Managing Director - Data & AI

Pioneer is looking for a leader to build and grow our Data & AI practice in Minneapolis.

We have already laid the foundation. The Minneapolis practice pairs a world-class data, AI, and applications team with world-class change management and AI process reengineering experts, and the two groups work hand in hand on every engagement. Now we are looking for our next leader to scale the business, someone who brings AI transformation expertise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and executive-level capabilities across a range of industries and functions. You will attract top AI talent to Pioneer and keep our culture and values strong as we grow.

In this role, you will be the senior face of Pioneer's Data & AI work in Minneapolis. You will build relationships with executives, speak at local events, and sit in the boardroom when AI strategy and roadmaps get decided. Some clients will want a transformation of the whole organization. Others will start with a single function such as finance, HR, or customer experience. You will lead both, and bring the right team along.

What you will do

Drive AI transformation

• Shape and sponsor major AI transformation efforts for Minneapolis clients, from full organization change to functional enablement in finance, HR, supply chain, and beyond

• Translate business problems into clear AI strategies, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes

• Bring Pioneer's data analytics, AI, application development, change management, and AI process redesign teams together into one cohesive client experience

• Stay close to high-visibility engagements, step in with clarity and speed when it matters, and hold client satisfaction (CSAT) at 90 to 92%

Be the energy in the market

• Speak, publish, and lead conversations that make Pioneer the first name in AI in Minneapolis

• Represent Pioneer at industry events, conferences, boards, and community forums

• Bring cutting-edge ideas to clients before they know to ask for them

• Feed Minneapolis market signals back to Pioneer's National Solutions Team to sharpen firmwide offerings

Grow the business

• Own the Minneapolis Data & AI pipeline from first conversation to signed engagement. At Maturity, this will mean running $10M to $20M in active pipeline and bringing in $5M to $10M+ of new annual revenue

• Sponsor flagship pursuits from $1M to $5M+ and partner with business development to position, price, and win at a 40 to 60% win rate

• Plan and expand within a portfolio of 10+ existing Minneapolis accounts, with focus on industries where AI creates high strategic value

• Own the Minneapolis practice P&L, including $10M to $40M+ in revenue at maturity, margin and utilization in the 82 to 88% range

Own the executive relationship

• Build and sustain trusted C-suite and Board-level relationships in Minneapolis

• Become the advisor clients call first for their hardest AI and transformation decisions

• Lead executive conversations that connect AI to operating model design, workforce change, and enterprise strategy, not just technology adoption

• Show up with a point of view: what is working, what is next, and what to do on Monday

Lead the team

• Lead and develop the high-performing Minneapolis team of 20 to 50 Pioneers through 4 to 8 direct reports at maturity, and a deep bench of future leaders

• Own hiring, headcount planning, and succession, and recruit deliberately for deep data and AI talent

• Coach, calibrate, and hold the line on performance with honesty and care, keeping team engagement at 85% or higher

• Make continuous learning a competitive advantage in a fast-moving field

What you bring

Required

• 15+ years leading strategy, transformation, and technology-enabled change in complex organizations

• Executive presence. A track record of building C-suite and Board relationships and winning work, including $3M+ pursuits

• Experience on both sides of the table: operating leadership inside an enterprise and leadership in consulting or professional services

• P&L ownership and a record of growing a practice or business from small to scaled

• AI-first thinking. You know how AI creates business value, and you can tell when data foundations, governance, or platform choices are the real constraint. Hands-on engineering is not required

• Exceptional communication on stage, in writing, and in the room, from the front line to the Board

• Experience leading teams of 20+ and developing leaders

• An entrepreneurial, decisive style with a bias toward action

• Ability to travel to clients across the Twin Cities metro and beyond as required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred

• Established external presence through keynotes, publishing, or board and industry leadership

• Experience guiding full-organization or multi-function AI and change programs

• Familiarity with AI governance, responsible AI, and enterprise AI adoption at scale

• Experience with technology partner ecosystems such as Microsoft and Anthropic

• Experience advising executives through M&A, restructuring, or major operating model change

• MBA or advanced degree

Work Location: Must be able to maintain hybrid schedule in Minneapolis, MN market.

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The estimated salary range for this role is $200-$284k annually. This is based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skillset and years and depth of experience. This may differ from location to location. Bonuses and other incentives are awarded at the Company’s discretion and are based upon individual contributions and overall company performance. Pioneer is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes meaningful time off and paid holidays, parental leave, 401(k) including employer match, tuition reimbursement, and a broad range of health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, long and short-term disability, etc.