Associate Director, AI Strategy, EY-Parthenon

Job ID: 1437518033Location: London, GB, SE1 2AFJob Function: Transactions & Corporate Finance (TCF)Employer: EY Global ServicesApply by: 2026-10-19Company: EYAt EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world. Associate Director – AI Strategy Key responsibilitiesLead engagement executionLead sizeable workstreams and selected end-to-end AI strategy engagements, acting as the primary day-to-day client lead and ensuring delivery of commercially impactful outcomes, with oversight and support from Directors and PartnersConvert broad client questions into clear hypotheses, issue trees, workplans, analytical requirements, stakeholder plans and decision pointsOwn the day-to-day management of engagements, including team deployment, timelines, dependencies, deliverable quality, client governance, scope management and engagement economicsDeliver enterprise AI strategiesAssess an organisation’s AI maturity, strategic ambition, business priorities, technology landscape, data readiness, talent base and governance capabilities and translate findings into clear strategic recommendations, investment priorities and executive decision pointsIdentify, quantify and prioritise AI value creation opportunities across growth, productivity, cost, risk and customer outcomes, linking opportunities to measurable business impact.Develop and prioritise portfolios of AI use cases using commercial value, strategic relevance, feasibility, risk, data readiness and time-to-impact criteriaDefine target AI operating models, including decision rights, governance, funding, delivery structures, talent requirements and collaboration between business, technology, data and risk teamsEvaluate build, buy and partner choices, including the implications of foundation models, cloud providers, specialist AI vendors and existing enterprise platformsDevelop practical AI roadmaps, investment requirements, business cases, capability-building plans and implementation priorities based on the guidance from Directors, Partners and EY Experts, balancing value, feasibility, organisational readiness and implementation riskDeliver AI-focused transaction workLead or support buy-side AI due diligence for private equity and corporate investors, assessing the risks from AI to the business model / credibility and commercial relevance of a target’s AI capabilities and strategyAssess whether claimed AI capabilities are proprietary, defensible and material to the investment thesis, rather than superficial product features or repackaged third-party functionalityQuantify potential AI value creation opportunities, associated execution requirements and implications for value creation thesisIdentify material risks, capability gaps, technical debt, cost exposures and dependencies that may affect valuation, deal terms or integration planningFor vendor due diligence, develop an evidence-backed AI equity story that clearly articulates current capabilities, competitive differentiation, value delivered to date and the future value creation opportunityPrepare management teams to respond credibly to investor scrutiny of the company’s AI capabilities, roadmap, economics and defensibilityPresent concise, decision-oriented findings to investment committees, deal teams, management teams and other senior stakeholdersSupport the assessment of post-deal AI value creation opportunities, integration considerations and technology-enabled synergy potentialManage senior stakeholdersBuild trusted working relationships with C-suite executives, business-unit leaders, AI / Data- leaders, functional leaders, private equity investment professionals and portfolio management teamsPlan and facilitate executive interviews, workshops, working sessions and steering committeesCommunicate complex AI and technology topics in clear commercial language tailored to the audienceServe as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on AI strategy, investment priorities and transformation decisionsBuild long-term executive relationships and identify opportunities to expand EY-Parthenon's impact with clientsLead and develop teamsLead multidisciplinary teams of consultants and specialists, typically combining strategy, commercial, data, technology, operating model, sector and transaction expertiseCoach junior colleagues in structured problem-solving, analytics, story lining, client communication and professional judgementProvide apprenticeship-style coaching, helping team members develop consulting judgement, executive communication and commercial thinkingCreate an inclusive, collaborative and high-performance team environment, including during periods of significant delivery pressureProvide meaningful feedback and contribute to the formal and informal development of team membersSupport business and proposition developmentPlay a leading role in proposals, pitches and commercial discussions, owning sections of pursuits and contributing to conversion effortsHelp shape AI strategy, AI transformation and AI transaction propositions based on recurring client needs and market developmentsIdentify potential follow-on opportunities arising from existing engagements and support their conversionContribute to selected thought leadership, market perspectives and client eventsBuild internal and external market relationships that support future business development opportunitiesBuild the practiceContribute to the development of EY-Parthenon's AI Strategy methodology, propositions, tools and intellectual propertySupport recruitment, capability building and knowledge sharing across the AI Strategy teamDevelop points of view on emerging AI trends, business implications and sector-specific opportunitiesHelp strengthen EY-Parthenon's market position through thought leadership and external engagementSkills and attributes for successThe successful candidate will demonstrate:Structured strategy consulting capabilityStrong hypothesis-led problem-solving skills and the ability to structure complex or ambiguous questionsExcellent analytical judgement, including the ability to distinguish material issues from interesting but non-critical detailExperience combining primary research, secondary research, quantitative analysis and expert input into an integrated answerStrong storylining and