Director of Research and Applied Technology - HR & Talent Advisory, LHH

LHH (Global); New York (NY); Remote; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A strategic consulting firm is seeking a Director of Research & Applied Technology to lead AI and analytics initiatives. The role requires over 10 years of experience in data science and technology strategy within HR environments. The ideal candidate will drive innovation and deliver impactful insights while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The position offers a salary range of $150,000 - $220,000 and comprehensive benefits including medical, PTO, and a 401k plan.

Benefits

Medical and dental insurance

401k plan

Growth opportunities

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in HR or professional services environments.
• Success in leading analytics or AI projects.
• Deep understanding of data modeling and analytics.
• Experience integrating AI solutions into workflows.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
• Collaborative, innovative and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Define applied technology roadmap supporting HR & Talent Advisory.
• Lead AI agent deployment to enhance client service.
• Develop frameworks for data governance.
• Leverage data science for client insights.
• Collaborate to align tech initiatives with business goals.
• Create playbooks and frameworks for internal teams.

Skills

Applied data science

AI research

Technology strategy

Communication skills

Python

R

Machine learning frameworks

Education

PhD in Data Science, AI, or related discipline

Master’s degree with significant applied AI experience

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Azure ML

Job description

Director of Research & Applied Technology – HR & Talent Advisory, LHH

The HR & Talent Advisory Practice at LHH is a newly launched strategic consulting arm focused on Leadership, Culture, Organizational Design, and Change. This Practice engages earlier in the client journey to shape leadership and culture proactively. It serves as a strategic differentiator for LHH, elevating the brand and deepening client relationships through high-touch, bespoke advisory services.

The Director of Research and Applied Technology is a senior leader responsible for establishing and advancing LHH’s applied analytics and AI capabilities to support the HR & Talent Advisory business. This role combines data science expertise with strategic technology enablement to identify, evaluate, and implement next-generation analytic tools, platforms, and AI solutions. The Director will lead efforts to design and deploy an AI agent to support new business operations and client delivery, ensuring technology investments drive measurable business outcomes and strategic differentiation.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to VP, Global Head of Services, Knowledge & Innovation

Direct Reports

None

Location

Remote – North America (Eastern Region preferred)

Travel

10-20%

Language

English (additional languages are a plus)

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic Technology & Applied Research
  • Define and execute the applied technology roadmap supporting HR & Talent Advisory, including the configuration and implementation of analytic tools, platforms, and AI systems.
  • Establish and oversee the build and deployment of an AI agent to enhance client delivery, internal productivity, and advisory effectiveness.
  • Identify and assess emerging technologies and tools in AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and data visualization to inform strategic investment decisions.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate data science solutions into existing and new HR advisory offerings.
• Data Science & Advanced Analytics
  • Develop frameworks for data acquisition, governance, and integration across consulting practices.
  • Leverage data science methods, including predictive analytics, NLP, and generative AI, to deliver insights that support client outcomes and business decisions.
  • Ensure ethical and responsible AI practices through transparent model design and data integrity oversight.
• Innovation, Research & Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Practice Leads, Product, and Marketing to ensure applied technology initiatives align with organizational goals.
  • Facilitate partnerships within the Adecco network and LHH ecosystem, technology providers, and research bodies to advance innovation.
  • Translate complex data and AI insights into actionable business strategies and compelling narratives for clients.
• Internal Enablement & Knowledge Management
  • Develop playbooks, frameworks, dashboards for aggregated client analysis, and reference architectures for analytics and AI adoption across practices.
  • Train internal teams on applied technology tools, ensuring understanding of data-driven methodologies.
  • Provide alignment across practice areas and build efficiency through shared technology solutions and use cases.
  • As required, contribute to business development and participate in client meetings as required.

All About You

• 10+ years of experience in applied data science, AI research, or technology strategy within HR, talent, or professional services environments.
• Demonstrated success in leading analytics or AI implementation initiatives that transform business insights and performance.
• Deep understanding of data modeling, machine learning frameworks, and analytic tool ecosystems (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Azure ML, or equivalent).
• Experience evaluating and integrating AI‑enabled solutions into enterprise workflows.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking, with ability to translate technical capabilities into business impact.
• Exceptional communication skills to simplify complex concepts for executive and client audiences.
• Commercially minded, with ability to identify value creation opportunities through technology enablement.
• Collaborative, innovative, and comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proficient in Python, R, or other data science languages; experience with LLMs and applied AI preferred.
• PhD in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline preferred.
• Master’s degree with significant applied AI experience may be considered.

What we offer

• A strategic leadership role in a newly established, high-impact practice.
• Opportunity to shape the future of leadership advisory at LHH.
• Growth opportunities within a human resources global leader.
• We prioritize learning to stay agile in an increasingly competitive business environment.
• We foster an open‑minded environment where people spark new ideas and explore alternatives.
• Compensation: $150,000 - $220,000 plus bonus. Placement within this range is determined based on geographic location, experience, and other compensatory factors.
• Benefits: Employees who opt into benefits as part of full‑time employment include medical, dental, vision, term life and AD&D insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, additional voluntary benefits, commuter benefits, wellness plans, and a 401k plan or a non‑qualified deferred compensation plan. Available paid leave includes Personal Time Off (PTO) on an accrual basis per year, Paid Holidays, and up to 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave. PTO and holiday hours are prorated based on hire date within the calendar year.

About LHH

LHH empowers professionals and organizations to achieve bold ambitions and secure lasting impact through unique advisory services and talent sources.

Our full suite of offerings connects solutions that are traditionally siloed, making LHH your single talent partner. In a rapidly evolving landscape with complex challenges, we create value across the entire professional talent journey. From hiring great people, developing skills, and nurturing leaders, to advancing individuals to the next stage of their careers, LHH makes talent your competitive edge.

We believe the future of work lies at the intersection of exceptional human care and innovation. Powered by science, technology, and proprietary data analytics, LHH’s approach is crafted to align with your business strategy and culture, delivering powerful, sustainable, and measurable impact.

LHH has a team of over 12,000 professionals, across 60+ countries and more than 50 years of experience. As part of the Adecco Group, we bring together global excellence, local knowledge, and centralized coordination for thousands of companies and millions of people worldwide.

Recruitment. Development. Career Transition.

LHH. A beautiful working world.

LHH is an Equal Opportunity Employer /Veterans/Disabled.