AI Product & Strategy Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AI Product & Strategy Consultant

Company: Blend360

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: AI Strategy & Product Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic identification and prioritization of AI and data-driven opportunities across various business functions.

• Shape and guide the end-to-end lifecycle of AI-enabled products and solutions, from initial concept through to deployment and adoption.

• Drive the redesign of complex workflows and operating models by deeply understanding human behavior, judgment, and system interactions.

• Mobilize, lead, and influence cross-functional teams, including engineers, data scientists, and architects, to ensure successful project delivery and value realization.

• Develop and present clear, concise recommendations and progress updates to executive leadership and investment partners to facilitate informed decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within a pure-play data consultancy, emphasizing the strategic application of AI to solve complex business challenges and drive tangible value. The focus is on translating business needs into actionable AI product strategies and overseeing their practical implementation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth discovery sessions, including interviews and workshops, to thoroughly understand and define underlying business problems, moving beyond surface-level issues.

• Identify, assess, and prioritize AI, data, and workflow enhancement opportunities based on commercial value, operational impact, technical feasibility, and delivery risk.

• Develop comprehensive value cases, strategic roadmaps, actionable implementation plans, and measurable success criteria for AI initiatives.

• Guide the conceptualization, validation, build, deployment, and adoption phases for AI-powered products and solutions.

• Design and implement phased programs that deliver immediate business value while simultaneously establishing robust, reusable data, technology, and operational foundations.

• Redesign existing workflows and operating models by focusing on human processes, decision-making points, and behavioral drivers, not just documented procedures.

• Collaborate closely with engineers, data scientists, and architects to validate assumptions, assess data readiness, and determine optimal build-versus-buy decisions for technical components.

• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams to maintain project momentum, especially when facing ambiguity regarding priorities, ownership, data availability, or evolving requirements.

• Establish and maintain appropriate governance frameworks for project delivery, AI security, responsible AI usage, benefits tracking, and overall value realization.

• Deliver clear, compelling presentations of recommendations, identified trade-offs, and project progress to investment partners, executive committees, and senior operating leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, technical understanding, and strong leadership. The emphasis on "Redesign workflows and operating models by understanding how people work" suggests a deep dive into operational realities, not just system configurations. The requirement to "Mobilize and lead cross-functional teams" indicates a hands-on leadership approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline such as Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or Economics.

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is desirable. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in business strategy, technology, and project delivery, with a proven track record in leading enterprise-level data, AI, or digital transformation programs.

• Demonstrated success in connecting technology investments to tangible financial or operational outcomes and tracking benefits throughout the delivery lifecycle.

• Experience in leading and mobilizing cross-functional teams, managing dependencies, and supporting senior decision-making processes.

• A history of successfully managing ambiguous situations, starting from undefined problems, imperfect data, or unclear delivery paths. Required Skills:

• Exceptional executive stakeholder management skills, with the proven ability to influence and build credibility with investment partners, senior clients, technical leaders, and delivery teams.

• Proficient in simplifying ambiguous business problems, identifying critical factors, and creating sufficient clarity to enable rapid progress without prolonged strategy exercises.

• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to link technology investments to measurable financial or operational outcomes and track benefits realization.

• AI fluency and pragmatism: a deep understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, and trade-offs, enabling informed point-of-view development, assumption challenging, and recognition of when AI is not the appropriate solution.

• Expertise in AI opportunity discovery, prioritization, product strategy development, roadmap creation, and workflow or operating model redesign.

• Sufficient technical depth to effectively assess data readiness, architectural patterns, integration strategies, scalability requirements, operating costs, security considerations, and delivery risks.

• Demonstrated delivery leadership, including the ability to mobilize cross-functional teams, establish governance, manage dependencies, and support senior decision-making.

• Comfort and proficiency in initiating projects from scratch and driving them forward without complete upfront definition or perfect data.

