Data & AI Enablement Director
LEK, Chicago, IL, United States
L.E.K. Consulting is one of the premier strategy consulting firms worldwide. At L.E.K., we are passionate about helping our clients succeed with breakthrough insights that drive real impact. Our clients view us as trusted partners that help address their most pressing challenges and biggest opportunities.
We bring together the rigor of data-driven analysis with the creativity and curiosity of a collaborative team. By hiring exceptional people and fostering a culture of ownership, inclusion, and continuous learning, we develop leaders who thrive on challenge and bring energy and optimism to every engagement. Founded in 1983, L.E.K. employs more than 2,200 professionals across five continents, and is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s best firms to work for. For more information, visit lek.com.
Overview of Data & AI Enablement Lead
We are seeking an experienced Director, Data & AI Enablement, accountable for enterprise-wide strategy, architecture, and delivery of our enterprise data ecosystem. This role sits within our global IT organization and focuses on advancing Microsoft Fabric capabilities, enterprise data architecture, integration, and AI enablement across the firm. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in enterprise data platforms, cloud architecture, and AI/GenAI enablement, along with the ability to lead and develop a global team in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Assist in developing, supporting and executing the firm’s enterprise data and AI, aligned with the CIO and the L.E.K. AI Leadership team Partner with senior IT and business stakeholders to align data, integration, development, and AI strategies with global objectives Prepare and present data strategy updates to the Senior Director of Global IT, CIO and governance committees Provide thought leadership on scalable, modular architecture and AI-enabled solutions Attract, retain, and develop top talent across the global Data & AI Enablement function Microsoft Fabric & Cloud Platforms
Lead implementation and management of the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem (e.g., Data Factory, Synapse, OneLake, Power BI) Ensure seamless connectivity and governance across the end-to-end Fabric ecosystem Oversee Azure-based data architecture to ensure scalability, reliability, and performance Define engineering standards and delivery excellence framework for team and collaborate with IT leadership and developing standards and framework for entire Global IT function Data Architecture, Warehousing & Integration
Define and manage enterprise-scale data warehousing strategies across SQL Server, Azure SQL Set design, architectural standards and hold function accountable for adherence to architecture strategy Define performance optimization and scaling practices for data estate. Ensure data warehouse design supports AI/ML workloads, advanced analytics, and real-time reporting needs Optimize database performance through Sharding, Bucketing, indexing, partitioning, caching, and query tuning Data Management & Governance
Lead data governance, metadata management, and master data initiatives Establish enterprise data standards, policies, and stewardship practices Oversee reporting and analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) Support and implement AI/Generative AI initiatives as defined by the CIO and AI Leadership, including AI/ML, LLMs, and Generative AI adoption, and build outs of custom GPTs and Agents Enable AI-driven data use cases leveraging Azure Data Fabric and related tools Oversee workflow orchestration and automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, or similar platforms Partner with business units to design AI-enabled solutions that drive insights and innovation Governance & Compliance
Partner with Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams to support enterprise data governance, helping ensure policies, standards, and stewardship frameworks are applied consistently across business units and geographies Collaborate with Legal and Risk to support compliance with global data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and data residency requirements, contributing to the firm’s efforts to meet evolving regulatory obligations Contribute to the firm’s data classification framework in partnership with Legal and Risk, supporting standards for data sensitivity, access controls, and lifecycle management Support data audit readiness in coordination with Legal and Risk, helping the organization respond to regulatory inquiries, internal audits, and client due diligence requests related to data handling Partner with the IT Information Security teams to ensure data platform architecture meets enterprise security standards and that access governance across the Fabric ecosystem is consistently enforced Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred 15+ years of experience in data management, enterprise architecture, or integration leadership including 3+ years in a senior leadership capacity Demonstrated experience building and leading multi-disciplinary, global teams of technology professionals Experience presenting to senior IT leadership and cross-functional stakeholders Experience managing technology budgets and vendor contracts/relationships Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric ecosystem (e.g. Data Factory, Synapse, OneLake) and Azure cloud data platforms Strong experience with data warehousing, data modeling, and performance optimization Experience with APIs, data integration, and enterprise system connectivity Proven track record in data governance, MDM, and data quality initiatives Experience leading and developing global teams Familiarity with AI/ML, GenAI, and workflow automation tools Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging senior leaders Understanding of global data regulations, data residency, and multi-region operations Prior senior manager or director-level technology leadership experience required Prior consulting experience (e.g., Big Four) preferred Working Conditions
Ability to collaborate across global time zones Additional Information
The expected base salary range for this position is $185,000 – $210,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and location. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. L.E.K. Consulting offers a competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, HSA contributions (where applicable), paid time off, and other firm-sponsored benefits. This role is based in any of our US offices and follows our hybrid work model for U.S. offices. We require employees to be in their assigned home office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week, as well as the first Friday of each month. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for employer sponsorship. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider candidates requiring visa sponsorship, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, F-1 (OPT/CPT/STEM), or other work authorization. L.E.K. Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. In accordance with applicable state and local laws, we will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances.
