AI Practice Lead

Hancock & Parsons Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A Microsoft Partner in Leeds is seeking an AI Practice Lead responsible for building and scaling their AI capability. The role encompasses strategic execution, commercial accountability, and guiding architectural decisions within the Microsoft ecosystem. Key responsibilities include developing AI propositions, overseeing practice-level KPIs, and delivering internal training. The ideal candidate has proven experience in AI capability establishment, deep expertise in enterprise AI solutions, and a strong background in Microsoft's technologies. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping customer opportunities and ensuring responsible AI delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in scaling AI capability within a consultancy or Microsoft Partner.
• Deep expertise in enterprise AI solution design including generative AI.
• Strong background in Microsoft technologies and data orchestration patterns.

Responsibilities

• Establish and scale a high-performing AI Practice.
• Own practice-level KPIs for revenue contribution and customer outcomes.
• Lead design of AI-enabled solutions within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Skills

AI capability establishment

Enterprise AI solution design

Microsoft ecosystem knowledge

Leadership in AI environments

Architectural decision-making

Commercial awareness

Tools

Azure OpenAI

Dynamics 365

Power Platform

Job description

A Microsoft Partner is seeking a AI Practice Lead to be responsible for building, scaling, and governing the company’s AI capability. The role combines strategic execution, technical authority, and commercial accountability, with responsibilities ranging from defining AI operating models, developing AI propositions, and overseeing practice‑level KPIs, to shaping customer opportunities and ensuring responsible, secure AI implementation. You will guide architectural decisions within the Microsoft ecosystem, support pre‑sales activities, build trusted customer relationships, and represent as an AI thought leader.

Key responsibilities

• Establish, lead and scale a high performing AI Practice, defining its operating model and strategic contribution.
• Develop and maintain a compelling portfolio of AI propositions, offerings, and accelerators aligned to the company’s AI strategy.
• Own and drive practice level KPIs, including revenue contribution, utilisation, capability maturity, and customer outcomes.
• Lead the development of AI capability across the organisation, upskilling consultants, architects, and delivery teams.
• Design and deliver internal AI training and enablement programs to mature AI skills.
• Own execution of the AI Strategy Delivery Plan, turning strategy into measurable delivery outcomes.
• Identify and shape AI opportunities within customer accounts to drive business value.
• Define frameworks, standards, and governance for responsible and secure AI delivery.
• Lead design of AI‑enabled solutions across Microsoft technologies, including architectural decision‑making.
• Support pre‑sales, proposal development, and senior customer engagement, acting as an AI thought leader for.

Your Experience

• Proven experience establishing, leading, or scaling an AI capability, practice, or Centre of Excellence within a consultancy or Microsoft Partner environment.
• Deep expertise in enterprise AI solution design, including generative AI, Azure OpenAI, Copilot Studio, RAG, cognitive services, and data orchestration patterns.
• Strong background in the Microsoft ecosystem, especially Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure services.
• Hands‑on experience shaping AI propositions, supporting sales pursuits, and contributing to revenue growth through AI‑enabled solutions.
• Robust architectural grounding, with the ability to define and govern AI‑specific design decisions, patterns, and non‑functional requirements.
• Solid understanding of governance, compliance, privacy, and responsible AI, particularly in enterprise and public‑sector contexts.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and C‑suite leaders, guiding strategy, design, and technical outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to define and execute AI strategy, translating it into practical delivery and repeatable frameworks.
• Strong leadership within matrix environments, coordinating specialists and influencing without direct line management.
• Commercial awareness, including the ability to shape proposals, articulate value, and support pre‑sales and client engagement.