AI Data Strategy & Governance Lead

CompanySDI Presence LLC is an IT consultancy and managed services provider (MSP) that leverages its strong team presence to advance our clients to a secure digital enterprise. With a 28-year corporate resume, SDI delivers strategic managed services, IT consulting, and hybrid multicloud infrastructure solutions to optimize our clients’ technology environments. SDI is NMSDC-certified, with a portfolio of clients that includes some of the nation’s largest airports, utilities, commercial real estate portfolios, and government agencies. SDI is backed by Abry Partners, a Boston-based sector-focused private equity firm with $5B under management and more than 30 years of experience in the technology market. Visit us at SDIPRESENCE.COM and connect with us on X and LINKEDIN.SDI Presence Offers:

• Salary Range: $180,000.00/yr. to $200,000.00/yr.
• Base salary may vary based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience.
• Some positions may include additional compensation in the form of bonuses or commissions. Medical, Dental, Vision, company-provided Life Insurance, Short and long-term disability, Matched Retirement Savings, Wellness Program, Paid time off and much more! 

SummaryThis position requires travel up to 20% of the time. SDI Presence is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee the end-to-end delivery of Data & AI projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, hands-on experience with the latest Data & AI technologies, and proven leadership skills. This role involves building and managing delivery teams, fostering strong client relationships, ensuring successful project implementation, and overseeing client contracts and billing processes. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the growth and scalability of our Data & AI Services practice.  Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of Data & AI projects, ensuring they meet scope, timeline, quality, and budget objectives. 
• You will provide strategic direction and leadership in AI data strategy and ensuring partnership with the Solutions team to maintain repeatable, scalable solutions. Also, you are responsible for guiding teams in aligning data initiatives with organizational objectives and driving business value through data-driven decision-making 
• Participate in solutions strategy, directions, and drive capabilities 
• Develop detailed project plans, coordinate resources, and monitor progress. 
• Identify risks and issues proactively, implementing mitigation strategies. 
• Create, develop, and manage high-performance delivery teams, from junior to senior levels. 
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment. 
• Conduct performance reviews, mentorship, and skill development initiatives.
• Maintain a solid understanding of the latest Data & AI technologies (e.g., machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, data pipelines like Spark and Kafka, cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, GCP). 
• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure best practices and technical excellence in project delivery. 
• Provide technical guidance during project execution. 
• Build and nurture strong, lasting relationships with clients to foster trust and collaboration. 
• Engage with clients to understand their requirements, expectations, and success criteria. 
• Maintain positive momentum on each project by proactively managing client communication and expectations. 
• Manage client communications, updates, and satisfaction. 
• Translate client needs into actionable project plans and articulate the business value of proposed technical solutions. 
• Collaborate with Sales to draft, negotiate, and finalize project contracts with clients. 
• Oversee billing, invoicing, and financial reconciliation for projects. 
• Ensure contractual obligations are met and managed effectively. 
• Implement best practices, methodologies, and tools for efficient delivery. 
• Gather feedback for process improvements. 
• Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies. 
• Identify opportunities for practice growth and contribute to the development of new service offerings.  

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 8-10 years of overall professional experience with 5+ years of experience in delivering Data Governance and Management projects. 
• Minimum of 2+ years of delivering AI focused projects. 
• Proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary delivery teams. 
• Hands-on familiarity with Data & AI technologies, tools, and platforms (e.g., Python, PowerBI, Databricks, Tableau, cloud services, etc.). 
• Strong understanding of data architecture, data pipelines, ETL processes, and AI/ML lifecycle. 
• Experience in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall). 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 
• An ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and keep projects progressing positively. 

Desired Skills: 

• Certifications in project management (PMP, Scrum Master, etc.) 
• Certifications or experience in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) 
• Prior experience in consulting or a client-facing delivery role.
• Familiarity with data governance, security, and compliance standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Certification in Databricks, Microsoft Data & AI or related field is a plus. 
• Experience in delivering Machine learning and Data Analytics projects.  
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. 
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.   

Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Equal Opportunity Employer StatementSDI Presence is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SDI Presence makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. Staffing FirmsSDI Presence does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or any other payment related to unsolicited resumes or CVs except as required in a written contract between SDI Presence and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.