Managing Director, Data & AI

Grow with us. Lead with us. At Pioneer, you’ll work directly with executive teams, solving complex problems and shaping strategies that reset what’s possible. Sometimes the work is headline-worthy. Sometimes it’s foundational. But every project earns trust – and earns us the right to take on more. You’ll get the kind of access, challenge, and growth found at big firms – while helping build a company that’s scaling fast and guided by what we value. If you're looking for meaning, momentum, and a seat at the table, you're in the right place.

The Managing Director (MD) of Data & AI is the senior executive accountable for the performance, growth, and long-term health of Pioneer’s Minneapolis Data & AI practice. This role leads a newly unified team — formed by merging Pioneer’s established data engineering and analytics capability with its AI and machine learning practice — and is responsible for integrating these teams into a coherent, market-leading offering.

The MD blends deep technical fluency in modern data platforms (Databricks, Microsoft Azure & Fabric, Snowflake) with applied AI/ML expertise to deliver measurable outcomes for clients. This role serves as the primary growth engine and senior client relationship owner for data and AI work across the Minneapolis market,and contributes to the broader direction of Pioneer’s Technology Services strategy.

The MD brings consultative credibility and helps clients harness data and AI as a strategic asset. The MD leads with executive presence, builds pipeline through relationships and reputation, and ensures the practice delivers with quality, pace, and accountability.

Core Accountabilities

The Managing Director owns market outcomes across revenue, margin, client satisfaction, team engagement, and practice depth. Primary focus areas are business development and senior client relationship management, with accountability for the full practice P&L and the health of the newly merged team.

Responsibilities

Growth & Business Development

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
Contribute to Pioneer’s overall Technology Services strategy, collaborating with market and practice leaders to bring integrated solutions to clients

Client Delivery & Relationships

Serve as executive sponsor on key client engagements, ensuring quality, risk management, and satisfaction
Maintain senior-level client relationships as a trusted advisor on data and AI strategy
Set and uphold delivery excellence standards aligned to Pioneer’s delivery model and client satisfaction expectations
Translate client business problems into concrete data and AI solutions leveraging Pioneer’s capabilities
Oversee utilization strategy and resource deployment across the practice portfolio

Practice Leadership & Team

Lead the integration of Pioneer’s data engineering/analytics and AI/ML teams into a unified, high-performing practice
In partnership with Pioneer National Solutions team, refine the practice’s service offerings, delivery methodology, and technology platform standards (Databricks, Azure, Fabric, Snowflake)
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
Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and delivery accountability
Own org design decisions and headcount planning as the practice scales

Planning & Operations

Own annual business planning for the Minneapolis Data & AI practice, including revenue targets, headcount, and investment priorities
Manage practice financials: revenue, margin, utilization, and pipeline health through Pioneer’s operating systems (PioHub)
Participate in Pioneer’s Operating Model reviews and cross-market resource management
Maintain visibility into AI/ML project portfolio performance and delivery risk across client engagements

Innovation & Offering Development

Champion a product-oriented mindset within the practice — applying product development lifecycle thinking to how Pioneer builds and scales data and AI solutions
Identify opportunities to develop repeatable accelerators, frameworks, and IP across the data and AI stack
Stay current on advancements in AI/ML, data engineering, and platform technology; translate trends into client-relevant points of view
Collaborate with Pioneer’s broader AI team and firmwide leadership on cross-portfolio innovation initiatives

Requirements

Required

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

Preferred

Industry experience in utilities, energy, or infrastructure — ideally with direct client relationships