Managing Director, Data & AI

Role Overview

• The Managing Director owns market outcomes across revenue, margin, client satisfaction, team engagement, and practice depth.
• Own and grow the Minneapolis Data & AI pipeline — from initial relationship to signed engagement.
• Lead executive-level client conversations across data strategy, AI enablement, and platform modernization.
• Develop and execute the Data & AI go-to-market strategy for Minneapolis, aligned to firmwide direction in collaboration with Pioneer’s National Solutions Team.
• Drive account planning and expansion within existing clients across sectors, with an eye toward industries where data and AI create high strategic value.
• Represent Pioneer at industry events, conferences, and thought-leadership forums to build market visibility.
• Serve as executive sponsor on key client engagements, ensuring quality, risk management, and satisfaction.
• Translate client business problems into concrete data and AI solutions leveraging Pioneer’s capabilities.
• Oversee utilization strategy and resource deployment across the practice portfolio.
• Lead the integration of Pioneer’s data engineering/analytics and AI/ML teams into a unified, high-performing practice.
• Build and retain a strong team of data engineers, analytics consultants, data scientists, and ML engineers.
• Drive talent acquisition, onboarding, and career development in partnership with Pioneer’s talent processes.
• Own annual business planning for the Minneapolis Data & AI practice, including revenue targets, headcount, and investment priorities.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in data, analytics, AI/ML consulting or professional services
• Demonstrated ability to grow revenue, manage a P&L, and own client relationships at the senior executive level
• Hands-on fluency with modern data platforms & their AI capabilities — Databricks, Microsoft Azure & Fabric, and/or Snowflake
• Experience leading or overseeing applied AI and machine learning engagements in a consulting or product context
• Track record of building, integrating, and scaling high-performing technical consulting teams
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence C-suite stakeholders and win competitive work
• Entrepreneurial mindset with sound judgment, decisiveness, and comfort with ambiguity
• Thrives in a high-accountability, growth-oriented environment with a bias toward action
• Industry experience in utilities, energy, or infrastructure — ideally with direct client relationships in the sector
• Exposure to product development lifecycle and product ownership practices within a consulting or technology firm
• Experience leading organizational integrations or practice mergers
• Experience working with technology partnership networks (e.g. Microsoft, Anthropic, etc.)
• Familiarity with AI governance, responsible AI frameworks, and enterprise AI deployment at scale
• MBA or advanced degree in a quantitative or technical discipline.

Tech Stack

• Azure

Benefits

• The estimated salary range for this role is $180,000-285,000 annually, depending on factors such as skillset and experience. Bonuses and other incentives are awarded based on individual contributions and overall company performance.
• Pioneer offers a comprehensive benefits package, including meaningful time off and paid holidays, parental leave, 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement, and a broad range of health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.