Senior Principal (Databricks) - Data and AI - Sydney/Melbourne

Slalom; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rewards

Growth opportunities

Coaching & mentoring

Job summary

Slalom Australia seeks a visionary Head of Data & AI Market and Solution Portfolio Leader to drive data and AI capabilities across Australia, with NZ expansion possible. Translate complex AI into executive value, and lead scalable, reusable offerings while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and a brand ambassador.

You will codify market insights, guide solution development, and manage partnerships with hyperscalers and data vendors to ensure momentum and competitive differentiation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in B2B sales leadership for data/AI or advanced tech solutions.
• Experience defining KPIs, lifecycles and repeatable offerings.
• Proven track record growing strategic tech partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead market strategy for data and AI capabilities in AU/NZ.
• Develop reusable assets, patterns, and frameworks with global teams.
• Drive thought leadership and orchestrate solution portfolio growth.
• Oversee partnerships, go-to-market, and co-selling initiatives.
• Define KPIs and manage lifecycle of data/AI offerings.

Skills

Data leadership

AI strategy

Sales leadership

Executive communication

Portfolio management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/CS/Engineering

Tools

Hyperscaler partnerships

Data vendors ecosystem

Job description

Slalom is a fiercely human business and technology consulting company that leads with outcomes to bring more value, in all ways, always. From strategy through delivery, our agile teams across 52 offices in 12 countries collaborate with clients to bring powerful customer experiences, innovative ways of working, and new products and services to life. We are trusted by leaders across the Global 1000, many successful enterprise and mid-market companies, and 500+ public sector organisations to improve operations, drive growth, and create value. At Slalom, we believe that together, we can move faster, dream bigger, and build better tomorrows for all.

Job Title: Head of Data & AI Market and Solution Portfolio Leader

Location: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane (Hybrid Model)

Reporting To: Head of Data (Data Capability Leader)

About Slalom Australia

Slalom is a purpose-led, global business and technology consulting company focused on helping clients achieve meaningful, lasting impact through strategy, technology, and business transformation. Operating with a "fiercely human" approach and a local soul with global scale from our Melbourne and Sydney offices, we deeply collaborate with clients to understand their needs and deliver practical, end-to-end solutions. We foster innovation, prioritize client success, and cultivate a thriving culture for our people. Our strategic partnerships with leading hyperscalers and data vendors ecosystem enable us to provide cutting-edge, integrated solutions.

The Opportunity

We seek an experienced and visionary Head of Data & AI Market and Solution Portfolio Leader to drive our data and AI capabilities across Australia, with potential expansion into New Zealand. This strategic leadership role sits within the data team and is responsible for building market-ready solutions, frameworks, and assets while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and a powerful brand ambassador for Slalom.

You will translate complex data and AI capabilities – including Generative AI, Machine Learning, and MLOps – into compelling value propositions for C-suite executives and business leaders. Leveraging market insights, you will guide the development, management, and continuous improvement of scalable, reusable data and AI solution offerings, ensuring we deliver momentum that outlasts us and empower client teams for long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the market and solution strategy for Slalom's data and AI capabilities across Australia and New Zealand.
• Identify market trends and opportunities to develop reusable assets, patterns, and frameworks, collaborating with global teams to adapt and localize existing solutions.
• Drive thought leadership in the data space, positioning Slalom as a leader.
• Strategically contribute to the build-out of scalable, relevant, and commercially viable data and AI solution frameworks and assets, guiding
• solution architects in developing technically sound proposals that balance feasibility with commercial requirements.

