Principal Consultant (AI Specialist), FT Strategies (12-month FTC) London

About us

FT Strategies is the specialist media consultancy of the Financial Times, one of the world's most respected business media organisations. We are a rapidly growing, global team with a unique proposition and mission to help organisations build stronger relationships with their audiences and design resilient, future-ready business models.

• We are unique: drawing on lived experience of the FT's successful transformation, the operating expertise of seasoned practitioners and a proven playbook for customer‐centred growth.
• We are backed by the Financial Times: bringing credibility, deep experience and a long‐standing reputation for authority and integrity.
• We are multidisciplinary: combining data, technology, consulting and industry specialists into high‐performing teams.
• We are values‐driven: empowering clients to achieve outstanding results while showing empathy, integrity and impact.
• We serve globally: partnering with leading publishers, media organisations, technology providers and platforms across the world, from strategy through to execution.

At FT Strategies, you'll join an inclusive, fast‐paced environment with exceptional opportunities to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by under‐represented groups.

The role

The media industry is at the centre of AI‐led change, another wave of digital disruption through which the role of media will be reinvented. At FT Strategies, we have helped dozens of publishers to find their way through the latest wave of change by supporting them through innovation and scaling of AI technologies.

In this role, you will lead complex transformation programmes that enable media organisations to adopt and scale AI technologies across their operations, from newsroom automation and audience personalisation to data‐driven product development and monetisation. You will work closely with senior client stakeholders to shape strategy, build business cases, and deliver measurable results.

You will also play a central role in developing and bringing new AI‐enabled products to market, partnering with our cross‐functional teams to turn innovation into impact. As part of the FT Strategies leadership team, you will contribute to our market position as a trusted advisor on AI in media, while inspiring and developing a high‐performing team.

Key responsibilities

• Sell and deliver technology‐aligned transformation work and products helping the media and publishing industry to navigate AI.
• Work with the team to create AI products and bring them to market.
• Be an expert across AI and data science, speaking coherently at forums and with clients on approaches and considerations of the technology and be able to apply the technology for commercial benefit.
• Be an experienced and inspirational team leader.
• Be an entrepreneur – able to create and deliver new product development.
• Work as part of the leadership team helping to build FTS' direct work.

Success will look like

• FTS being recognised as a leader in AI transformation in publishing and media.
• A flourishing pipeline of projects leveraging AI.
• Examples of AI‐led transformation across our global client base.
• FTS perceived as a leader in the market for AI, data and technology.
• A team excited about the opportunity of AI.

Required skills and experience

• Proven track record (7+ years) of leading data‐driven digital transformations within the media or publishing industry, with measurable commercial outcomes.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies and large language models (LLMs), including their practical application across content, monetisation, and audience engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in product development, from concept to market launch, particularly in AI or data‐led solutions for media clients.
• Excellent consulting, stakeholder management, and client engagement skills, with the ability to guide organisations through uncertainty and change.
• Established network across the media and publishing sector, coupled with experience driving sales, revenue growth, and business development.

What's in it for you?

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best‐in‐class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We've embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in‐person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further information

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.