At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow Ensono’s UK Data & AI practice, shaping strategies and delivering exceptional client outcomes.
- Company: Join Ensono, a trusted tech adviser disrupting the status quo in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity participation, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth and a culture of ownership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping market-leading Data & AI propositions and mentoring talented practitioners.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in data, analytics, and AI solutions with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Who are we? At Ensono, our purpose is to be a relentless ally to our clients — disrupting the status quo and enabling them to Do Great Things. As a trusted technology adviser and managed services provider, we partner with organisations to navigate continuous change and unlock value through modernisation and innovation. Our services span private and public cloud, infrastructure and datacentre transformation, data, identity & access management, mainframe, Power systems, application modernisation and cloud‑native platforms. Headquartered in the US and backed by private equity, Ensono continues to grow year‑on‑year, with a strong and expanding presence across the UK and Europe. We work with some of the most complex and demanding organisations, helping them deliver meaningful, large‑scale transformation.
About the role We are looking for a high‑impact Consulting Practice Director to lead and grow Ensono’s UK Data & AI practice—shaping our go‑to‑market strategy, building a high‑performing team, and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. Working closely with New Client Engagement Directors, Consulting Leaders and Sales teams, you will shape and secure strategic Data & AI opportunities—from first conversation through contract close—bringing the credibility to engage client executives and the hands‑on expertise to define winning, deliverable solutions. You will partner with senior business and IT stakeholders to build transformation roadmaps and propositions that align to business objectives, operating models and long‑term value—balancing innovation in AI/GenAI with strong data foundations, governance and responsible delivery. As Practice Director, you will be accountable for the growth and performance of the UK Data & AI practice, including pipeline, revenue and margin. You will help scale delivery through repeatable offerings and global collaboration, while remaining close to delivery as an escalation point and sponsor on key engagements. Success in this role comes from building trusted executive relationships, leading from the front, and combining commercial acumen with pragmatic, hands‑on delivery leadership. If you are excited by shaping market‑leading Data & AI propositions, mentoring talented practitioners, and helping clients deliver meaningful transformation, Ensono offers the platform, culture and growth ambition to help you Do Great Things.
What you’ll be doing
- Hands‑On Solutioning & Pre‑Sales
Actively lead and contribute to Data & AI solution design for complex client opportunities. Partner with Sales and Client Executives to:
- Shape deals from first conversation through contract close
- Lead technical discovery, architecture definition, and delivery approach
- Participate directly in client presentations, workshops, and executive discussions
- Develop pragmatic, outcome‑focused solutions that reflect Ensono’s principles of flexibility, transparency, and modernization without disruption
Delivery Execution & Client Outcomes
- Serve in active delivery roles (e.g., Data Architect, Engagement Lead, or Delivery Sponsor) on key Data & AI engagements
- Remain hands‑on during execution, guiding teams through critical design decisions, delivery challenges, and client escalations
- Ensure solutions are delivered to scope, quality, timeline, and commercial commitments
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the lifecycle, not just at deal close
Practice & Commercial Leadership
- Drive growth, financial performance, and success of the UK Data & AI practice
- Balance billable client contribution with practice leadership responsibilities
- Contribute to and shape UK & global go‑to‑market offerings, assets, and accelerators
- Build long‑term relationships with UK client executives and technology leaders
Global Practice Collaboration
- Operate as a senior, contributing leader within Ensono’s global Data & AI practice
- Align UK solutioning and delivery approaches with global standards while remaining responsive to local client needs
- Leverage global delivery teams to scale execution while maintaining high quality and accountability
- Share delivery lessons, innovations, and best practices across regions
Technical & Industry Leadership
- Maintain deep, current hands‑on expertise across:
- Modern data platforms and architectures
- Advanced analytics, AI/ML, and GenAI
- MLOps, model governance, and responsible AI
Set technical direction by example—leading from the front, not from the sidelines. Serve as a technical mentor and escalation point for Data & AI teams.
People & Capability Development
- Mentor Data & AI practitioners in partnership with global teams
- Develop repeatable delivery patterns and accelerators informed by real‑world delivery experience
- Reinforce Ensono’s culture of ownership, pragmatism, and delivering what we commit
What you’ll bring to Ensono
- 12+ years’ experience of delivering data, analytics, and AI solutions
- Demonstrable ability to design and deliver complex, enterprise‑scale Data & AI solutions
- Proven experience supporting pre‑sales and deal shaping, including client‑facing solution leadership
- Experience balancing hands‑on delivery contribution with practice or portfolio leadership
- Executive‑level communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business outcomes
- Deep practical experience with modern data platforms & architectures, AI/ML & GenAI delivery in production environments & Public cloud ecosystems
Additional Experience That Will Set You Apart
- A builder and doer, not just an overseer
- Comfortable moving between strategy, solutioning, and hands‑on execution
- Credible with both client executives and technical practitioners
- Pragmatic, outcome‑focused, and accountable
- Strong alignment with Ensono’s values of expertise, flexibility, and ownership
Skills & Attributes for Success
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including engagement at senior and executive levels
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical, deliverable solutions
- Confident facilitator and presenter, able to challenge thinking constructively
- Strong empathy, self-awareness, highly collaborative, with the ability to influence without authority
- Business and customer-oriented player with strong team orientation
- Organised, adaptable, and able to operate across multiple workstreams
Our benefits
- Highly competitive salary
- Company equity participation, enabling you to share in Ensono’s long‑term growth
- Annual President’s Club & recognition programmes rewarding impact & contribution
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service
- Half‑day leave for your birthday
- Dedicated study leave and active investment in certifications, professional development, and architectural learning
- Sabbatical opportunities at 5 and 10 years’ service
- 1 paid charity day each year
- Competitive pension scheme
- Private healthcare for you and your family
- Enhanced parental leave and flexible, family‑friendly policies
- Life assurance and income protection
- Coaching and mentoring, including access to senior architectural and consulting leaders
- A wide range of wellbeing & lifestyle benefits, including gym discounts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and more
Practice Director, Digital & AI employer: Ensono
Ensono is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals in the Data & AI field. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including competitive salaries, equity participation, and dedicated study leave, all while promoting a work-life balance through flexible policies. Our UK office is not just a workplace; it's a vibrant community where you can shape market-leading solutions and make a meaningful impact on clients' transformations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Director, Digital & AI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly fits into their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in Data & AI clearly and how it can benefit the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the best fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Director, Digital & AI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Practice Director role. Highlight your experience in Data & AI, and how it aligns with Ensono's mission to help clients navigate change and deliver transformation.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the outcomes you've achieved. Use metrics and specific examples to demonstrate how you've led successful projects or teams, especially in complex environments.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for technology and how you can contribute to Ensono's culture of innovation and collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ensono
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Data & AI solutions, especially those relevant to Ensono's offerings. Brush up on modern data platforms, AI/ML, and GenAI delivery. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Practice Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive growth. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your experience in building relationships with clients and stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Be ready to discuss specific client scenarios or case studies where you've made an impact. Think about how you shaped deals from initial conversations to contract closure. This will help illustrate your hands-on approach and your ability to deliver pragmatic, outcome-focused solutions.
✨Align with Ensono’s Values
Familiarise yourself with Ensono's values of expertise, flexibility, and ownership. During the interview, reflect these values in your answers. Show that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
