Managing Director- Data/AI Advisory (Microsoft)
2 days ago
Atlanta
Paradigm is a strategic consulting firm that turns vision into tangible results. For over 30 years, we’ve helped Fortune 500 and high-growth organizations accelerate business outcomes across data, cloud, and AI. From strategy through execution, we empower clients to make smarter decisions, move faster, and maximize return on their technology investments. What sets us apart isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it. Driven by a clear mission and values rooted in integrity, excellence, and collaboration, we deliver work that creates lasting impact. At Paradigm, your ideas are heard, your growth is prioritized, and your contributions make a difference. About the Role At Paradigm, success is defined by more than what we deliver; it’s how we think, act, and collaborate. As a Director / Managing Director on our Data & AI Advisory team, you’ll help clients navigate transformation through data, cloud, and AI. Guided by our ethics-first values and outcome-driven approach, this role is ideal for professionals who want to make a measurable impact for clients, colleagues, and themselves. In this role, you will be a visionary leader driving the growth and innovation of our award-winning Data & AI practice. This pivotal role combines strategic leadership, business development, and deep technical expertise to shape the future of data and AI advisory services in financial services, consumer products, and retail sectors. What You’ll Do Guided by Paradigm’s mission to turn vision into results, you will: Strategic Leadership & Business Growth • Spearhead the development and execution of Paradigm's Data & AI Advisory service offerings, ensuring they reflect client needs and drive measurable impact, • Drive business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, leading proposal development, and closing high-value deals with integrity and client-alignment, • Build and maintain C-level client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor on data and AI strategies focused on long-term value and strategic partnership, • Develop and execute structured account and domain planning to responsibly expand Paradigm's market presence, • Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, representing Paradigm at industry events and in publications with insight and credibility Client Engagement • Lead large-scale, complex client engagements with accountability, overseeing multiple workstreams and cross-functional teams, • Design and oversee enterprise-wide data and AI transformation programs aligned to business goals and built for sustainable value, • Direct the development of comprehensive data and AI strategies grounded in client objectives and ethical execution, • Guide the creation and operationalization of data strategies, management frameworks, and governance models that promote responsible data use, • Oversee the implementation of data literacy and culture programs that empower clients to lead with confidence and clarity, • Steer the deployment and rollout of new data management tooling to enhance capability maturity and enable scalable innovation AI Governance & Regulatory Compliance • Develop cutting-edge AI governance frameworks tailored to client industries, balancing innovation with accountability, • Advise boards and executive teams on responsible AI adoption and risk mitigation strategies, • Lead the implementation of data and AI compliance programs aligned with financial and global regulations (e.g., BCBS 239, CCAR, GDPR, EU AI Act) Practice Development & Team Leadership • Play a key role in shaping Paradigm's market positioning in Data & AI, reflecting our commitment to business outcomes and client trust, • Foster a collaborative culture rooted in shared excellence by mentoring team members and driving continuous talent development, • Collaborate with other practice leaders to create integrated service offerings that deliver holistic client value, • Lead recruitment efforts to grow and strengthen the Data & AI Advisory team with purpose-driven, high-impact talent Who You Are & What You Bring You thrive where integrity, impact, and collaboration intersect. You believe data and AI should serve real people, and that value is essential. You bring business acumen and industry insight to link strategy with execution; emotional intelligence and communication skills to influence change; and a growth mindset and a drive to contribute beyond the deliverable. Minimum Requirements • 12+ years of data consulting experience, with 8+ years in a senior management or director position in data engineering, cloud architecture, and enterprise solution delivery with a specialty focus on the Microsoft technology stack., • Expertise in SQL Server, ETL/ELT design, and Azure architecture., • Familiarity with Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and agile methodologies., • Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Cloud technologies (Fabric, Azure, Purview Security, Data Protection, Synapse, ADF, AML, OpenAI) and their application in enterprise environments., • Proven track record of leading large-scale data and AI transformation initiatives, balancing multiple projects while driving growth, • Deep expertise in data management frameworks (e.g., DAMA DMBOK, DCAM, CDMC) and AI governance best practices, • Extensive experience in business development, including structured account planning and pipeline management, • Extensive experience in process documentation, target-state design, target operating model design, policy formulation, and roadmap development for both data management and AI governance, • Demonstrated success leading complex Azure-based transformations., • Proven leadership experience managing large-scale technical engagements., • Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills., • Proven track record in conducting maturity and risk assessments for both data capabilities and AI readiness, • Visionary leadership with the ability to develop and inspire high-performing cross-functional teams, • Deep understanding of the end-to-end data ecosystem and its application in financial services, • Exceptional communication skills including clear articulation, tailored messaging, insightful questioning, and persuasive presentation; adept at engaging with C-suite executives, • High emotional intelligence; self-aware, empathic, strong social skills, and adaptable, • Deep business acumen and ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunity, industry trend awareness, organizational structures, financial principles, and strategic planning, • Strong understanding of financial services and global regulations affecting data and AI (e.g., BCBS 239, CCAR, GDPR, EU AI Act), • Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Business Administration) Preferred Qualifications • Experience building and running a data advisory consulting business, • Strong track record of thought leadership in data and AI, • Own end-to-end delivery of Azure Data & AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and budgets., • Define vision, roadmap, and success metrics for cloud transformation in collaboration with senior stakeholders., • Establish governance frameworks, risk management strategies, and executive reporting for transparency and accountability., • Architect and oversee deployment of Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure OpenAI Service., • Champion integration of Power BI and Microsoft Fabric for advanced analytics and visualization., • Drive modernization strategies for data platforms and AI-driven insights within Azure environments., • Provide technical oversight for SQL Server and Azure SQL Database optimization, schema design, and performance tuning., • Ensure robust ETL/ELT processes using SSIS and Azure Data Factory for enterprise-scale data pipelines., • Ability to advise on data governance, security, and compliance frameworks within Azure environments., • Conduct Azure-focused strategy workshops, cloud readiness assessments, and AI adoption roadmaps.