Practice Lead - AI

Synechron; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 240,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

International offices

Paid leave

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Training and development

Udemy for Business access

Job summary

Synechron seeks an AI Practice Lead in Charlotte to drive the expansion of AI capabilities and deliver cutting-edge AI solutions for North America. You will build client relationships, shape service offerings, and lead delivery across sectors.

The role blends technical depth with business acumen and leadership, with responsibility for mentoring teams, publishing thought leadership, and growing the AI practice in a global consulting environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, Data Science, or related fields. A PhD or MBA is preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics, with at least 8 years in a leadership role within IT services or consulting.
• Proven experience in managing and scaling AI practices, delivering large-scale AI projects, and driving business growth.
• In-depth understanding of AI technologies and platforms (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS/Azure AI services, NLP, deep learning, computer vision).
• Experience with LLMs, including OpenAI and AWS Bedrock models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the AI practice strategy for North America, aligning with the global AI vision and organizational objectives.
• Establish and grow the AI practice by creating new service offerings and enhancing existing ones to meet market demands across BFSI industry.
• Define AI governance frameworks, best practices, and methodologies to ensure effective and scalable implementation of AI solutions.
• Partner with sales and business development teams to create go-to-market strategies, generate leads, and develop AI-centric proposals for new and existing clients.
• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including C-level executives, to secure large-scale AI projects and partnerships.
• Oversee the successful delivery of AI projects across diverse sectors, ensuring high-quality outcomes that meet client business objectives.
• Act as a senior AI advisor for key clients, providing thought leadership and strategic consulting on how AI can transform their business operations and drive value.
• Ensure the adoption of AI solutions by working closely with clients to integrate and scale AI technologies within their business ecosystems.
• Stay updated on the latest AI trends, technologies, and tools and drive innovation within the practice.
• Represent the company as a thought leader at industry events and publish white papers, blogs, and case studies.
• Lead and mentor a team of AI professionals, including data scientists, AI engineers, and consultants.
• Build and scale the AI talent pool through hiring, training, and development.
• Create opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement within the AI team.

Skills

Leadership

AI strategy

Business development

Client engagement

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/AI/Data Science

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

AWS AI services

Azure AI services

NLP

Job description

At Synechron, we believe in the power of digital to transform businesses for the better. Our global consulting firm combines creativity and innovative technology to deliver industry-leading digital solutions. Synechron’s progressive technologies and optimization strategies span end-to-end Artificial Intelligence, Consulting, Digital, Cloud & DevOps, Data, and Software Engineering, servicing an array of noteworthy financial services and technology firms. Through research and development initiatives in our FinLabs we develop solutions for modernization, from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to Data Science models, Digital Underwriting, mobile-first applications and more. Over the last 20+ years, our company has been honored with multiple employer awards, recognizing our commitment to our talented teams. With top clients to boast about, Synechron has a global workforce of 16,700+, and has 57 offices in 22 countries within key global markets.

The AI Practice Lead will be responsible for leading and expanding the AI practice in the region, focusing on driving innovation, delivering cutting-edge AI solutions, and accelerating business growth. This role involves building strong client relationships, developing AI capabilities, and ensuring successful delivery of AI-driven solutions across various industries. The ideal candidate will have a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership experience in AI and IT services.

Additional Information*

The base salary for this position will vary based on geography and other factors. In accordance with law, the base salary for this role if filled within Charlotte is $240k - $260k/year & benefits (see below).

The Role

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the AI practice strategy for North America, aligning with the global AI vision and organizational objectives.
• Establish and grow the AI practice by creating new service offerings and enhancing existing ones to meet market demands across BFSI industry.
• Define AI governance frameworks, best practices, and methodologies to ensure effective and scalable implementation of AI solutions.

2. Business Development & Revenue Growth:

• Partner with sales and business development teams to create go-to-market strategies, generate leads, and develop AI-centric proposals for new and existing clients.
• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including C-level executives, to secure large-scale AI projects and partnerships.

3. AI Solution Delivery & Client Engagement:

• Oversee the successful delivery of AI projects across diverse sectors, ensuring high-quality outcomes that meet client business objectives.
• Act as a senior AI advisor for key clients, providing thought leadership and strategic consulting on how AI can transform their business operations and drive value.
• Ensure the adoption of AI solutions by working closely with clients to integrate and scale AI technologies within their business ecosystems.

4. Innovation & Thought Leadership:

• Stay updated on the latest AI trends, technologies, and tools (machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, robotics) and drive innovation within the practice.
• Represent the company as a thought leader at industry events, conferences, and forums, contributing to the company's reputation in AI.
• Publish white papers, blogs, and case studies showcasing the company’s AI capabilities and successful client engagements.
• Lead and mentor a team of AI professionals, including data scientists, AI engineers, and consultants, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Build and scale the AI talent pool through hiring, training, and developing high-performing AI experts.
• Create opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement within the AI team, ensuring they stay updated with the latest AI advancements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, Data Science, or related fields. A PhD or MBA is preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics, with at least 8 years in a leadership role within IT services or consulting.
• Proven experience in managing and scaling AI practices, delivering large-scale AI projects, and driving business growth.
• In-depth understanding of AI technologies and platforms (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS/Azure AI services, NLP, deep learning, computer vision).
• Expertise in AI/ML models, algorithms, data engineering, and cloud-based AI solutions.
• Experience in integrating AI solutions into enterprise systems and delivering AI-driven digital transformation projects.
• Hands-on experience with LLMs, including OpenAI and AWS Bedrock models, as part of technical expertise.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and team management skills with the ability to inspire and drive high-performance teams.
• Ability to influence and engage with senior executives and stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a focus on driving business outcomes through AI.

We offer:

• A highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A multinational organization with 57 offices in 22 countries and the possibility to work abroad.
• 10 days of paid annual leave (plus sick leave and national holidays).
• Maternity & paternity leave plans.
• A comprehensive insurance plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-/short-term disability (plans vary by region).
• Retirement savings plans.
• A higher education certification policy.
• Commuter benefits (varies by region).
• Extensive training opportunities, focused on skills, substantive knowledge, and personal development.
• On-demand Udemy for Business for all Synechron employees with free access to more than 5000 curated courses.
• Coaching opportunities with experienced colleagues from our Financial Innovation Labs (FinLabs) and Center of Excellences (CoE) groups.
• Cutting edge projects at the world’s leading tier-one banks, financial institutions and insurance firms.
• A flat and approachable organization.
• A truly diverse, fun-loving, and global work culture.

S YNECHRON’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Diversity & Inclusion are fundamental to our culture, and Synechron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative "Same Difference" is committed to fostering an inclusive culture - promoting equality, diversity and an environment that is respectful to all.

We strongly believe that a diverse workforce helps build stronger, successful businesses as a global company.

We encourage applicants from across diverse backgrounds, race, ethnicities, religion, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientations, or disabilities to apply.

We empower our global workforce by offering flexible workplace arrangements, mentoring, internal mobility, learning and development programs, and more.

All employment decisions at Synechron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.