AI Lead Consultant

Cast UK/ Dcoded; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking an AI Lead Consultant for a 6-month contract to accelerate AI transformation within a global organisation. The role involves defining AI use cases, overseeing AI initiatives, and influencing stakeholders to drive adoption. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in AI and experience in fast-paced industries. This position offers a hybrid work model with the expectation of 1-2 days per week in Manchester.

Qualifications

• Proven background in AI programme leadership ideally within retail or fast-paced industries.
• Strong grasp of AI technologies and enterprise deployment.
• Exceptional ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Define and activate high-value AI use cases aligned with business strategy.
• Build frameworks and playbooks for adoption and scaling.
• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of AI initiatives.

Skills

AI programme leadership

AI technologies (LLMs, generative AI)

Stakeholder influence

Strategy execution

Governance and compliance knowledge

Job description

Overview

AI Lead Consultant — Contract: 6 months initial engagement; IR35: Outside IR35; Rate: DOE; Location: Hybrid to Manchester - ideally 1-2 days a week.

The Role

We're seeking an AI Lead Consultant to accelerate large-scale AI transformation within a global organisation. This role blends strategy and delivery - shaping the AI agenda, driving adoption, and ensuring pilots evolve into impactful, scalable solutions.

Reporting to the Global Director of Data & AI, you'll be the link between business vision and technical execution, embedding AI into core operations and customer engagement.

Key Focus

• Define and activate high-value AI use cases aligned to business strategy.


• Build frameworks and playbooks for adoption and scaling.


• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of AI initiatives, from prioritisation through to deployment and optimisation.


• Partner with senior stakeholders to secure buy-in and communicate AI value clearly.


• Track and report business impact, ensuring measurable outcomes.

About You

• Proven background in AI programme leadership ideally within retail / consumer goods / or fast-paced industries.


• Strong grasp of AI technologies (LLMs, generative AI, enterprise deployment).


• Exceptional stakeholder influence, from exec forums through to delivery teams.


• Experience translating strategy into execution across complex global organisations.


• Comfortable balancing innovation with governance, compliance, and ethical AI standards.

This is a hands-on, high-impact consulting role - ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy, technology, and transformation.