synthesis skills, with the ability to develop concise, executive-level recommendationsAbility to shape executive decision-making by converting analysis into clear strategic choices and recommendationsConfidence operating at pace, with incomplete information and under demanding client deadlinesA high degree of personal ownership, attention to detail and commitment to qualityTechno-commercial AI fluencyA sound understanding of the principal components of the enterprise AI landscape, including generative AI, predictive machine learning, foundation models, data platforms, cloud infrastructure, model deployment and AI-enabled enterprise applicationsThe ability to understand and discuss AI architecture, data requirements, integration considerations, model lifecycle management, MLOps or LLMOps, security, privacy and responsible AI and the judgement to bring in specialist experts when deeper technical, legal, cyber or regulatory expertise is requiredThe judgement to assess where technical depth is required and when to involve specialist architects, engineers, data scientists, cyber professionals, lawyers or risk expertsThe ability to engage credibly with architects, engineers and data scientists while maintaining focus on commercial and strategic outcomesThe ability to translate technical choices into implications for value, cost, scalability, speed, risk, differentiation and strategic controlFamiliarity with the commercial dynamics of the AI ecosystem, including hyperscalers, foundation-model providers, enterprise software vendors, specialist AI companies and open-source technologiesA practical rather than purely theoretical perspective on what is required to deploy and scale AI in a large organisationCommercial and quantitative capabilityStrong commercial acumen and the ability to connect AI opportunities to business strategy, competitive advantage and financial performanceExperience developing business cases, value-driver trees, market assessments, cost models, investment requirements and implementation roadmapsExperience linking AI investment decisions to enterprise value creation, shareholder value and competitive advantageThe ability to assess total cost of ownership, unit economics, operating expenditure, capital expenditure, implementation costs and potential value realisationStrong Excel and PowerPoint capability, together with confidence interpreting financial, operational and technical solutions / artefactsThe ability to evaluate claims critically and distinguish demonstrated value from untested assumptionsLeadership and communicationStrong project and team leadership, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams and disciplinesCredibility with senior executives and the confidence to lead challenging conversationsExcellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly and preciselyThe ability to influence without relying on formal authorityA proactive, low-ego and collaborative working styleIntellectual curiosity and a sustained interest in AI, technology, innovation and their commercial implicationsEssential experienceCandidates must have:At least Six years of management consulting experience, with substantial experience gained within a recognised strategy or management consulting firm, strategy boutique, or strategy-led transactions practiceEvidence of operating at Senior Manager, Engagement Manager or equivalent level, with clear readiness to step into an Associate Director roleAt least two years of substantive AI-focused experience, gained through one or more of the following:Enterprise AI strategyAI-enabled business or functional transformationAI or technology due diligenceAI value creation planningStrategy for AI-enabled products or businessesData, digital or technology strategy with a material AI componentA track record of independently leading major workstreams or smaller engagements from planning through to deliveryExperience managing consulting teams and reviewing the quality of analytical and client-facing outputsExperience engaging directly with senior client stakeholdersStrong evidence of structured problem-solving, quantitative / financial analysis, executive communication and project managementExperience producing high-quality board, C-suite or investment committee materials under tight deadlinesIdeally, you will alsoHave experience advising private equity investors, portfolio companies or corporate development teams on technology, digital or AI-related topicsHave expertise in one or more sectors including Industrials, Energy, Telecoms, Consumer, Software or Health, and understand the key AI value drivers within those sectorsHave contributed materially to winning consulting work through proposals, pitches, commercial discussions or relationship developmentHave experience leading executive workshops and facilitating alignment among senior stakeholders with differing prioritiesHave experience developing consulting propositions, methodologies, frameworks or intellectual propertyHave experience supporting AI-enabled transformation programmes from strategy through mobilisation and early executionBe an effective coach and mentor, helping teams develop consulting, analytical and client leadership capabilitiesBuild trusted relationships across clients, EY-Parthenon and the wider EY organisation, both in the UK and internationallyWhat We Offer (EY Standard Frame)We offer an attractive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions.Plus, we offer:Continuous learning: Through continuous training, coaching and mentorship, you’ll develop the mindset and skills needed to accelerate your career and become a transformational leaderReal exposure: Opportunities to work on a wide range of projects and be exposed to senior business leaders and investors across a number of different business models, subsectors and companiesDiverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirsSuccess as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your wayIf you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.The Exceptional EY Experience. It’s Yours To Build.Apply now.EY | Building a better working worldEY | Building a better working world EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.EY | Building a better working world EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.