Principal AI Consultant

FSP Retail Team; Glasgow, Newbury, Reading; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits package

Coaching & mentoring

Job summary

FSP is seeking a Principal AI Consultant to lead large-scale data and AI transformation across complex organisations. You will operate at enterprise and C-suite level, shaping AI strategy, target architecture, governance and operating models, turning ambition into prioritised roadmaps and measurable business outcomes.

You will provide senior technical and advisory leadership with deep expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem and recommend non-Microsoft technologies where they fit best.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience leading business, digital, data or AI transformation initiatives within large and complex organisations.
• Proven experience defining and delivering enterprise AI strategies, operating models or large-scale AI-enabled transformation programmes.
• Demonstrable experience supporting organisations through material changes in how they operate, make decisions and create value through the use of AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead senior AI advisory engagements with C-suite stakeholders and define AI strategies.
• Act as a trusted advisor on AI governance, operating models and enterprise adoption.
• Shape AI roadmaps aligning priorities, investments and value realisation.
• Design AI-enabled operating models embedding AI into day-to-day decision making.
• Advise on AI architecture, platform strategy and governance for scalable adoption.
• Lead client workshops and executive discussions to build consensus on future direction.
• Develop AI business cases, value frameworks and ROI models to prioritise investments.
• Provide market insight and lead growth through industry knowledge and client engagement.
• Build relationships with senior client stakeholders as the go-to AI transformation advisor.
• Contribute to thought leadership, proposition development and business growth.

Skills

AI strategy

Executive stakeholders

Leadership

Enterprise transformation

Microsoft ecosystem

Job description

FSP is committed to recruiting a diverse set of people that can complement and enhance our unique culture, whilst being ambassadors of our values. We look for optimistic and passionate people that will contribute to creating positive experiences and build great relationships with colleagues and clients. It is incredibly important to us that everyone has a meaningful and successful career during their journey with FSP.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal AI Consultant to lead large-scale data and AI transformation across complex organisations. Operating at enterprise and C-suite level, you will shape AI strategy, target architecture, governance and operating models, turning ambition into prioritised transformation roadmaps and measurable business outcomes. You will provide senior technical and advisory leadership, with deep expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem and the judgement to recommend non-Microsoft technologies where they offer the best fit. This is a leadership role with accountability for major client engagements, market development and proposition growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead senior AI advisory engagements, helping clients define and execute AI strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive and C-suite stakeholders, providing expertise across AI strategy, AI operating models, governance, responsible AI and enterprise adoption.
• Shape enterprise AI roadmaps, aligning business priorities, technology investments, organisational change and value realisation.
• Design AI-enabled operating models that enable organisations to embed AI into day-to-day decision‑making, processes and ways of working.
• Advise clients on AI architecture, platform strategy and governance approaches that support scalable, secure and sustainable adoption.
• Lead client workshops, strategy sessions and executive discussions, bringing clarity to complex challenges and building consensus around future direction.
• Develop AI business cases, value frameworks and ROI models, helping clients prioritise investments and track realised benefits.
• Challenge conventional thinking and bring insight from market trends, emerging technologies and leading practices to help clients stay ahead of the AI curve.
• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, becoming a go‑to advisor on AI transformation and organisational change.
• Contribute to thought leadership, proposition development and business growth through industry insight, client engagement and new business opportunities.

About you

• 10+ years' experience leading business, digital, data or AI transformation initiatives within large and complex organisations.
• Proven experience defining and delivering enterprise AI strategies, operating models or large-scale AI-enabled transformation programmes.
• Demonstrable experience supporting organisations through material changes in how they operate, make decisions and create value through the use of AI.
• Strong understanding of AI strategy, AI governance, AI operating models, AI architecture and the organisational capabilities required to scale AI successfully.
• Experience developing AI business cases, value frameworks and ROI approaches, with a focus on turning innovation into measurable business outcomes.
• Credibility and presence to influence executive stakeholders and advise Boards, C-suite leaders and senior management teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, including proposition development, account growth, opportunity shaping and business development.
• A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on pragmatism, able to move comfortably between executive discussions and practical delivery challenges.
• Strong knowledge of the Microsoft AI and data ecosystem, including Azure AI Foundry, Azure OpenAI Service, Copilot Studio, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Machine Learning & Azure AI Search.
• Working knowledge of non‑Microsoft platforms and associated benefits in order to drive the best possible outcomes for our clients. Including but not limited to Claude, AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex AI and open source model eco-systems.
• Experience advising on Responsible AI, risk management, governance and continuous performance monitoring.

What we look for in our people

• Strong alignment with FSP values and ethos
• Commitment to teamwork, quality and mutual success
• Proactivity with an ability to operate with pace and energy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Dedication to excellence and quality

Who are FSP?

FSP is a leading enterprise transformation consultancy specialising in Data & AI, Cyber Security, Enterprise Cloud and Change Delivery. We help organisations modernise, innovate and grow through advisory‑led consulting, deep technical expertise and high‑quality delivery. Working across complex and regulated environments, we partner with clients to build secure, intelligent and resilient digital capabilities that deliver lasting business value.

Our culture is built on true belonging, opportunity for all and excellence in everything we do. Through our One FSP Playbook, we have created a shared set of values and winning behaviours that shape how we work, collaborate and show up for our colleagues and our clients. We are committed to creating an environment where talented people are supported, developed and given the opportunity to thrive, building a high‑performing organisation where everyone can contribute, grow and succeed together.

Find out more about people and One FSP playbook: fsp.co/about-fsp/ | One FSP Playbook

Why work for FSP?

• A collaborative and supportive environment in which you can grow and develop your career
• The tools and opportunity to do work you can be proud of
• A chance to work alongside some of the best people in the industry, who always seek to share their knowledge and experience
• Hybrid working - we empower you to make smart choices about when and where to work to achieve great results
• Industry leading coaching and mentoring
• Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package

Equal and Fair Opportunity

FSP is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all suitable candidates. We consider all applicants for employment regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief.

Research suggests that applicants from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles if they do not precisely meet requirements, or if they felt there were clear barriers as to who should apply. If you are excited about a potential role with us but are concerned that you may not be a perfect fit, please do apply, as you may be the ideal candidate for this role or for a different vacancy within FSP.

We endeavour to always provide fair opportunity for applicants to showcase themselves in the best way possible during any interviews or meetings. If you require any adjustments for a call or in-person meeting, please let us know.