At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI transformation initiatives and develop data strategies for diverse clients.
- Company: Join EY, a global leader in building a better working world.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape the future with AI.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding organisations towards becoming AI-first enterprises.
- Qualifications: STEM degree and strong experience in enterprise-level AI strategies required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
hackajob is collaborating with EY to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Location: Manchester
Salary: Competitive
Date: 7 May 2026
Requisition ID: 1657225
At 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.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Manager grade AI and Data Strategist to guide and coordinate AI transformation initiatives for clients across the infrastructure sector. This role demands a strategic business technologist who can translate AI capabilities into tangible business value while designing the organisational frameworks needed to become an AI‑first enterprise.
Your client impact:
- Lead an engagement workstream consisting of AI consultants and architects to define comprehensive AI and data strategies tailored to client organisations across consumer products, retail, health, energy, and life sciences sectors.
- Bring current global thinking and trends in the AI, Automation and Data space including within EY.
- Carry out in‑depth analysis of infrastructure‑specific value chain and identify a portfolio of high impact AI use cases, to drive revenue growth, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation.
- Assess organisational AI and data maturity and create tailored roadmaps for transformation including business cases, operating models, organisational structure, and capabilities required to deliver the strategy.
- Direct the definition of high‑level business and technology architectures and operating models that enable scalable AI deployment (encompassing both data and automation).
- Lead cross‑functional workshops and design sessions with senior stakeholders to influence and align diverse stakeholder groups around a unified AI vision.
- Present complex AI concepts and recommendations to senior leadership audiences.
- Prioritise AI initiatives based on strategic value, feasibility, and organisational readiness.
- Contribute to solution development and oversee quality of proposals for AI‑led transformation.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to team members and develop reusable assets.
- Support change management initiatives to embed AI‑driven and automation‑enabled culture across client organisations.
- Ensure strategies align with ethical AI principles, regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, AI Act), and risk mitigation frameworks.
- Support internal processes to approve designs and proposals that have integrity and are commercially sound.
Essential Qualifications:
- STEM degree or an equivalent certification in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field.
Essential Criteria:
- Strong experience of delivering enterprise‑level AI strategies for complex or multinational organisations.
- Expertise and interest in the UK Infrastructure sector including HMG commitments such as National Infrastructure Strategy and Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.
- Experience in designing operating models and organisational structures for data and AI functions.
- Experience of working with client organisations to write business or investment cases.
- Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies, including generative AI, predictive analytics, NLP, data and Intelligent Automation.
- Knowledge of modern data governance frameworks and architectures, cloud platforms, and AI infrastructure including DAMA.
- Knowledge of AI governance frameworks, model risk management, and regulatory requirements.
- Strategic thinking with demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into business language.
Soft Skills:
- Team leadership and coaching skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Stakeholder management skills, including facilitation and workshop design capabilities as well as the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate in multi‑disciplinary teams (data scientists, engineers, business strategists).
- Continuous learning mindset to stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI landscape and strategies for deployment.
- Strategic thinking with demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into business language and explain how they drive business value.
Preferred Criteria:
- Experience with Big 4 consulting methodologies and framework.
Preferred Qualification:
- Certifications in relevant areas (e.g., cloud platforms, data governance, AI ethics, automation technologies).
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.
(INV) Senior Manager, AI & Data, Data Strategist, Infrastructure TC UKI in Manchester employer: hackajob
At EY, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Located in the vibrant city of Manchester, our team enjoys a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a globally connected network. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to meaningful projects that shape a better working world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (INV) Senior Manager, AI & Data, Data Strategist, Infrastructure TC UKI in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and data space, especially those at EY. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into EY's recent projects and initiatives in AI. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who’s genuinely interested in their work!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Manager, AI & Data. Make it clear how you can drive value for their clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at EY. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace (INV) Senior Manager, AI & Data, Data Strategist, Infrastructure TC UKI in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Manager role. Highlight your experience in AI strategies and how it aligns with EY's mission to build a better working world.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in AI, data governance, and stakeholder management can bring value to EY. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain complex concepts, as this will show your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is reviewed promptly and gives you the best chance to shine in the selection process.
How to prepare for a job interview at hackajob
✨Know Your AI and Data Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and data strategies, especially those relevant to the infrastructure sector. Be ready to discuss how these can translate into business value for clients, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to think strategically about AI initiatives. Think about how you've previously assessed organisational maturity and created tailored roadmaps for transformation. This will show you're not just a techie but also a business strategist.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice how you would lead cross-functional workshops and design sessions. Be ready to explain how you can influence and align diverse stakeholder groups around a unified AI vision. Communication is key, so think about how you can present complex concepts clearly.
✨Emphasise Ethical AI Principles
Familiarise yourself with ethical AI principles and regulatory compliance, such as GDPR and the AI Act. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure that AI strategies align with these frameworks, as this is crucial for building trust with clients.