Delivery Lead

About the Role We are seeking a Delivery Lead to lead successful execution of complex AI, Data & Analytics, and Application Development consulting engagements across a global delivery model. Reporting into the Delivery organization, this role serves as a senior delivery leader responsible for ensuring projects are delivered successfully, teams remain productive and aligned, and clients achieve expected business outcomes. This is a highly visible player‑coach role that combines delivery leadership, technical depth, client engagement, and team development. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at both the executive and delivery levels—leading governance discussions with senior stakeholders while working closely with architects, engineers, data professionals, and project teams to remove blockers and keep initiatives moving forward. Success in this role requires strong delivery discipline, technical credibility, operational leadership, and a hands‑on approach to solving complex delivery challenges. Key Responsibilities Delivery Leadership & Client Success Lead successful delivery of a portfolio of AI, Data & Analytics, and Application Development consulting engagements. Serve as the senior delivery leader responsible for execution quality, client satisfaction, and achievement of business outcomes. Guide projects from initiation through delivery while balancing scope, timelines, quality, and stakeholder expectations. Establish delivery governance, escalation management, risk mitigation, and operational discipline across engagements. Lead executive‑level status reviews, steering committees, and client governance meetings. Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders and proactively address delivery challenges. Ensure projects are delivered consistently, predictably, and in alignment with client objectives. Technical Delivery Leadership Provide technical leadership and delivery oversight across AI, data, analytics, cloud, and application development initiatives. Partner closely with solution architects, engineering leaders, technical leads, and delivery teams to address complex delivery challenges. Actively identify and remove technical, organizational, and operational blockers impacting project success. Facilitate decision‑making across architecture, design, delivery, and execution activities. Support teams in navigating ambiguity, changing priorities, and complex enterprise environments. Ensure technical solutions remain aligned with business objectives, architectural standards, and delivery commitments. Contribute practical experience and leadership during critical project phases and escalations. Global Team Leadership Lead distributed delivery teams across U.S., offshore, and nearshore resources. Drive collaboration across architects, software engineers, data engineers, AI specialists, analysts, project managers, and consulting teams. Establish strong accountability, communication, and execution frameworks across global teams. Mentor delivery managers, project managers, technical leads, and future delivery leaders. Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, continuous improvement, and delivery excellence. Delivery Operations & Excellence Drive adoption of delivery best practices, governance standards, quality controls, and execution frameworks. Partner with the Global Delivery Lead to improve delivery consistency, scalability, and operational maturity. Monitor engagement health and proactively identify risks, dependencies, and improvement opportunities. Improve delivery predictability, team effectiveness, and overall client experience. Contribute to the development of reusable delivery assets, accelerators, methodologies, and operational processes. Resource Planning & Team Development Support staffing decisions, workforce planning, and resource allocation across active engagements. Partner with Practice Leaders and Talent teams to ensure projects are appropriately staffed. Help develop technical talent and delivery leadership capabilities across the organization. Participate in recruiting, interviewing, mentoring, and onboarding activities. Support career development and growth of consulting professionals. Practice & Growth Support Support pre‑sales activities including solution reviews, effort estimation, delivery planning, staffing recommendations, and risk assessments. Partner with Practice Leaders to ensure smooth transitions from sales into delivery. Contribute delivery expertise to proposals, solution development, and client presentations. Identify opportunities for account expansion and follow‑on work through successful delivery execution. Collaborate with practice leadership to improve service offerings and delivery capabilities. Required Qualifications 12+ years of experience leading technology, data, analytics, AI, cloud, or application development initiatives. 7+ years of experience leading consulting delivery teams within professional services organizations. Proven success delivering complex Data & Analytics, AI, cloud modernization, or enterprise application development programs. Strong experience leading multiple concurrent client engagements and distributed delivery teams. Demonstrated success managing global delivery models including U.S., offshore, and nearshore resources. Strong technical understanding of modern software engineering, data platforms, analytics ecosystems, and AI solutions. Ability to engage effectively with architects, engineers, technical leaders, and executive stakeholders. Proven ability to remove delivery blockers, resolve complex challenges, and drive successful project outcomes. Exceptional communication, leadership, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to thrive in high‑growth consulting environments requiring flexibility, ownership, and adaptability. Strong understanding of several of the following areas: AI, Generative AI, Intelligent Automation, Modern Data Platforms (Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric), Data Engineering and Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence and Analytics Platforms, Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), Enterprise Application Development, API and Integration Architectures, Data Governance and Master Data Management, Agile, Scrum, SAFe, and Hybrid Delivery Methodologies. Success in this role requires technical credibility and delivery leadership rather than hands‑on coding responsibilities. Preferred Qualifications Consulting industry experience, particularly within boutique or mid‑size consulting organizations. Experience delivering enterprise AI transformation initiatives. Experience leading cloud modernization and digital transformation programs. Experience supporting pre‑sales activities and solution development. Experience scaling delivery processes within high‑growth consulting organizations. Relevant certifications preferred (PMP, Scrum Master, SAFe, Cloud Certifications, Databricks, Snowflake, etc.). Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Location & Logistics Hybrid work arrangement; preferred location is the Reston, VA metro area. Ability to travel up to 50% based on client and business needs. Candidates must be authorized to work for any employer without requiring current or future immigration sponsorship. Why Join This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in the delivery organization of a rapidly growing AI transformation company. You will work alongside Practice Leaders, architects, engineers, and executive stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions, develop high‑performing teams, improve delivery excellence, and help scale our client’s next‑generation AI, Data & Analytics, and Application Development services. Qualifications follow the role’s requirements and expectations listed above. #J-18808-Ljbffr