This individual will play a major role in the vision, strategy, and delivery of enterprise‑grade AI and automation solutions for clients across industries. The individual partners with executive leaders to identify transformation opportunities, architect modern AI/ML and automation platforms, and ensure successful execution of high‑impact programs. The Director/senior manager will also expand client relationships, shape go‑to‑market offerings, and elevate the firm’s AI and automation capability through thought leadership and cross‑functional collaboration.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Define and drive AI, Automation, and Analytics strategies that align technology investments with business objectives.
- Serve as a senior advisor to client executives on modernization, data driven transformation, and AI enabled operating models.
- Lead internal capability building, including standards, governance, delivery frameworks, and best practices for enterprise AI systems.
- Contribute to thought leadership, market positioning, and development of innovative service offerings.
Technical & Delivery Leadership
- Lead solution architecture, design, and delivery of scalable, secure AI/ML, analytics, and automation solutions.
- Provide subject matter leadership in generative AI, agentic architectures, enterprise automation, and data engineering.
- Ensure rigorous model lifecycle management including validation, scalability, responsible AI governance, and ongoing monitoring.
- Guide technical teams in modern engineering practices (MLOps/LLMOps, IaC, CI/CD, cloud native development).
- Lead multiple engagement teams, ensuring quality, scope control, and technical excellence across programs
- Business Development & Client Engagement
- Build and expand executive level client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor on AI and automation strategy.
- Drive sales efforts including opportunity shaping, solutioning, proposals, and executive presentations.
- Identify and convert cross sell and expansion opportunities across existing accounts.
- Represent the AI/Automation practice in client forums, industry events, and strategic firm initiatives.
JOB COMPENTENCIES, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
- Visionary leadership and strategic thinking, with the ability to guide client executives through technology modernization initiatives, from defining application roadmaps and aligning technology to business priorities, to designing and implementing new technology solutions for clients
- Deep professional services expertise, capable of navigating complex client environments and driving outcomes that combine innovation and business value
- Skilled in leading organizational change and guiding clients through digital and operational transformation.
- Proven ability to grow client accounts, including identifying new opportunities, influencing C-level stakeholders, and closing high-value deals. Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals required.
- Strong client management skills, with the ability to build and nurture long-term client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor. Ideal candidate has deep relationships that can quickly lead to new business growth for the firm.
- Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring high-quality outcomes
- Architects and delivers scalable, secure, production-grade AI systems using advanced knowledge of Generative and Agentic AI technologies, cloud platforms, and SAAS analytic solutions, from leading providers
- Deep understanding of generative AI, agentic systems, machine learning, and enterprise data architectures.
- Hands‑on experience with RAG, LLM fine‑tuning, workflow orchestration, and production‑grade AI deployments.
- Strong Python proficiency and familiarity with modern cloud AI ecosystems (Azure, Databricks, AWS, Google).
- Understand integration concepts (APIs, connectors, data flow) and experience working with data across systems. Hands on experience in MCP a plus
- Expertise in cloud‑native architecture, software engineering, MLOps/LLMOps, CI/CD, and infrastructure as code.
- Background in full stack development or cloud-native architecture and knowledge of validation frameworks for AI/ML tools and production-ready offerings helpful
- Proven leadership and team management skills, including experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior staff in delivery settings
- Proven track record of growing enterprise client accounts and influencing C‑suite stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas to non‑technical audiences.
- Ability to lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, and EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's Degree, Information Technology, Computer Science or related field.
- One or more certifications preferred: Industry recognized AI and cloud certifications preferred (Azure, Databricks, GenAI, etc)
8+ years leading enterprise AI, Automation, or Analytics initiatives, preferably within consulting or professional services
What you can expect from us:
Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect
The opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages you
A collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional development
Competitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeing
Flexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of work
Opportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different cultures
Benefits Information:
Cherry Bekaert cares about our people. We offer competitive compensation packages based on performance that recognize the value our people bring to our clients and our Firm. The salary range for this position is included below. Individual salaries within this range are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education, knowledge, skills, and geographic location. In addition, we offer a comprehensive, high-quality benefits program which includes annual bonus, medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.
Pay Range:
Pay From: 171,000 to 240,000
About Cherry Bekaert
Cherry Bekaert, ranked among the largest assurance, tax and advisory firms in the U.S., serves clients across industries in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. For more details, visit https://www.cbh.com/disclosure/
Cherry Bekaert provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. https://careers.cbh.com/legal-disclosures/ contains further information regarding the firm's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws.
This role is expected to accept applications for at least five calendar days and may continue to be posted until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.
Candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. Cherry Bekaert will not provide work sponsorship for this position.
Cherry Bekaert LLP and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC are members of Allinial Global, an accountancy and business advisory global association. Visit us at https://careers.cbh.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
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