Advisory Lead - Data & AI (Ref: 196526)

As an external recruitment partner, we present a concise overview of this organization in the context of its market presence and strategic objectives. This organization operates at the intersection of management consulting and technology advisory, delivering data-driven outcomes for a diverse client base. Our partnership aims to articulate how this firm’s capabilities align with client needs and the broader industry shift toward advanced analytics, cloud-enabled platforms, and data-centric transformation.

We are seeking an Advisory Lead to steer Data & AI initiatives within the Technology & Experience Practice, focusing on data engineering, analytics, and M&A advisory across client engagements in the Chicago area. The role balances strategic leadership with hands-on mentorship, guiding cross-disciplinary teams through due diligence, target state design, and integration planning for acquisitions and carve-outs. This position emphasizes partnering with executive stakeholders, shaping technology strategy, and translating business objectives into data-enabled solutions.

• Lead cross-functional due diligence that blends data architecture, analytics maturity, and data monetization to spot growth avenues and risk mitigations for prospective deals.
• Evaluate tech landscapes within target organizations to advise on scalability, cost optimization, and readiness for long-term value capture.
• Craft investment narratives and risk assessments, linking business strategy to data-driven roadmaps for pre- and post-close scenarios.
• Translate strategic aims into concrete data programs that deliver measurable business outcomes and competitive advantage.
• Present findings to senior leaders, articulate recommendations, and drive consensus on data strategy and investments.
• Contribute thought leadership through white papers and external speaking engagements to elevate the firm’s data practice.
• Coach and guide data engineers, architects, and analysts, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Represent the data engineering function to internal partners, clients, and the broader data community.
• Serve as a SME for data platform engineering, data strategy, and modeling initiatives across major data-centric programs.
• Maintain awareness of cloud and data tooling trends (cloud providers, Databricks, Snowflake, etc.) and data transport and processing technologies.
• Apply best practices in data warehousing (Kimball, Inmon) and dimensional modeling (star/snowflake schemas).
• Understand streaming and batch processing technologies and related ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Utilize data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker) to convey insights effectively.
• Drive business development by uncovering opportunities with existing clients and coordinating with client leads and business developers.

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in computer science, information systems, or related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on data engineering and analytics delivery experience with a track record of architecting and implementing complex data models and migrations.
• Consulting, professional services, or startup background preferred.
• Proficiency with extracting data from diverse systems and constructing scalable data architectures for enterprise use.
• Experience executing large-scale data migrations to cloud or on-premise platforms.
• Strong knowledge of data warehousing concepts and BI tooling best practices.
• Ability to articulate cloud-native and startup data solutions, including POVs and vendor evaluations.
• Involves proposal work, estimating, and ongoing project management responsibilities.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with a strong sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel for client engagements (up to 30-50%).
• Proven track record of achieving revenue objectives and contributing to growth.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion and openness to new ideas.

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Life and disability coverage
• Wellness resources and support
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development and training opportunities

Opportunity to lead a meaningful advisory practice with exposure to diverse industries and strategic transactions. The role offers location flexibility for select assignments and a pathway to influence the firm’s data & analytics trajectory. Expect travel up to half the year and a culture that prizes mentorship and innovation.