Consulting Director, AI Innovation

Cognizant Technology Solutions; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services company is seeking an AI innovation leader to drive growth within the retail sector. Candidates should have over 5 years of consulting practice leadership, alongside substantial experience in AI and techno-functional solutions. This role requires engaging with executive leadership and shaping AI strategies to enhance client engagement. A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture is emphasized, with a focus on mentorship and technical excellence.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation across an enterprise with AI for a leading UK retailer.
• Define and deliver AI strategy for various business units.
• Engage with executive leadership as a trusted advisor.

Skills

Client Responsibilities

Technical prowess in AI

Deep domain knowledge of retail services

Commercial acumen for account growth

Relationship management

Organisational leadership skills

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.

The Cognizant community

We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
• We don't just dream of a better way - we make it happen.
• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what's right.
• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that's right for you.

About us

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry‑based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World's Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Disclaimer

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.