AI Consultant / AI CoE Lead (Pune-based)

About the Position

Our client is seeking a seasoned AI Consultant and Leader to helm their AI Center of Excellence (CoE), driving AI initiatives and innovation across the organization. The role involves close collaboration with the client’s leadership and business teams to identify, consult on, and propose high-impact AI projects. The AI CoE Lead will also work closely with development teams to ensure successful implementation, adoption, and scaling of AI solutions. This role is intended for Pune based candidates who are available to work from the office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary AI consultant to the client, understanding their business challenges and identifying opportunities for AI-driven innovations.
• Develop and drive the AI strategy aligned with client goals, facilitating innovation and best practices through the AI Center of Excellence.
• Lead the assessment, prioritization, and roadmap planning of AI initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product owners, data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders to scope, design, and deliver AI solutions.
• Provide expert guidance on AI technologies, frameworks, and architectures suitable for the client’s environment.
• Ensure AI projects meet business objectives, maintain technical quality, and follow ethical AI principles.
• Mentor and lead AI CoE team members to build internal AI capabilities and knowledge sharing.
• Stay abreast of AI trends, tools, and emerging technologies to advise on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, communicate roadmap progress, benefits, risks, and delivery outcomes consistently.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in AI consulting, solution architecture, or related roles, ideally with leadership responsibilities.
• Proven expertise in AI/ML technologies, frameworks, and best practices.
• Strong track record of driving AI initiatives from ideation through design and implementation in enterprise environments.
• Experience working directly with clients and executive leadership to translate business needs into AI solutions.
• Hands-on collaboration experience with development teams and data scientists.
• Solid understanding of AI ethics, data privacy, and responsible AI principles.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work in complex, fast-moving environments and manage multiple priorities.
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or related fields preferred.

Nice to Have

• Experience building or leading Centers of Excellence or CoE-like structures.
• Familiarity with cloud AI platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and AI lifecycle management tools.

Technologies

Azure, AWS, OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Anthropic, LangChain, Semantic Kernel, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, enterprise data platforms, APIs, cloud native architecture