Lead / Principal Consultant (AI & Data Science)

Lead / Principal Consultant (AI & Data Science)

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Harnham

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead AI and data science projects, delivering real-world solutions for clients.
  • Company: Join a premium consultancy with a rapidly growing AI and Digital Transformation practice.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with mentorship opportunities and high visibility with clients.
  • Why this job: Make a tangible impact in AI transformation across diverse industries.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in data science and experience in delivering AI solutions.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.

I'm hiring multiple senior hires to join a growing AI and Digital Transformation consulting practice within a premium consultancy. This team has recently secured significant investment and is scaling quickly, with multiple hires across Lead and Principal level. This is a role for people who want to own and deliver real AI transformation, not just advise on it.

You'll sit within the Digital / AI Consulting practice, working directly with clients to:

  • Identify opportunities for AI and advanced analytics
  • Design and deliver solutions end‑to‑end
  • Embed those solutions into real business operations

This is a hands‑on leadership role - combining delivery, client engagement, and mentorship of other consultants.

What you'll be doing:

  • Lead the design and delivery of AI and data science solutions (LLMs, NLP, ML, etc.)
  • Work directly with senior client stakeholders to shape and deliver solutions
  • Build and deploy end‑to‑end AI products, not just prototypes
  • Apply technologies such as LLMs, RAG systems, and agentic workflows to real business problems
  • Translate technical outputs into clear commercial value and measurable impact
  • Mentor and develop consultants, helping build capability across the team
  • Help shape the consultancy's AI offering and go‑to‑market approach

Example work:

  • Using LLMs to improve decision‑making and workflow automation in complex environments
  • Delivering predictive analytics in healthcare to improve outcomes and efficiency
  • Building AI‑driven optimisation tools in retail to improve pricing and margins
  • Supporting large‑scale programmes across defence and public infrastructure

Core requirements:

  • Strong data science / machine learning background
  • Experience delivering AI / GenAI solutions (LLMs, NLP, etc.)
  • Proven ability to take solutions from concept through to real‑world deployment
  • Experience leading projects, workstreams, or teams
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills - client‑facing and commercially focused
  • Evidence of measurable impact (revenue uplift, cost savings, efficiency gains, etc.)

Nice to have:

  • Consulting experience (highly preferred)
  • Experience across regulated or complex sectors (defence, public sector, retail, etc.)
  • Familiarity with modern stacks (Python, cloud, Databricks, APIs, etc.)
  • Experience mentoring or leading junior team members

Why this role:

  • Shape and scale a growing AI consulting capability
  • Work on complex, high‑impact projects across multiple industries
  • Strong blend of technical delivery, commercial impact, and leadership
  • High visibility internally and with clients
  • Opportunity to progress to partner level over time

Working style:

  • London base (or nearest office)
  • Hybrid working, with regular client travel 3 days total per week
  • Flexible, project‑led environment

Interview process:

  • Online assessment (incl. logical / aptitude test)
  • Informal first conversation (director‑level, including short presentation)
  • Final stage onsite in London (presentation + discussion)

Lead / Principal Consultant (AI & Data Science) employer: Harnham

Join a leading consultancy that is at the forefront of AI and Digital Transformation, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects and shape the future of AI solutions. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional growth, our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and offers flexible working arrangements in London, making it an ideal environment for ambitious professionals looking to make a real difference. Benefit from significant investment in your career development and the chance to progress to partner level while working on high-stakes projects across diverse industries.

Harnham

Contact Detail:

Harnham Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead / Principal Consultant (AI & Data Science)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and data science space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those involving LLMs, NLP, or any AI solutions. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to AI and data science. Be ready to discuss your experience with real-world deployments and how you've made an impact in previous roles. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who want to make a difference in AI transformation. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead / Principal Consultant (AI & Data Science)

AI Transformation
Data Science
Machine Learning
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Large Language Models (LLMs)
End-to-End Solution Delivery
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience with AI and data science, especially any hands-on projects you've led. We want to see how you’ve delivered real-world solutions, not just theoretical knowledge.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about AI transformation and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.

Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past experiences, focus on measurable outcomes. Did you improve efficiency or drive revenue? We love numbers, so quantify your successes to show us the real impact of your work.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham

Know Your AI Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in AI and data science. Be ready to discuss your experience with LLMs, NLP, and machine learning solutions. The more you can demonstrate your hands-on knowledge, the better you'll connect with the interviewers.

Showcase Real-World Impact

Prepare specific examples of how your previous work has led to measurable outcomes, like revenue uplift or efficiency gains. This role is all about delivering real AI transformation, so highlighting your past successes will show that you can do it again.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since this position involves working directly with senior client stakeholders, practice articulating how you've successfully engaged with clients in the past. Think about how you can translate technical outputs into commercial value and be ready to share those stories.

Mentorship Matters

As a lead or principal consultant, you'll be expected to mentor others. Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing junior team members and how you've built capability within your teams. This shows you're not just a technical expert but also a leader.