Principal Data & AI Consultant

Waracle; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension matching 5%

Death in Service (2x salary)

Health cash plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Sickness cover

Learning budget (Udemy)

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Waracle, a leading digital technology consultancy, seeks a Principal Data & AI Consultant to guide enterprise data and AI architectures. You will design pipelines, govern data, and translate strategic challenges into technical roadmaps for executive stakeholders.

You will enable advanced analytics, LLMs, and AI/ML applications while modernising cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/Google). Collaboration and mentoring are key to our growth and client impact.

Qualifications

• Experience building data pipelines (batch and streaming) with governance, privacy and compliance.
• Fluency in Python, SQL and PySpark; comfortable with multiple tech stacks.
• Experience with at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Understanding of how AI fits with data, and interest in LLMs/AI/MLOps.
• Proven ability to lead multi-squad deliveries and contribute to technical proposals.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain robust data pipelines with governance and security.
• Translate business challenges into technical roadmaps for executive stakeholders.
• Enable advanced analytics, LLMs and AI/ML applications for clients.
• Modernise cloud data platforms to optimise performance and cost across major clouds.
• Guide cross-functional teams and contribute to technical proposals and client engagements.
• Mentor colleagues and foster an inclusive, collaborative environment.

Skills

Data engineering

Python

SQL

PySpark

Cloud platforms

AI/ML concepts

Leadership

Data governance

Tools

Airflow

Databricks

Spark

Fabric

SSIS

Job description

Waracle is looking for a Principal Data & AI Consultant to join our world-class digital technology consultancy. We are home to a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking community of specialists in technology-driven transformation.

We partner with ambitious clients to help them solve their most meaningful business and customer challenges. Together, we innovate and create intelligent digital products and services. We thrive on complex challenges and deliver business-critical IT transformation projects, moving seamlessly from strategy, design, and delivery to operations.

This is a Hybrid role, combining the comfort of working from home with collaborative time spent in our Dundee, London, or Glasgow offices (around 2 days a week).

Discover Your Next Impact

Are you a strategic tech leader who loves looking at the bigger picture while keeping a firm footing in data engineering? We are seeking a Principal Consultant to act as a trusted advisor, guiding our clients through technical ambiguity and shaping the future of enterprise data and AI architectures. You will bring a collaborative enthusiasm for integrating advanced AI capabilities, helping organisations turn their data platforms into powerful catalysts for long-term strategic success. If you enjoy fostering community growth, mentoring diverse teams, and bridging the gap between complex tech and real-world business value, we would love to welcome your perspective to our team.

Key Aspects of the Role Include

• Architecture & Vision: Designing, developing, and maintaining robust data pipelines using both batch and streaming processing, while championing data governance, security, privacy, and legislatory compliance.
• Acting as a Trusted Advisor: Translating complex business challenges into clear technical roadmaps, communicating effectively with executive stakeholders and non-technical peers alike.
• Enabling Innovation: Designing usable data models and building reliable foundations that empower others to launch advanced analytics, LLMs, and AI/ML applications.
• Modernising Infrastructure: Overseeing the evolution of cloud data platforms to maximise performance, reduce latency, and optimise cloud costs across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Growth & Strategy: Contributing directly to Waracle's technical direction, shaping new business proposals, and nurturing deep client relationships.
• Empowering People: Fostering an inclusive environment through collaborative leadership, resolving organisational challenges, and mentoring colleagues to help them grow.

Research shows that underrepresented groups tend to only apply for roles that they believe they meet 100% of the criteria for. At Waracle, we want to buck that trend! We hire for passion, potential and mindset as much as credentials.

What You'll Bring

We welcome transferable skills and diverse technical backgrounds.

• Core Data Engineering Foundation: Practical experience with data modelling, ETL/ELT, and a variety of database technologies.
• Technical Versatility: Fluency in data processing languages (Python, SQL, PySpark) and an open-minded approach to tech stacks—ranging from SSIS and stored procedures to Airflow, Spark, Databricks, or Fabric.
• Cloud Capability: Experience with at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) alongside a curiosity to learn and adapt to others.
• Bridging Data & AI: A solid understanding of how AI fits into the broader data landscape, with an interest in integrating LLMs and AI/MLOps into client solutions.
• Collaborative Leadership: A proven track record of supporting multi-squad deliveries, guiding stakeholders through architectural trade-offs, and contributing to technical proposals.

What to expect from our hiring process

1. First Hello: An informal chat with your dedicated Talent Attraction Partner to talk about Waracle, what you want out of your next move, salary, benefits, and office hybrid working model.

2. Talking Impact: A collaborative deep dive into how you solve problems, work with others, and raise the bar, guided by our core values and competency framework.

3. Craft Showcase: A chance to demonstrate your real-world expertise through a practical presentation.

Your Talent Attraction Partner will be in your corner through every step right up to your Welcome Ritual on day one

We believe in supporting our team, inside and outside of work. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Rest & Recharge: You'll receive 27 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, totalling 35 days of holiday to unwind and pursue your passions.
• Financial Future & Security: Plan for retirement with our company-matched 5% pension contribution. For added peace of mind, we also offer a Death in Service benefit, providing 2 x your annual salary for your loved ones.
• Health & Wellness: Our Medicash Health Cash Plans help cover everyday healthcare costs, complemented by an Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support, and Group Sickness Cover for peace of mind.
• Flexible Working: We champion hybrid working, providing a home office setup budget to ensure you're comfortable and productive wherever you are.
• Learning & Development: Invest in yourself with access to Udemy Business and a dedicated learning and development budget for continuous growth.
• Lifestyle Perks: Make the most of our Cycle to Work Scheme, and enjoy exclusive gym and retail discounts.
• Family First: Our enhanced parental leave policies include support for fertility journeys, recognising diverse family needs.
• Community & Connection: We foster a vibrant culture with regular fun meet-ups and lunch on us in the office once a month. You'll also have the opportunity to make a local impact through Spirit of Waracle, our initiative for getting involved in charitable causes locally, building strong team bonds and giving back.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.