Consulting Director, AI Innovation

Cognizant; City Of London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking an AI Strategy Lead in London to drive AI innovation and growth within the retail sector. This role focuses on defining and delivering AI strategies, engaging with client executives, and leading AI programs from concept to adoption. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of experience in consulting and data & AI, alongside a strong understanding of digital technologies and retail services.

Qualifications

• 5+ years consulting practice leadership.
• 7+ years selling and delivering techno-functional solutions.
• 7+ years in data & AI.
• Extensive retail domain experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation across an enterprise with AI for a leading UK retailer.
• Define and deliver AI strategy, working across business units.
• Identify and prioritise AI use cases and build business cases.
• Engage as a trusted advisor on AI.

Skills

Client responsibilities

AI strategy formulation

Technical development and change management

Thought leadership

Stakeholder communication

Job description

The Company

Cognizant (NASDAQ:CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant has over 340,000 employees as of January 2025. Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 1000, and the Fortune 500 and is ranked among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world.

Cognizant Consulting

At Cognizant, our consultants orchestrate the capabilities to truly change the game across strategy, design, technology and industry/functional knowledge to deliver insight at speed and solutions at scale. Our consulting services elevate the unique abilities and business aspirations of customers and employees and build relationships based on trust and value.

Role Outline:

Direct AI innovation and drive growth in AI for UK&I, focusing on strategic accounts primarily within the retail sector. The role sits within the SME career track and is responsible for shaping and delivering AI strategy across the Consulting organisation.

Scope of the Role

Financial Scope: Direct consulting and service line revenue generation, with ownership of $1M in FY’25 and $6M in FY’26.

Geographical Scope: UK (ideally London-based).

Span Scope: Direct reports: 5; Indirect reports: 40–60

Key Responsibilities

• Client Responsibilities

• Lead innovation across an enterprise with AI for a leading UK retailer.

• Define and deliver AI strategy, working across business units to identify opportunities and communicate possibilities.

• Identify and prioritise AI use cases, build business cases, and unlock investment.

• Engage with executive leadership as a trusted advisor on AI.

• Direct AI programmes from concept to adoption, including technical development and change management.

• Maintain broad and deep technical knowledge of AI, engaging with product owners, data scientists, and engineers.

• Promote responsible AI use and articulate associated risks.

• Stay curious and up-to-date with industry developments, technologies, and trends.

Thought Leadership

• Act as a thought leader, shaping strategy, capabilities, and offerings.

• Develop points of view on technology opportunities and challenges.

• Create blogs, vlogs, and white papers; speak at events and webinars.

• Own the creation of internal/client demos and proofs of concept.

Practice Strategy and Offering Development

• Provide technical oversight and direction across offerings.

• Mentor associates, drive technical excellence, and support training and cross-skilling.

• Experience Required

• 5+ years consulting practice leadership.

• 7+ years selling and delivering techno-functional solutions.

• 7+ years in data & AI.

Preferred: Extensive retail domain experience, understanding of digital technologies (Cloud, IoT), consultative selling, and solutioning

Key Competencies

• Technical prowess in AI.

• Deep domain knowledge of retail services.

• Commercial acumen for account growth.

• Senior stakeholder communication and leadership.

• Relationship management and conflict mediation.

• Organisational and leadership skills for strategy and innovation.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.