Engagement Manager - Data & Analytics

EXL; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

EXL seeks a Data & Analytics Strategy Architect to lead engagement-level strategy and define transformation approaches for major programs. You will shape solution strategy, advise clients, and ensure value realization while aligning with scalable operating models.

You will own analytics roadmaps, translate business priorities into use cases, and guide discovery, assessment, and strategy phases with delivery teams. This role emphasizes client advisory readiness and executive-level communication.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years in analytics consulting, data strategy, or digital transformation.
• Strong knowledge of data platforms, analytics, BI, cloud, and AI/ML concepts.
• Ability to translate business objectives into technical solutions and roadmaps.
• Comfort working in structured ambiguity with guidance from senior leaders.
• Excellent communication and executive-level influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Define data, analytics, and AI transformation roadmaps for client programs or accounts.
• Translate priorities into analytics use cases, architecture direction, and operating models.
• Lead discovery, assessment, and strategy phases of engagements.

Skills

Analytics strategy

Data platforms

BI

Cloud

AI/ML concepts

Communication

Strategic design

Executive influence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Data & Analytics Strategy Architect is an engagement-level strategy lead responsible for defining data and analytics transformation approaches for major programs or accounts. The role combines strategic design, advisory problem-solving, and execution oversight, ensuring solutions are aligned to business outcomes and scalable operating models.

This role represents emphasizing ownership of solution strategy, client advisory conversations, and value realization frameworks, while remaining closely connected to delivery.

Core Responsibilities

• Define data, analytics, and AI transformation roadmaps for client programs or accounts
• Translate business priorities into analytics use cases, architecture direction, and operating model choices
• Lead discovery, assessment, and strategy phases of engagements

Client Advisory & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders (VP / AVP / Director level)
• Facilitate strategy workshops, roadmap discussions, and value-definition sessions
• Support client decision‑making by articulating trade‑offs, risks, and benefits

Governance & Value Realization

• Ensure programs are aligned to defined business outcomes, KPIs, and benefits cases
• Support program governance, escalation, and dependency management
• Identify delivery risks early and guide corrective actions with delivery leads
• Support solutioning, estimates, and proposal development for new and expanding engagements
• Partner with account teams to identify adjacent opportunities and follow‑on work
• Contribute to client presentations and pursuit strategies

Team & Capability Development

• Guide and mentor junior architects, consultants, and analysts
• Promote best practices in strategy articulation, documentation, and executive communication
• Contribute to reusable assets, frameworks, and accelerators

Candidate Profile

• 10-12+ years of experience in analytics consulting, data strategy, or digital transformation
• Strong understanding of data platforms, analytics, BI, cloud, and foundational AI/ML concepts
• Experience in bridging business objectives and technical solutions
• Comfortable operating in structured ambiguity with guidance from senior leaders
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior (non-board) stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred (Business, Data Science, Engineering, Economics, or similar); top-tier institutions a plus.