Data & AI Practice Lead

Lantern; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lantern seeks a Data & AI Practice Lead to drive transformative solutions in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Business Analytics. This role involves leading a high-performance team, overseeing market strategies, and ensuring project success while fostering a collaborative culture focused on growth and excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in a consulting leadership role required.
• Experience leading data engineering, analytics, or machine learning engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data & AI practice, focusing on team building and technology leadership.
• Oversee Go-to-Market strategy and support business development.
• Ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Sales Enablement

Consulting

Collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Databricks

Data Factory

Azure Machine Learning

Job description

The Data & AI Practice Lead is a critical driver of Lantern's mission to empower clients to leverage custom solutions focused on Data Science & Machine Learning, Data Engineering, Data Platforms, and Business Analytics solutions to drive transformative business outcomes. This role leads our Data & AI practice, focusing on building and scaling a high-performance team with expertise in cutting-edge data-centric technologies.

The Practice Lead oversees Got-to-Market Strategy, Business Development & Presales Support, People, and Technology Leadership. This person will closely collaborate with the Go-to-Market and Commercial teams, having business-driven, technology-supporting, and solution-focused conversations in the marketplace. This role requires close collaboration with our Go-to-Market teams to develop relevant offerings, as well as with Delivery and Operations to ensure the successful and efficient execution of projects. Other core responsibilities include understanding and shaping the market landscape, driving talent acquisition and retention, and ensuring optimal workforce utilization to exceed client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Go-to-Market & Sales Support

• Contribute to Lantern GTM Offering development, prioritization, and activation.
• Develop Practice Sales Plays and partner with Business Development Teams to take those to market in areas not covered by Lantern GTM Offerings.

Demand Generation

• Champion Lantern GTM Campaigns and support related demand generation activities (e.g. briefings, events, sales enablement, etc.)
• Partner with Business Development teams in driving pipeline by presenting Lantern GTM Offerings & Studio Sales Plays to Clients and Microsoft.
• Provide input during New Business Meetings to help qualify and ensure new opportunities have practice support.
• Contribute to strategic account planning with the Business Development team, based on deep client environment knowledge.
• Proactively support sales pursuits and coordinate people's requirements as required to win business.
• Develop project estimates and deliver proposal presentations to clients.
• Partner in the Sales Process for solution shaping and deal success.

Delivery Leadership

• Work closely with the Delivery & Operations teams to ensure seamless transitions from Sales to Delivery and mobilize resources effectively.
• Oversee delivery quality, addressing escalations and offering guidance throughout project lifecycles.
• Optimize staffing, resource planning, and utilization management to maximize efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Set the vision and strategy for the Data & AI practice, inspiring consultants to deliver high-impact results.
• Facilitate consultants' continuous professional development in priority areas such as Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, Data Factory, and Azure Machine Learning.
• Partner with recruiting and People & Culture teams to attract and retain top talent in alignment with the practice’s growth objectives.

Technology Leadership

• Act as the primary technical leader for clients, consultants, and sales pursuits within the practice.
• Provide expert technical oversight and mentorship to consultants in Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, Data Factory, and Azure Machine Learning development.
• Establish thought leadership through blog posts, presentations, and conference speaking engagements.
• Develop strong relationships with Microsoft and other partners to support clients in adopting cloud, AI, and application technologies.

Position Requirements

• Experienced consulting leader with a deep understanding of the Microsoft ecosystem
• Experienced in supporting sales and driving new business with existing clients, and the ability to drive growth through Go-to-Market offerings.
• Experienced in practice development, team leadership, sales enablement, and high-level client engagements, ensuring the practice meets both technical excellence and business objectives.

10+ Years in a consulting leadership role is required with experience leading data engineering, analytics, business intelligence, or machine learning engagements.

Position Metrics

Primary Practice Health Indicators

• Practice Growth YoY
• Practice Headcount Growth
• Budget vs. Actuals (Hours)
• Practice Revenue Growth
• Practice Member Learning Index (Prof. Dev. Goals & Certs)
• Client NPS
• Practice Member NPS
• Practice Retention Rate

At Lantern , our company culture stands as the bedrock of our success and a source of pride for our teams. We firmly believe that a culture founded on trust forms the basis for enduring relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners.

Within this culture, we nurture an environment of respect, inclusion, and belonging, fostering collaboration among inspired teams. We prioritize the well-being of our colleagues, the success of our clients, and our positive impact on society.

Embracing a growth mindset where curiosity thrives, we celebrate excellence and value individuals who inspire and mentor others, elevating the collective. Our driving force lies in personal and business growth. We go above and beyond to surprise and delight our clients, delivering tangible business value. In facing challenges, we make tough choices and solve complex problems to positively influence our clients, their customers, and the world at large.

As a Microsoft services partner, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of technical excellence. This commitment to quality is evident not only in our work but also in how we support and empower our employees. At Lantern, our culture mirrors our core values and unwavering dedication to realizing our purpose and vision, making it a dynamic and fulfilling workplace. Together, we transcend the ordinary and achieve extraordinary results.