Lead Data & AI
Lead our UK Data & AI growth, owning revenue, winning new business, and shaping strategy. Work with C-level clients, build a pipeline, and scale a high-impact practice with real commercial ownership.
Job Title: Lead Data & AI - UK
Location: Home-based with travel to client site or Columbus offices as required
Salary: Negotiable (We aim to improve your current package)
Bonus: Yes
Holiday: 25 Days, Plus Bank Holidays (Increasing with Service),
Medical Insurance: Yes (terms apply) plus additional Health Cashback Plan
Hours: Full time (36.5 hpw)
Travel/Expenses: A car is required for travel to client sites - expensed at 45p per mile from home address (excluding travel to any Columbus Office within 35mi)
THRIVE, GROW and SHAPE THE FUTURE
People always come first at Columbus. We’re a global digital consultancy with a local presence, helping businesses transform and thrive through technology, data, and human insight. Just as importantly, we’re a workplace where careers are nurtured, and development is supported through clear, structured career paths.
Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to delivering customer success. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll find the freedom to explore ideas, challenge convention, and shape your own path.
Diversity and Inclusion are close to our hearts.
By joining our team, you will be part of a supportive network that values your voice, respects your ideas, and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Our average length of service in the UK is 8 years, as we are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates and supports career growth and advancement in becoming a Trusted Advisor. We provide equal opportunities for everyone, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply for positions across our organisation, and in return, we will give you the tools and support to Thrive with us, Grow your Skillsets, and be empowered to Shape the Future.
The role of Lead Data & AI - UK
We're looking for someone to build, grow and lead our Data & AI business in the UK, owning revenue, developing the market proposition, and turning opportunity into tangible commercial success.
You'll work directly with senior stakeholders, shaping how organisations use data and AI, while building a pipeline, winning work, and scaling a team around you.
Taking full commercial ownership of Data & AI growth in the UK, from proposition to pipeline to revenue.
Building and executing a go-to-market strategy that drives new business and expands existing accounts
leading sales and pre-sales activity, originating, shaping ad closing opportunities
Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, connecting data & AI to real commercial outcomes
Turning customer challenges into funded programmes, business cases and long-term engagements
Using client engagements as a foundation to scale the practice and grow a team
Collaborating globally to strengthen our offering and accelerate growth
Travel and Hybrid Working
We have an environment that gives you the flexibility to achieve an effective work-life balance for you and your family, whether you want to work from home or at one of our luxury Cubo offices around the UK.
We continue to offer our customers onsite consultancy time if requested, so flexibility around travel and overnight stays is expected, dependent on the project requirements. On-site time is planned ahead of time, within 2-week blocks, so you know well in advance where you will be working.
We encourage those in customer-facing roles to aim to come into the office at least once a month, and also team meetings and client meetings; however, you can work from Nottingham HQ or any Cubo office regularly if you prefer, whichever suits you.
About you (The Essentials)
Track record of growing a business practice
Consultancy experience, ideally within a partner environment
Experience across both AI/Data solution sales and delivery
Strong knowledge of Microsoft AI technologies (Azure AI, Copilot, automation and modern data platforms)
Experience engaging senior stakeholders and leading transformation initiatives
Full driver's licence and access to a vehicle
Curious, looking to challenge the status quo and improve
Collaborates well with both internal and external colleagues
Committed to personal development and becoming a Trusted Advisor in your field.
What we can offer
You will be a part of both a local and global team, where you not only share knowledge but also a laugh or two. We value our employees and leave room for flexibility so that you can enjoy a work-life balance.
At Columbus you will get;-
25 Days Annual Leave (Increasing with Service)
Columbus Benefits Hub – Discounts on Tickets, Shopping, Car leasing, Holidays, Food and More
Enhanced Maternity Pay
Access to Free Training Courses Delivered by Columbus Academy
Free Microsoft Certifications and access to Microsoft Learn
Modern Airconditioned Office Spaces fully managed by Cubo (multiple UK locations)
Free Barista Coffee and hot drinks made in-house
Free Beer and Fizz every day (2 - 5pm)
Casual Dress Code in our Offices
Personal Pension Plan
Life Assurance x4 Salary
Cycle-to-Work Scheme
£2,500 payment for successful candidate referrals (if eligible)
Flexi-phone upgrade scheme (if eligible)
Plus many many more (check out our careers pages for details)
Employee Wellbeing Program (terms apply)
Free 24/7 Access to Cubo Gym(s)
Vitality Medical Insurance
Westfield Health Cash plan (includes an Employee Assistance Lines),
Mental health first aiders
Virtual suggestion boxes
Next Steps
If this sounds like the role for you, then please drop a copy of your CV over today via our website and “Apply for this job” or CV not up-to-date? then apply using your LinkedIn profile in seconds.
You may also be prompted to "Connect with us", but please don’t worry if you don’t have the time; it does not impact your application.
In the meantime, check us out on Instagram or LinkedIn
STAY CURIOUS, COLLABORATE, BUILD TRUST, and DELIVER CUSTOMER SUCCESS
With over 1,500 colleagues across more than 10 countries, we bring global perspectives and local understanding. What unites us is our belief in creating meaningful impact — for our people, our customers, and the journey ahead.
- Business area
- Data & AI
- Locations
- -United Kingdom, Manchester
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Role Reference No.#
- D&AIL
About Columbus United Kingdom
Columbus is a consultancy company focused on helping organisations drive business value by advising, creating, and advancing the entire business. We deliver digital value through human intelligence, enabling our customers to innovate and grow.