• An action-oriented and evidence-led approach, utilizing focused testing, learning, and iteration to deliver value quickly while maintaining high standards for quality, scalability, and responsible AI use. Preferred Skills:

• Background in top-tier strategy or management consulting, AI or technology transformation leadership, product leadership, or innovation roles, complemented by hands-on delivery experience.

• Practical experience with generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and enterprise knowledge systems.

• Knowledge of data architecture principles, data readiness assessments, cloud AI platform capabilities, enterprise integration patterns, AI governance frameworks, security protocols, and responsible AI practices.

• A demonstrable track record of transforming unclear opportunities into scalable, delivered solutions, making sound trade-offs, and achieving measurable business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong blend of strategic consulting, deep AI/data knowledge, and practical delivery leadership. The "10+ years" requirement and the emphasis on executive stakeholder skills position this as a senior-level role requiring significant experience in complex transformations. The "AI fluent and pragmatic" requirement is key, indicating a need for a balanced perspective on AI's potential and limitations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership of enterprise-level data, AI, or digital transformation programs, highlighting strategic impact and measurable outcomes.

• Include case studies of AI opportunity discovery, prioritization, and roadmap development, clearly articulating the commercial value and operational impact identified.

• Present examples of how you have shaped AI-enabled products or solutions from concept through to successful deployment and adoption.

• Demonstrate experience in redesigning workflows and operating models, providing evidence of how human processes and behaviors were analyzed and improved.

• Include documentation or descriptions of phased programs that delivered near-term value while establishing foundational elements for future scalability. Process Documentation:

• Examples of discovery processes used to uncover underlying business problems, detailing methodologies like interviews, workshops, and analytical techniques.

• Documentation outlining the frameworks used for prioritizing AI opportunities, considering factors such as commercial value, operational impact, feasibility, and risk.

• Case studies illustrating the translation of opportunities into clear value cases, roadmaps, implementation plans, and measurable success criteria.

• Examples of governance frameworks established for AI delivery, including aspects of security, responsible use, and benefits tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and focus on strategy and delivery, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but demonstrate a strategic thought process, ability to navigate ambiguity, cross-functional leadership, and tangible business impact derived from AI initiatives. The emphasis on understanding human workflows alongside technical systems is a unique aspect to highlight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for senior AI Product & Strategy Consultants in London with 10+ years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated between £100,000 - £150,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the strategic nature of the role, required expertise, and the cost of living in London. Benefits:

• Accreditation as a "Great Place To Work" across all office locations, signifying a positive and supportive work environment.

• Active participation in and championing of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting a commitment to representation and fairness.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in cutting-edge AI and data technologies.

• Exposure to a wide variety of industries and challenging business problems, fostering diverse project experience.

• Collaborative work environment with expert colleagues in data science, BI, and data engineering.

• Potential for international exposure, given offices in the US, Uruguay, and India. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team agreements, but core office presence is anticipated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior consulting roles in AI and technology strategy in London. Blend360's "Great Place To Work" accreditation and DEI focus are significant cultural indicators that benefit operations professionals seeking a supportive and inclusive environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data & AI Consulting. Blend360 operates as a "pure play" data consultancy, differentiating itself by focusing exclusively on data-related services, including strategy, consulting, data science, BI, and data engineering.

Company Size: Blend360 is a growing international company with offices in Edinburgh, the US, Uruguay, and India, indicating a mid-to-large size enterprise with significant reach and a substantial employee base (likely hundreds, given Inc. 5000 recognition).

Founded: The company's founding date is not explicitly stated, but its Inc. 5000 list inclusion suggests significant growth and established operations. Its multiple international offices and "Great Place To Work" accreditation across locations point to a well-structured and culturally developed organization.

Team Structure:

• The AI Product & Strategy Consultant will likely be part of a senior consulting team, working alongside other strategists, project managers, and delivery leads.

