Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At alliant, we don’t just advise; we transform. As the Head of Artificial Intelligence, you will lead our AI function at a pivotal moment in our growth. This is a highly visible, client-facing leadership role that sits at the intersection of AI strategy, hands-on solution architecture, forward deployed engineering, and revenue-generating delivery.

You will act as the organization’s AI subject matter expert and client-facing delivery leader, responsible for translating complex AI capabilities into tangible business outcomes. This role combines five critical areas: AI architecture, end-to-end delivery ownership, business development, forward deployed engineering model execution, and people leadership.

The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable advising executive clients, designing and delivering enterprise AI solutions, embedding teams within client environments, and scaling a high-performing AI organization. You will be a key voice at the leadership table, driving AI innovation that directly contributes to revenue and client success.

As a premier consulting and technology firm, alliant partners with clients to help them transform and thrive. This role reports to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

AI Strategy, Architecture & Client Delivery

• Serve as the firm’s AI subject matter expert, representing alliant in executive-level client conversations and strategic engagements
• Design and own enterprise AI architectures, including machine learning systems, large language models, agentic frameworks, and data-driven solutions
• Translate complex business challenges into scalable, production-ready AI solutions that deliver measurable value
• Stay at the forefront of AI innovation, identifying emerging technologies and opportunities for competitive advantage
• Lead architectural governance, ensuring best practices, scalability, and long-term maintainability of AI solutions
• Own end-to-end AI delivery, from concept through deployment and value realization
• Partner directly with clients to define requirements, manage expectations, and ensure successful delivery outcomes

Head of AI Delivery (Client-Facing Leadership)

• Act as the client-facing delivery leader, owning all AI engagements and ensuring successful execution across accounts
• Establish delivery frameworks, governance models, and best practices for consistent, high-quality implementation
• Drive accountability, transparency, and performance across all AI programs
• Lead executive-level reporting, communicating progress, insights, and value realization to stakeholders
• Ensure alignment between delivery teams and client business goals, accelerating time-to-value
• Build repeatable delivery playbooks, case studies, and reusable assets to scale the AI practice

Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE)

• Build and lead a Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) capability, embedding AI engineers directly within client environments
• Define the FDE model, including deployment frameworks, engagement playbooks, and performance metrics
• Recruit, develop, and lead a team of forward deployed engineers with strong technical depth and client-facing skills
• Personally oversee or lead deployments for strategic and high-complexity accounts
• Establish feedback loops between FDE teams and internal AI development to continuously improve solutions
• Drive measurable outcomes, including client satisfaction, revenue growth, and expansion within accounts
• Create a knowledge management system to capture learnings and scale best practices across engagements

Business Development & Growth

• Partner with commercial teams to identify, shape, and close AI opportunities, with direct contribution to revenue growth
• Lead technical pre-sales efforts including discovery workshops, AI solution design, demos, and proof-of-concepts
• Contribute to proposals, RFPs, and bids, owning the technical strategy and ensuring commercial viability
• Provide market intelligence and client insights to inform service offerings and innovation roadmap
• Develop scalable AI propositions that can be applied across industries and client segments

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a high-performing AI organization including data scientists, machine learning engineers, and forward deployed engineers
• Develop and communicate a clear AI vision and multi-year roadmap aligned to business strategy
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning
• Set performance expectations, coach team members, and drive professional development
• Identify capability gaps and lead hiring, training, and scaling of the AI team
• Champion the responsible and ethical use of AI across client engagements and internal initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics, with 3–5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record of leading end-to-end AI delivery in client-facing consulting or enterprise environments
• Experience serving as a client-facing AI leader, engaging directly with executives and business stakeholders
• Hands-on experience designing and deploying AI/ML solutions, LLMs, and data-driven systems at scale
• Demonstrated success building or leading Forward Deployed Engineering or embedded delivery models
• Strong business development experience, including pre-sales, solutioning, and closing AI engagements
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business value for non-technical audiences and executive leadership
• Experience building and leading high-performing technical teams
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience linking AI initiatives to revenue and ROI
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• High sense of urgency and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment