At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our Data & AI business, driving revenue and shaping market strategies.
- Company: Join a global digital consultancy that values collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming businesses with cutting-edge data and AI solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business growth and strong knowledge of Microsoft AI technologies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Home-based with travel to client site or Columbus offices as required.
Salary: Negotiable (We aim to improve your current package).
Bonus: Yes.
Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays (increasing with service).
Medical Insurance: Yes (terms apply) plus additional health cashback plan.
Hours: Full time (36.5 hpw).
Travel/Expenses: A car is required for travel to client sites – expensed at 45p per mile from home address (excluding travel to any Columbus office within 35mi).
THRIVE, GROW and SHAPE THE FUTURE
People always come first at Columbus. We’re a global digital consultancy with a local presence, helping businesses transform and thrive through technology, data, and human insight. Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to delivering customer success. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll find freedom to explore ideas, challenge convention, and shape your own path. Diversity and Inclusion are close to our hearts. By joining our team, you will be part of a supportive network that values your voice, respects your ideas, and promotes a healthy work‑life balance. We provide equal opportunities for everyone and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The role of Lead Data & AI – UK
We’re looking for someone to build, grow and lead our Data & AI business in the UK, owning revenue, developing the market proposition, and turning opportunity into tangible commercial success. You’ll work directly with senior stakeholders, shaping how organisations use data and AI, while building a pipeline, winning work, and scaling a team around you.
- Taking full commercial ownership of Data & AI growth in the UK, from proposition to pipeline to revenue.
- Building and executing a go-to‑market strategy that drives new business and expands existing accounts.
- Leading sales and pre‑sales activity, originating, shaping and closing opportunities.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, connecting data & AI to real commercial outcomes.
- Turning customer challenges into funded programmes, business cases and long‑term engagements.
- Using client engagements as a foundation to scale the practice and grow a team.
- Collaborating globally to strengthen our offering and accelerate growth.
Travel and Hybrid Working
We provide flexibility to work from home or at one of our offices around the UK, with onsite consultancy time planned in advance and 2‑week blocks. You’re expected to attend client and team meetings as required, with at least once‑a‑month office presence recommended for customer‑facing roles.
About You (The Essentials)
- Track record of growing a business practice.
- Consultancy experience, ideally within a partner environment.
- Experience across both AI/Data solution sales and delivery.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft AI technologies (Azure AI, Copilot, automation and modern data platforms).
- Experience engaging senior stakeholders and leading transformation initiatives.
- Full driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
- Curious, looking to challenge the status quo and improve.
- Collaborative with internal and external colleagues.
- Committed to personal development and becoming a Trusted Advisor in your field.
What we can offer
You will be part of both a local and global team, striking a balance between flexibility and teamwork.
- 25 days annual leave (increasing with service).
- Benefits hub discounts on tickets, shopping, car leasing, holidays, food and more.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- Access to free training courses via Columbus Academy.
- Free Microsoft certifications and access to Microsoft Learn.
- Modern, air‑conditioned office spaces in multiple UK locations.
- Free barista coffee and hot drinks.
- Free beer and fizzy drinks 2‑5pm.
- Casual dress code in our offices.
- Personal pension plan.
- Life assurance four times salary.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- £2,500 payment for successful candidate referrals (if eligible).
- Flexi‑phone upgrade scheme (if eligible).
- Plus many more – details on our careers page.
Employee Wellbeing Program (terms apply)
- Free 24/7 access to Cubo Gym(s).
- Vitality medical insurance.
- Westfield Health Cash plan (includes employee assistance lines).
- Mental health first aiders.
- Virtual suggestion boxes.
General Information
With over 1,500 colleagues across more than 10 countries, we bring global perspectives and local understanding, creating meaningful impact for our people, customers, and the journey ahead.
Lead Data & AI employer: Columbus
At Columbus, we prioritise our people, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration, curiosity, and personal growth. As a Lead Data & AI professional, you'll enjoy the flexibility of home-based work with opportunities for travel, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowance, medical insurance, and access to continuous training and development. Join us to shape the future of data and AI while being part of a diverse and inclusive team that values your contributions and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data & AI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Lead Data & AI role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your projects and achievements in data and AI. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to data and AI, and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show you're a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data & AI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Data & AI. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Columbus, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Consultancy Experience:Since we’re looking for someone with a strong consultancy background, be sure to emphasise any relevant projects or roles you've had. We love seeing how you’ve engaged with senior stakeholders and led transformation initiatives.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We value curiosity and collaboration, so share your thoughts on challenging the status quo and how you’ve contributed to team success in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers page. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Columbus
✨Know Your Data & AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft AI technologies, especially Azure AI and automation. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles and how they can drive commercial success for the company.
✨Showcase Your Consultancy Experience
Prepare examples from your previous consultancy roles where you've successfully grown a business practice. Highlight specific instances where you engaged with senior stakeholders and led transformation initiatives to demonstrate your capability.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Think about how you would build and execute a go-to-market strategy for Data & AI. Be prepared to share your ideas on expanding existing accounts and winning new business, as this will show your strategic thinking and market understanding.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Curiosity
Columbus values collaboration and curiosity, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with teams in the past. Share examples of how you've challenged the status quo and contributed to a positive team environment, as this aligns with their culture.