• Reporting structure is expected to be to a Director or Partner within the data consultancy, with direct interaction with client executive committees and investment partners.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core element, involving close partnerships with data engineers, data scientists, BI specialists, and client-side operational and technical teams. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Blend360 emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging advanced analytics and data science to uncover insights and inform strategic recommendations.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The company focuses on practical value creation, which includes redesigning and optimizing existing business workflows and operating models for efficiency and impact.

• Automation & Efficiency: A key aspect of their work involves leveraging AI and data technologies to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and drive operational efficiency for clients.

Company Website: blend360.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Blend360's identity as an award-winning "pure play" data consultancy is a key differentiator. Their emphasis on co-creating value, practical application ("nothing we do is designed to be left on the shelf"), and being a "Great Place To Work" with strong DEI focus paints a picture of a forward-thinking, client-centric, and employee-valued organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the AI and data strategy domain. It's a crucial role for driving client engagements from strategic conception through to tangible delivery, requiring a blend of business acumen, technical understanding, and strong interpersonal skills. It sits at the intersection of strategy, product management, and hands-on consulting.

Reporting Structure: The AI Product & Strategy Consultant will likely report to a senior leader such as a Practice Lead, Director, or Partner within Blend360's consulting practice. They will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy while maintaining alignment with the firm's strategic objectives and client needs.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing client business strategies, operational efficiency, and revenue generation through the successful implementation of AI solutions. Success is measured by the tangible business outcomes achieved for clients, demonstrating ROI and driving transformation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific AI domains (e.g., generative AI, agentic AI, MLops) or industry verticals.

• Leadership Progression: Advance into roles with greater client portfolio responsibility, team leadership, or firm-wide strategic development (e.g., Partner, Head of AI Practice).

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through industry conferences, certifications, and exposure to cutting-edge projects and technologies. Mentorship from senior leaders within Blend360.

• Business Development: Contribute to business development efforts by identifying new client opportunities and shaping proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is not just about executing tasks but about shaping strategic direction for clients and the firm. The growth path is clearly defined towards senior leadership and specialized expertise, aligning with the consulting industry's typical progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," implying a requirement for regular presence at Blend360's London office. This fosters collaboration, team cohesion, and direct client engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is London, England, United Kingdom. Specific office details (e.g., address, amenities) would need to be confirmed, but London offers a vibrant professional environment with excellent connectivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is expected to foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging interaction and knowledge sharing among consultants, data scientists, and engineers.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Consultants will have access to the necessary tools and technologies to support their work, including potentially advanced analytics platforms, collaboration software, and project management tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, client workshops, and informal interactions are likely part of the daily routine, promoting a dynamic and engaged work setting.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected. While the role is on-site, the demanding nature of consulting may require occasional flexibility to meet client deadlines or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is important for candidates seeking a traditional office-based consulting role. Blend360's global presence suggests a well-established operational framework for its offices, likely providing a professional and well-equipped workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the 10+ years of experience and core skill requirements.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving Exercise: Expect a challenging scenario that requires you to define a business problem, identify AI opportunities, propose a strategic approach, and outline a delivery plan. This may involve assessing data readiness, technical feasibility, and value proposition.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with senior leaders and potential team members to assess executive presence, communication skills, ability to influence, and cultural fit. You'll likely discuss past experiences in detail, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.

• Technical/AI Depth Assessment: Questions may delve into your understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, specific technologies (e.g., generative AI, ML), and your approach to assessing technical feasibility and risk.

• Final Round: Discussions with senior partners or hiring managers to finalize fit, discuss compensation, and outline the onboarding process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: For each project presented, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, the AI/data solutions proposed, your role in leading the initiative, and the measurable business outcomes achieved.

• Process Optimization Examples: Highlight instances where you redesigned workflows or operating models, explaining your methodology for understanding human behavior and documenting process improvements.

• Ambiguity Navigation: Be prepared to discuss how you've handled projects with unclear requirements, imperfect data, or undefined delivery paths, showcasing your ability to create clarity and drive action.

