Lead Consultant - Data Architecture & Engineering

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That’s why we pledge to support and empower all of our people to make a positive impact when working hand in hand with our business to drive change. We'll help you accelerate your career and empower you with the right technology and training as you bring ideas and projects to life.

Together with your colleagues, clients and partners, you'll make an impact that is felt by all. See where your commitment could take you.
 

Who are we looking for?

GHD is seeking a Lead Consultant - Data Architecture & Engineering to join our Americas Business Advisory practice. This role is a senior seller‑doer position for a technically deep consulting leader who combines strong market-facing capabilities with hands-on expertise in data architecture, data engineering, and advanced analytics.

The Data, Analytics & AI Team partners with public and private sector clients to define information-driven strategies, design and implement modern data platforms, and deliver advanced analytics and AI solutions that improve decision-making, performance, and compliance. At GHD, we go beyond strategy by delivering end-to-end solutions from business problem definition through architecture, build, and implementation in real-world operating environments.

This role will lead client engagements, shape and sell new work, and provide technical and delivery leadership across complex data and AI programs.

Preferred offices include Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture!  Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility.  Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

Market Leadership and Business Development

• Act as a seller‑doer, originating, shaping, and closing data, analytics, and AI opportunities across priority markets
• Build trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders, including executives and operational leaders
• Lead proposal development, solution shaping, and commercial structuring for complex consulting engagements
• Partner with market, sector, and account leaders to identify high‑value use cases and growth opportunities
• Contribute to the evolution of GHD’s Data, Analytics & AI offerings and go‑to‑market strategy

Client and Engagement Leadership

• Lead large, complex data and digital transformation programs from strategy through implementation
• Serve as the senior engagement lead for key clients, accountable for scope, quality, outcomes, and financial performance
• Translate business objectives into scalable data architecture, analytics, and AI solutions
• Facilitate executive workshops and working sessions to define vision, roadmap, and investment priorities
• Present insights, recommendations, and progress updates to executive and governance audiences

Technical and Solution Leadership

• Provide hands-on technical leadership in data architecture, data engineering, and analytics solution design
• Lead the creation and execution of enterprise data and AI strategies, roadmaps, and reference architectures
• Guide the design of modern data platforms across cloud and hybrid environments
• Oversee solution design involving analytics, machine learning, generative AI, computer vision, and digital twins
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with data governance and operating model requirements

Team Leadership and Capability Development

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams of data engineers, data scientists, and analytics consultants
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and practical problem solving
• Set technical standards, review solution designs, and provide quality assurance across engagements
• Support talent development, coaching, and growth of future technical and consulting leaders

Thought Leadership and Innovation

• Stay current on emerging trends in data platforms, analytics, AI, and digital transformation
• Drive adoption of AI-enabled solutions relevant to infrastructure, environment, and asset‑intensive sectors
• Contribute to internal thought leadership, client presentations, and industry forums

What you will bring to the team:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field strongly preferred

• 10+ years of experience in data analytics, data engineering, and AI, with at least 5 years in a senior consulting or leadership role
• Proven experience as a seller‑doer in a consulting environment, including business development and client leadership
• Deep experience defining and implementing enterprise data architectures and analytics platforms
• Strong background working with public and private sector clients on complex, multi‑stakeholder engagements
• Demonstrated ability to bridge business strategy and technical execution

Technical Expertise

• Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and modern data platforms and engineering patterns
• Strong experience with cloud data platforms such as Azure, Databricks, and Snowflake.  
• Experience with machine learning and AI frameworks and analytics platforms
• Experience with data visualization and decision‑support tools such as Power BI
• Familiarity with data governance, data management, and operating model design

Leadership Skills

• Executive‑level communication and presentation skills
• Strong stakeholder management and facilitation capabilities
• Ability to lead teams, influence without authority, and operate in matrixed environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in data strategy, cloud architecture, AI, or digital transformation
• Experience implementing enterprise‑scale data platforms and governance frameworks
• Background in infrastructure, environmental, industrial, or asset‑intensive sectors

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As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.