Senior Principal - Data Strategy Consultant

About Valcon

We are a European powerhouse in data and Al-driven business transformation. We combine deep expertise in data and Al with our heritage in operational excellence, failsafe delivery and organisational change. We don’t just advise – we implement and deliver sustainable business transformation as a trusted partner to Europe’s leading organisations. Backed by private equity, Valcon has brought together leading firms to form one of Europe’s fastest-growing consultancies. In the UK, we’re scaling quickly, while maintaining a collaborative, hands-on, and down-to-earth culture.

Purpose of the Role

The Data Strategy & Advisory consultant works as a leader in the Data practice. They evaluate and advise clients on data and AI strategies, translating these into practical delivery with tangible results. They develop strong client relationships, becoming the trusted data and AI advisor to C-level stakeholders. As a thought leader, develop the Data Strategy & Advisory practice creating and promoting innovative service offerings to attract new business, mentor and inspire Valconeers to achieve their potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Capability Assessment & Roadmap: assess client data and AI capabilities, identify gaps, and develop a practical roadmap of improvements.
• Strategy Development: formulate innovative and transformative data and AI strategies, aligned to business objectives, that excite and energise clients.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Change Management: engage and influence senior stakeholders up to C-suite to achieve buy-in for approach and drive cultural change.
• Operating Model Design: design and implement effective data and AI operating models, with clear reporting structures, governance processes, roles and responsibilities and the necessary skills for data and AI teams to thrive.
• Architecture & Technology Guidance: guide architectural design to utilise data and AI effectively, including overseeing appropriate selection of data and AI technology.
• Value Realisation & Performance Metrics: create the business case, define collective goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure success of data and AI initiatives, ensuring value for money and sustainable investment.
• Practice Development: develop new go to market opportunities and innovative data and AI offerings as a thought leader, mentor and inspire Valconeers.

Experience

• Experience: 10+ years proven experience in data and AI, 5+ in leadership positions, comprising of strategy development and execution, operating model design and implementation.
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: able to analyse and process complex information quickly, solve problems, and align data and AI initiatives with overarching business strategies.
• Communication & Leadership: good presentation and influencing skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of technical data and AI capabilities and concepts, including, data platforms, data architecture, data engineering, business intelligence, data science and analytics.
• Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as data science, computer science, statistics, or business administration.
• Adaptability: adapts and responds to the changing needs of the client and the evolving data, AI and technology landscape.
• Active security clearance or eligible to be security cleared

Desirable Experience

• Defence or Defence industry adjacent experience
• Knowledge or experience of implementing data management and architectural frameworks
• Knowledge of regulations and standards affecting data & AI