or advanced degree in a quantitative or technical discipline

Responsibilities

Own and grow the Minneapolis Data & AI pipeline — from initial relationship to signed engagement
Lead executive-level client conversations across data strategy, AI enablement, and platform modernization
Develop and execute the Data & AI go-to-market strategy for Minneapolis, aligned to firmwide direction in collaboration with Pioneer’s National Solutions Team.
Drive account planning and expansion within existing clients across sectors, with an eye toward industries where data and AI create high strategic value
Represent Pioneer at industry events, conferences, and thought-leadership forums to build market visibility
Contribute to Pioneer’s overall Technology Services strategy, collaborating with market and practice leaders to bring integrated solutions to clients
Serve as executive sponsor on key client engagements, ensuring quality, risk management, and satisfaction
Maintain senior-level client relationships as a trusted advisor on data and AI strategy
Set and uphold delivery excellence standards aligned to Pioneer’s delivery model and client satisfaction expectations
Translate client business problems into concrete data and AI solutions leveraging Pioneer’s capabilities
Oversee utilization strategy and resource deployment across the practice portfolio
Lead the integration of Pioneer’s data engineering/analytics and AI/ML teams into a unified, high-performing practice
In partnership with Pioneer National Solutions team, refine the practice’s service offerings, delivery methodology, and technology platform standards (Databricks, Azure, Fabric, Snowflake)
Build and retain a strong team of data engineers, analytics consultants, data scientists, and ML engineers
Drive talent acquisition, onboarding, and career development in partnership with Pioneer’s talent processes
Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and delivery accountability
Own org design decisions and headcount planning as the practice scales
Own annual business planning for the Minneapolis Data & AI practice, including revenue targets, headcount, and investment priorities
Manage practice financials: revenue, margin, utilization, and pipeline health through Pioneer’s operating systems (PioHub)
Participate in Pioneer’s Operating Model reviews and cross-market resource management
Maintain visibility into AI/ML project portfolio performance and delivery risk across client engagements
Champion a product-oriented mindset within the practice — applying product development lifecycle thinking to how Pioneer builds and scales data and AI solutions
Identify opportunities to develop repeatable accelerators, frameworks, and IP across the data and AI stack
Stay current on advancements in AI/ML, data engineering, and platform technology; translate trends into client-relevant points of view
Collaborate with Pioneer’s broader AI team and firmwide leadership on cross-portfolio innovation initiatives