2. Client Engagement & Business Development:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them identify and solve complex data challenges.
• Lead the full sales cycle for complex data and AI opportunities, from qualification to close, working alongside sales teams to provide technical credibility during client conversations.
• Build and maintain robust relationships with key clients and industry partners.
• Build and manage a strong, healthy sales pipeline for data and AI.
• Lead the ongoing operation, management, and continuous improvement of Slalom's data and AI solution portfolio, ensuring relevance, quality, and market competitiveness.
• Define and monitor KPIs for solution portfolio performance (adoption, satisfaction, efficiency, revenue).
• Manage the lifecycle of solution offerings, including iteration, deprecation, and new solution incubation.
• Ensure continuous client feedback loops into solution development to enhance reusable intellectual property.
• Drive the adoption of standardized assets to improve efficiency and scalability of offerings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (cloud, strategy, ops and product development, etc.) to create integrated offerings.

4. Partnership Leadership & Alliance Management:

• Lead and manage strategic alliances with key hyperscalers and data vendors ecosystem partners at an executive level.
• Drive joint go-to-market and co-selling initiatives to maximize shared revenue and market impact.
• Ensure strong partner status, certifications, and effective utilization of partner programs and resources.
• Foster deep relationships with partner leadership, sales, and technical teams.
• Provide direction to solution architects and technical teams, collaborating with capability leaders across data disciplines.
• Support the significant growth of the data capability.
• Develop compelling sales enablement, training, and playbooks integrating repeatable frameworks and partner capabilities.
• Champion Slalom's people-first culture, inspiring passion and celebrating authenticity.

6. Brand Representation & Thought Leadership:

• Represent Slalom at industry events, conferences, and speaking engagements across Australia and New Zealand.
• Contribute to thought leadership content (articles, case studies, etc.), building Slalom's reputation as a leader in the data space.
• Work with clients to develop compelling success stories and reference cases.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with marketing on co-branded campaigns that articulate solution value.
• Partner with delivery, product, and technical teams for seamless handoffs and successful project execution, leveraging partner technologies.
• Work with legal and finance on contract negotiations, upholding integrity.

What You'll Bring

• 10+ years progressive B2B sales leadership in consulting/professional services, with 5+ years selling complex data, analytics, AI, or advanced technology solutions.
• Proven experience in leading and managing solution portfolios, including defining KPIs, managing lifecycles, and driving continuous improvement for repeatable offerings.
• Demonstrated success managing and growing strategic technology partnerships across the hyperscalers and data vendors ecosystem.
• Consistent track record of exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth in a client-centric model.
• Deep understanding of Generative AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Data Warehousing, Data Lakes, Predictive Analytics, and MLOps, with hands‑on familiarity with leading hyperscalers and data vendors.
• Experience leading the conceptualization and development of repeatable solution frameworks/accelerators in the data/AI domain.
• Exceptional ability to articulate complex technical concepts into clear business value for C-level audiences.
• Strong executive presence, communication, and presentation skills; ability to build credibility and influence with technical and business stakeholders.
• Proven expertise in developing and executing comprehensive market strategies, including segmentation, sales process, and pipeline management.
• Experience in client-facing roles and business development, with a track record of building and delivering data solutions.
• Understanding of the Australian/New Zealand market landscape and a background in data strategy, engineering, or analytics (preferred).
• Public speaking and thought leadership experience (preferred).
• [Optional: Experience building and leading high-performing sales teams.]
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; MBA/Master's highly desirable.

Why Join Slalom Australia?

• Significant Impact: Lead the growth of a cutting-edge data and AI practice, making a real difference for Australian (and potentially New Zealand) businesses.
• Own the Portfolio: Directly shape, deliver, and enhance our core intellectual property and scalable solutions.
• Strategic Partnerships: Influence and grow critical relationships with industry leaders across the hyperscalers and data vendors ecosystem.
• Fiercely Human Culture: Work in an environment that prioritizes people, collaboration, authenticity, and continuous learning.
• Meaningful Work: Engage with complex, high-impact projects that challenge you and contribute to building better tomorrows.
• Growth Opportunities: Benefit from Slalom's commitment to personal growth, coaching and mentoring, and contribute to scaling our data practice.
• Competitive Rewards: Enjoy a competitive salary, uncapped commission/bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
• Local Soul, Global Scale: A deep connection to the Australian market backed by robust global resources.

Slalom Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employee