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