Lead / Principal Consultant (AI & Data Science) in London

Lead / Principal Consultant (AI & Data Science) in London

London 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: Premium consultancy with a focus on AI and digital transformation.
  • 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: Shape the future of AI consulting and make a tangible impact across 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) in London employer: Harnham

Join a premium 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 employee growth, mentorship, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a unique chance to make a measurable impact while enjoying a flexible hybrid working environment in London. As part of a rapidly scaling team, you will not only drive innovation but also have the potential to progress to partner level, making this an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Harnham

Contact Detail:

Harnham Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and data science space. Attend industry events, webinars, or meetups to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its recent projects in AI and digital transformation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can deliver real impact.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills through a portfolio! Create a collection of your best work, especially any AI solutions you've designed or delivered. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can lead and mentor in AI and data science. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!

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

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 boost revenue or improve efficiency? We love numbers that tell a story, so make sure to include them in your application!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

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 specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving LLMs, NLP, or ML. This role is all about delivering real solutions, so show them you know your stuff inside out!

Engage with Stakeholders

Since this position involves a lot of client interaction, practice how you'll communicate complex technical concepts in a way that resonates with senior stakeholders. Think about examples where you've successfully engaged clients and translated technical outputs into business value.

Show Your Leadership Skills

This is a hands-on leadership role, so be prepared to talk about your experience mentoring others and leading teams. Share specific instances where you've guided junior consultants or led projects from concept to deployment, highlighting the impact of your leadership.

Prepare for the Presentation

You'll need to deliver a short presentation during the interview process, so make it count! Choose a relevant project that showcases your skills and the measurable impact it had. Practice your delivery to ensure you come across as confident and knowledgeable.