Director- Applied AI & Machine Learning (SME)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director- Applied AI & Machine Learning (SME) based in United States.

This is a senior, client-facing leadership role focused on shaping and delivering high-impact AI and machine learning solutions on the Microsoft platform. You will act as a trusted technical advisor, translating complex business challenges into compelling Data & AI architectures and measurable outcomes. The role combines strategic consulting, solution architecture, pre-sales leadership, and hands-on technical expertise across Azure AI and data technologies. You will partner closely with sales and account teams to qualify opportunities, influence major deals, and guide engagements from discovery through close. You will engage directly with technical practitioners and C-suite stakeholders, bringing strong executive presence and architectural depth to critical conversations. You will also mentor architects and data scientists while helping establish reusable accelerators, reference architectures, and delivery playbooks. This is an opportunity to influence enterprise AI strategy while working in a collaborative, fast-moving environment centered on innovation and client impact.

Accountabilities:: Lead AI & ML strategy: Act as a technical evangelist and trusted advisor, shaping early-stage client conversations into compelling AI and machine learning solution visions built on Microsoft technologies.

Drive pre-sales engagements: Partner with sales and account teams on opportunity qualification, solution strategy, pipeline development, proposals, and deal closure, including engagements involving $1M+ opportunities.

Lead technical discovery: Conduct client discovery sessions to understand business priorities, decision criteria, value drivers, and technical requirements, translating findings into end-to-end Data & AI architectures.

Design and present solutions: Own the technical design of AI and ML solutions and communicate their business value, technical feasibility, ROI, security, governance, and scalability through whiteboarding, architecture reviews, and executive presentations.

Provide executive-level advisory: Engage confidently with technical teams and C-suite stakeholders, establishing credibility and serving as a strategic technical partner throughout the sales cycle.

Guide technical teams: Mentor architects and data scientists, promote technical excellence, ensure architectural consistency, and support team members in independently leading pre-sales and delivery advisory engagements.

Develop growth opportunities: Identify opportunities for innovation workshops, proofs of value, targeted thought leadership, and other initiatives that expand the AI and Data pipeline.

Strengthen AI capabilities: Lead the development and adoption of platform accelerators, reference architectures, and delivery playbooks aligned with Microsoft Data & AI offerings.

Maintain technical leadership: Stay current with Microsoft Data & AI roadmaps, emerging AI/ML trends, competitive developments, security standards, and regulatory requirements to continuously improve client solutions and positioning.

Requirements:

Senior industry experience: 10+ years of experience across Data Science, AI, Data, or Analytics, with substantial experience working in enterprise client environments.

Pre-sales and consulting expertise: Proven success leading client-facing technical engagements involving discovery, solution design, architecture, executive presentations, and commercial progression.

Microsoft Data & AI expertise: Deep hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies, with strong expertise in at least one of Azure Data Services, Azure AI, Synapse/Fabric, or Databricks on Azure.

AI and architecture skills: Strong architectural mindset and ability to design secure, governed, scalable, end-to-end Data & AI solutions aligned with client objectives.

Commercial impact: Demonstrated success partnering with sales and account teams to influence pipeline progression and close $1M+ deals.

Executive presence: Comfortable engaging C-suite and senior business leaders as a trusted technical advisor and leading high-level technical and strategic discussions.

Business communication: Exceptional ability to translate sophisticated technical concepts into clear business value narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Presentation and storytelling: Strong whiteboarding, storytelling, facilitation, and formal presentation skills.

Leadership and mentoring: Ability to guide, develop, and motivate architects and data scientists while raising the technical standard across teams.

Adaptability: Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, managing ambiguity, and balancing strategic priorities with execution.

Work authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits:

Base salary: $168,400–$252,600 USD, with final compensation determined by skills, education, experience, and geographic location.

Additional compensation: Eligibility for an annual discretionary and/or utilization-based bonus, depending on the role.

Flexible work: Virtual-first approach with flexible work location.

Retirement: 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 50% of the first 6% of eligible contributions.

Paid time off: Minimum of 15 days of PTO, plus 9 paid company holidays and 2 floating personal days.

Healthcare: Choice of two medical plan options, plus optional dental and vision coverage.

Insurance: 100% employer-paid life and disability insurance.

Family support: Paid leave for both birth and non-birth parents.

Flexible spending: Healthcare FSA, HSA, and Dependent Care FSA options.

Remote-work support: $67 monthly technology and home-office allowance.

Employee support: Employee Assistance Program for everyday personal and professional challenges.

Growth and impact: Opportunities to work on complex enterprise AI initiatives, develop reusable technology capabilities, and influence client strategy.

Inclusive culture: A collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives, experimentation, candid feedback, professional growth, and shared accountability.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1