Director, Data & AI Technical Consulting & Architecture Lead

ppEPAM is looking for a bDirector, Data AI Technical Consulting Architecture Lead /b to join our team in bAmsterdam, Netherlands /b in a hybrid working mode. /ppYou will act as a senior technology leader who thrives at the intersection of executive advisory, architecture leadership, and production-ready AI. This role combines relationship building within a strategic client account with practice-level leadership across Western Europe — shaping next-generation Data, Analytics, and (Gen)AI offerings and driving complex pre-sales from strategy through implementation. /ppYou will be a trusted advisor to C-suite and senior technology stakeholders, identify and qualify high-value opportunities, and provide hands-on technical consulting leadership where it matters — building lightweight PoVs/PoCs and challenging architecture decisions. This is not a full-time engineering role, but you must be strong enough to prototype, de-risk solutions, and guide teams toward robust target-state architectures. /ppThe role involves working in a hybrid working mode with weekly client site presence in Zaandam. /ph3Responsibilities /h3ulliServe as a trusted C-suite level advisor, defining enterprise data, analytics, and AI strategies, roadmaps, and investment cases tied to measurable business outcomes /liliBuild and maintain deep relationships with data, architecture, engineering, and AI leaders within the account, creating credibility through strong technical judgment /liliRapidly understand the client’s technology landscape (platforms, governance, security, operating model) and translate constraints into pragmatic transformation sequencing /liliIdentify, shape, and own a portfolio of Data AI opportunities — turning early ideas into qualified pursuits with clear value, scope, risks, and next steps /liliArchitect end-to-end solutions across cloud-scale data platforms, integration, security, governance, MLOps/LLMOps, and application ecosystems, balancing time-to-value with sustainability /liliLead hands‑on PoVs/PoCs, demos, and technical prototypes (e.g., lakehouse patterns, RAG/agentic workflows, evaluation/observability) to validate feasibility and accelerate decisions /liliDrive complex pre-sales: lead discovery, respond to RFPs/RFIs, produce high-impact architecture narratives, and deliver executive pitches for large-scale engagements /liliShape, scope, and price consulting engagements; define delivery models and team structures (onshore/nearshore/offshore) and ensure strong technical governance /liliMobilize specialist teams and ensure continuity from initial concept through PoC to implementation and adoption, aligning expectations and delivery outcomes /liliChampion Responsible AI and security-by-design, advising on ethical deployment, bias mitigation, auditability, and regulatory readiness (including EU AI Act considerations), while contributing to broader go-to-market offerings and thought leadership /li /ulh3Requirements /h3ulliProven experience in a Director/Principal/CTO-level role within consulting/technology services, leading enterprise-scale Data AI transformations and architecture decisions /liliExceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills, able to influence CIO/CTO/CDO and senior engineering leadership with clarity and credibility /liliStrong track record in business development and pre‑sales — qualifying opportunities, shaping deals, and securing funding for complex, high‑value programs /liliHands‑on expertise with Databricks and lakehouse patterns, including Spark, SQL, Delta Lake, and Unity Catalog (governance, access control, lineage concepts) /liliPractical, production-minded knowledge of AI/GenAI patterns, including RAG and agentic workflows, plus MLflow and core MLOps/LLMOps lifecycle practices /liliDeep understanding of data architecture and engineering best practices: ingestion/integration, batch/streaming, data modeling, data products, and reliability/observability /liliStrong grounding in cloud platforms (Azure/AWS/GCP) and enterprise security principles (IAM, network controls, encryption, secrets, auditability) /liliAbility to independently build or lead a working prototype to de-risk architecture, performance, cost, and security assumptions (not a full‑time builder, but hands‑on when needed) /liliCommercial and strategic mindset: able to translate technical options into business cases (ROI/TCO), delivery approaches, and executive‑ready decision material /liliNice to have: retail/consumer goods/supply chain/eCommerce/loyalty domain exposure; Azure/Microsoft data platform experience; Databricks certifications; fluency in Dutch (or another European language) /li /ulh3We offer /h3ulli26 paid holiday days /liliPension plan scheme /liliDisability insurance (WGA Shortfall insurance) /liliLong‑term disability insurance (WIA Top up insurance) /liliEPAM Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) /liliCommuting to work - costs reimbursement /liliLaptop + corporate simcard + corporate mobile device (subject to certain eligibility requirements) /liliBike lease /liliEmployee Assistance Program /liliCorporate Programs including Employee Referral Program with rewards /liliLearning and development opportunities including in-house training and coaching, professional certifications, and courses /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr