Principal/Director – Data & AI Strategy

Location: GCC

Firm: One of the Big Four

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Director in Data & AI Strategy to join their D&A practice, one of the world’s leading professional services firms. The role will focus on shaping and delivering data-driven transformation strategies for top-tier clients across industries.

The successful candidate will bring a strategy consulting pedigree, ideally with prior experience in a top-tier strategy house, and will have developed and executed Data & Analytics (D&A) strategies that drive measurable business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of Data & AI strategies for large-scale clients across multiple sectors.
• Advise C-suite executives on data monetization, AI adoption, governance, and digital transformation.
• Develop operating models, data strategies, and AI roadmaps aligned to business and regulatory priorities.
• Build and manage high-performing teams, fostering capability development and thought leadership.
• Drive business development and client account growth, including shaping proposals, pitching, and delivering new engagements.
• Collaborate with global and regional centers of excellence to bring cutting-edge Data & AI insights, methodologies, and tools.
• Represent the firm in industry forums, publications, and external networks to strengthen its market leadership in Data & AI.

Required Experience

• Experience in consulting, with a focus on Data, Analytics, and AI strategy.
• Strong background in a strategy consulting firm (MBB or equivalent) or senior experience in the strategy practice of a Big4.
• Proven track record developing strategies under the D&A bracket: Data strategy and governance, AI/ML adoption and scaling, Advanced analytics and insight-driven business models, Cloud and digital platforms integration
• Strong business development record: proposal shaping, pipeline management, and revenue growth.
• Proven leadership experience: managing teams, mentoring talent, and driving multi-disciplinary programs.

Qualifications

• MBA/ Master’s degree or higher in Business, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.