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We are seeking an experienced Director, Data & AI Enablement, accountable for enterprise-wide strategy, architecture, and delivery of our enterprise data ecosystem. This role sits within our global IT organization and focuses on advancing Microsoft Fabric capabilities, enterprise data architecture, integration, and AI enablement across the firm. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in enterprise data platforms, cloud architecture, and AI/GenAI enablement, along with the ability to lead and develop a global team in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Assist in developing, supporting and executing the firm’s enterprise data and AI, aligned with the CIO and the L.E.K. AI Leadership team Partner with senior IT and business stakeholders to align data, integration, development, and AI strategies with global objectives Prepare and present data strategy updates to the Senior Director of Global IT, CIO and governance committees Provide thought leadership on scalable, modular architecture and AI-enabled solutions Attract, retain, and develop top talent across the global Data & AI Enablement function Microsoft Fabric & Cloud Platforms
Lead implementation and management of the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem (e.g., Data Factory, Synapse, OneLake, Power BI) Ensure seamless connectivity and governance across the end-to-end Fabric ecosystem Oversee Azure-based data architecture to ensure scalability, reliability, and performance Define engineering standards and delivery excellence framework for team and collaborate with IT leadership and developing standards and framework for entire Global IT function Data Architecture, Warehousing & Integration
Define and manage enterprise-scale data warehousing strategies across SQL Server, Azure SQL Set design, architectural standards and hold function accountable for adherence to architecture strategy Define performance optimization and scaling practices for data estate. Ensure data warehouse design supports AI/ML workloads, advanced analytics, and real-time reporting needs Optimize database performance through Sharding, Bucketing, indexing, partitioning, caching, and query tuning Data Management & Governance
Lead data governance, metadata management, and master data initiatives Establish enterprise data standards, policies, and stewardship practices Oversee reporting and analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) Support and implement AI/Generative AI initiatives as defined by the CIO and AI Leadership, including AI/ML, LLMs, and Generative AI adoption, and build outs of custom GPTs and Agents Enable AI-driven data use cases leveraging Azure Data Fabric and related tools Oversee workflow orchestration and automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, or similar platforms Partner with business units to design AI-enabled solutions that drive insights and innovation Governance & Compliance
Partner with Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams to support enterprise data governance, helping ensure policies, standards, and stewardship frameworks are applied consistently across business units and geographies Collaborate with Legal and Risk to support compliance with global data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and data residency requirements, contributing to the firm’s efforts to meet evolving regulatory obligations Contribute to the firm’s data classification framework in partnership with Legal and Risk, supporting standards for data sensitivity, access controls, and lifecycle management Support data audit readiness in coordination with Legal and Risk, helping the organization respond to regulatory inquiries, internal audits, and client due diligence requests related to data handling Partner with the IT Information Security teams to ensure data platform architecture meets enterprise security standards and that access governance across the Fabric ecosystem is consistently enforced Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred 15+ years of experience in data management, enterprise architecture, or integration leadership including 3+ years in a senior leadership capacity Demonstrated experience building and leading multi-disciplinary, global teams of technology professionals Experience presenting to senior IT leadership and cross-functional stakeholders Experience managing technology budgets and vendor contracts/relationships Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric ecosystem (e.g. Data Factory, Synapse, OneLake) and Azure cloud data platforms Strong experience with data warehousing, data modeling, and performance optimization Experience with APIs, data integration, and enterprise system connectivity Proven track record in data governance, MDM, and data quality initiatives Experience leading and developing global teams Familiarity with AI/ML, GenAI, and workflow automation tools Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging senior leaders Understanding of global data regulations, data residency, and multi-region operations Prior senior manager or director-level technology leadership experience required Prior consulting experience (e.g., Big Four) preferred Working Conditions
Ability to collaborate across global time zones Additional Information
The expected base salary range for this position is $185,000 – $210,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and location. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. L.E.K. Consulting offers a competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, HSA contributions (where applicable), paid time off, and other firm-sponsored benefits. This role is based in any of our US offices and follows our hybrid work model for U.S. offices. We require employees to be in their assigned home office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week, as well as the first Friday of each month. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for employer sponsorship. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider candidates requiring visa sponsorship, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, F-1 (OPT/CPT/STEM), or other work authorization. L.E.K. Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. In accordance with applicable state and local laws, we will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances.
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