Manager of Applied AI and Data Sciences (Hybrid)

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.

This position can be based in our global operations center in Brandon, FL (Tampa Bay area), or at one of the Firm’s offices: Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Orlando, or Miami.

General Description

We are seeking a Manager of Applied AI and Data Sciences to join our team. The Manager of Applied AI and Data Sciences is responsible for the development and management of applied data sciences and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, platforms, projects, engagements, and related processes. This role contributes to the implementation and on-going support of the firm’s initiatives and partnerships to develop and scale data sciences and AI tools to our lawyers and business departments.

The Manager collaborates closely with our technology, knowledge, business services, and practice teams to assess data sciences and AI needs, develop and communicate plans for implementation, develop and support the firm’s AI programs and applications, execute technical implementation of data sciences and AI applications, and provide ongoing service, support, and planning for continued enhancements and user engagement. While maintaining a practice in data sciences and AI development, this role also provides technical leadership on external project engagement and internal product evaluations.

This role partners closely with technology, data, and intelligence solutions teams in the development and delivery of the firm’s innovative AI solutions. This role contributes to digital transformation programs, provides technical and business process support, and serves as the primary contact for internal resources, such as the Information Technology and Legal departments, as well as external resources including vendors and consultants.  In this hybrid position, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues both in person and virtually.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee the design, development, and support of applied data sciences and AI program, including inception-to-adoption of AI solutions and projects.

• Oversee the sourcing, evaluation, selection, and utilization of data sciences and AI tools.

• Along with our KM and IT teams, collect information on emerging products, evaluate products for interoperability, security, and functionality. Develop and articulate use-cases with lawyers and operational professionals, assess those opportunities against the firm’s strategies for innovation, and prepare recommendations with department leadership to adopt and scale innovative solutions as appropriate.

• Oversee AI product development and adoption with a view to usability and scalability.

• Lead the custom development and implementation of Machine Learning, LLM and AI enabled products, including the selection and engagement of solutions partners, development of grounding, RAG, vectorizing, and related technical protocols and procedures.

• Lead cross-functional relationships with software engineers, solutions engineers, and other business stakeholders to collaboratively create solutions, development standards, and support business processes.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction to align data sciences initiatives with business objectives. Support to use-case evaluation and documentation with governance and related functions.

• Develop and mentor technology and innovation staff throughout the firm on emerging data sciences and AI trends and key issues. Monitor and advise on global AI trends, particularly those impacting the firm and the firm’s clients and their industries and markets.

• Partner with IT staff, vendors, and other third parties to address system-level technical issues, manage internal and external integrations, and implement upgrades and enhancements.

• Establish success metrics to measure the quality and quantity of data used within, and developed by, data sciences and AI tools, as well as the performance of our AI solutions, in collaboration with the AI and Data Governance and related functions.

• Partner closely with the firm’s PMO and Change Management teams to ensure adoption and ongoing enhancements to the platforms. Develop standard configuration documentation and related guides for data consumers. Collaborate to design end-user training, onboarding, and user adoption programs and communications.

• Special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Ability to develop effective and collaborative relationships among business teams, lawyers, firm administrative departments, and vendors.

• Excellent experience in people management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational, teamwork, customer service and critical thinking skills required.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex assignments with competing deadlines and priorities. Experience managing projects from inception through planning, execution, and delivery phases.

Required Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.

• 10+ years’ experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, or professional services environment, particularly within an innovation or KM function.

• 5+ years’ experience managing and leading data sciences and applied AI teams.

• Experience building LLM workflows using cloud services such as Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.

• Excellent proficiency in cloud data platforms, data sciences, and application development.

• Exceptional proficiency working with MS Office and Power platform especially for analyzing and communicating data-related concepts. 

• Experience in safety and ethical aspects of AI.

• Proficiency in SQL, Apache Spark, Python, Microsoft Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, and related products and platforms. Experience with common AI and ML applications, Data mining and statistic tools, scripting, and programming experience desired.

• Experience with, and willingness to learn more about, emerging Microsoft OneLake, Fabric, Power, and related concepts and applications.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the professional services landscape, including trends, tools, and industry standards. Extensive experience working with workflow systems, legal project management, and practice management tools. 

• Deep understanding of professional development business practices, as well as practice-specific terminology.

• Proficiency with cybersecurity best practices and compliance requirements in the legal industry and for clients such as financial and governmental institutions.

• Champion for governance, change management, process improvement, user adoption, and the constant evolution of complex data strategies and needs. Initiative and creativity to develop unique and innovative approaches to address existing challenges and/or positively affect lawyer productivity, client service, and overall fiscal health of the firm.

Preferred Qualifications & Education:

• Master’s or related coursework or certifications strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

• Moderate or advanced keyboard usage

This position may be filled in Illinois. The base salary range for this position in this location is $138,000 - $207,000/yr. This range may not be applicable to other locations.  An individual's actual compensation will depend on the individual's qualifications and experience. In addition to the base compensation, Holland & Knight provides bonus opportunities and an exceptional benefits package.

Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.

Below is a list of just some of the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; pre-tax transit and parking program; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.

Benefits may vary by position and office.

Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.

Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.