Strategy Manager - Data & AI

Role purpose As an AI \& Data Strategy Lead, you will connect business vision to technology partners and platform roadmap for AI and Data initiatives across the retail business. You will lead research and strategic analysis that shapes how the business adopts AI and data, working closely with technology partners to translate direction into a clear, practical roadmap. This is a strategy and research-focused role rather than a hands-on delivery or configuration position. You will translate business vision into an actionable AI and Data strategy, build and manage relationships with technology partners, and act as the key link between business leadership and the technology roadmap. Key Responsibilities Strategy \& research * Conduct market, technology and competitor research to inform AI and Data strategy for the retail business. * Translate business vision into a clear, prioritised AI and Data strategy and roadmap. * Provide thought leadership across customer experience, merchandising, supply chain, inventory and personalisation use cases enabled by AI and data. Technology partnerships * Identify, evaluate and build relationships with technology partners and platform vendors relevant to the AI and Data roadmap. * Act as the link between business stakeholders and technology partners, ensuring the roadmap reflects strategic, operational and customer needs. * Coordinate with internal teams and partners to validate feasibility, sequencing and dependencies across the roadmap. Stakeholder engagement and reporting * Present strategy, research findings and roadmap updates to senior stakeholders and leadership. * Track progress against the roadmap, flag risks and dependencies, and refine strategy based on emerging research and partner input. Candidate Profile Essential experience and capabilities * Demonstrated experience in AI and Data strategy, research or advisory roles, ideally within retail or a similar consumer-facing sector. * Ability to translate business vision into a practical AI and Data roadmap in partnership with technology vendors. * Skilled in market and technology research, with the ability to synthesise findings into clear, actionable recommendations. * Experience building and managing relationships with technology partners and platform vendors. * Strong understanding of retail business models, customer journeys and operational challenges, with the ability to translate these into AI and Data-enabled solutions. * Experience with large-scale retail datasets such as POS, inventory, supply chain and customer/CRM data. * Good understanding of modern data platforms (at least one) such as Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake or Databricks, and their application in retail. Desirable experience * Good understanding of leading frontier AI models and their application in the retail sector. * Experience in IT strategy and transformation engagements, including roadmap, operating model and governance design. * Knowledge of AI governance frameworks and responsible AI practices. What's on Offer * Competitive, fair and rewarding compensation and benefits. * Hybrid working based in London. * Exposure to diverse AI and Data strategy work across a leading retail business. * Career growth and development within an established, fast-growing consultancy. * A people-first, flexible culture that supports work-life balance.