• Stakeholder Management: Provide specific examples of how you influenced and managed expectations of senior executives, investment partners, and cross-functional teams.

• Technical Pragmatism: Demonstrate your balanced view on AI, showing where it was the right solution and where alternative approaches were considered or recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Frameworks: Refresh your knowledge of frameworks for problem diagnosis, opportunity identification, AI strategy formulation, and roadmap development.

• AI Fundamentals: Ensure a solid understanding of current AI trends, capabilities, limitations, and common implementation challenges across various domains (e.g., ML, Generative AI).

• Consulting Skills: Practice articulating complex ideas concisely, structuring your thoughts logically, and presenting trade-offs effectively. Prepare to defend your recommendations with data and sound reasoning.

• Blend360 Context: Research Blend360's services, client industries, and case studies to tailor your responses and demonstrate an understanding of their business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will be rigorous, designed to assess strategic thinking, practical AI knowledge, and leadership capabilities. A well-curated portfolio that showcases problem-solving, strategic impact, and hands-on leadership is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AI/ML Platforms: Familiarity with cloud-based AI platforms (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, Google AI Platform) and their associated services.

• Data Science & Analytics Tools: Proficiency in tools for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, such as Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn), R, SQL, and BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Project Management & Collaboration: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Confluence, and Microsoft Teams for managing projects, tracking progress, and facilitating team communication.

• Consulting Frameworks & Presentation Software: Expertise in presentation tools like PowerPoint/Google Slides, and familiarity with consulting frameworks for strategy development and problem-solving.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with leading BI platforms for creating dashboards, reports, and performing deep-dive analyses to track performance and benefits.

• Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools that enable clear and impactful communication of data insights to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Performance Tracking Systems: Ability to design and implement systems for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to AI initiatives and overall business impact.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) can be leveraged for AI initiatives and operational improvements.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools and methodologies for automating business processes, which may include RPA, workflow engines, or custom scripting.

• Integration Platforms: Knowledge of how different systems and data sources are integrated to support AI models and enterprise-wide data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for broad familiarity with the modern data and AI technology landscape, from cloud platforms and ML libraries to BI tools and project management software. The ability to assess technical feasibility suggests an understanding of architectural patterns and integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Value Creation: A primary focus on delivering tangible, measurable business outcomes and ROI for clients, ensuring AI initiatives have a real-world impact.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using data and evidence to inform strategic recommendations, validate assumptions, and track progress.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on working closely with clients and internal teams, fostering a partnership approach to problem-solving and delivery.

• Innovation & Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages exploration of new AI technologies and methodologies, with a commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.

• Pragmatism & Action Orientation: A bias towards practical solutions and swift action, balanced with a focus on quality, scalability, and responsible execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encourages seamless collaboration between strategy, data science, engineering, and client teams to ensure holistic solutions.

• Process Review & Iteration: A culture that embraces iterative development and continuous improvement, with regular feedback loops for refining strategies and solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active promotion of knowledge sharing and best practices across the consultancy and with clients to foster collective growth and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Blend360's "Great Place To Work" status and active DEI initiatives suggest a culture that values employee well-being, inclusivity, and a positive working environment. The core values likely revolve around client success, technical excellence, and ethical AI application.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Addressing complex business problems where the underlying issues are not clearly defined, requiring strong diagnostic and simplification skills.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and effective collaboration across diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting priorities or technical understanding.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly quantifying and proving the business value and return on investment of AI initiatives to secure continued investment and adoption.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of AI technologies, understanding new capabilities, and assessing their practical applicability.

• Responsible AI Implementation: Ensuring ethical considerations, security, and responsible use are integrated into AI solutions from the outset.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Opportunities to develop deep expertise in emerging AI fields such as generative AI, agentic AI, or MLOps through dedicated projects and training.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining broad experience across various industries by working with a diverse client base, enhancing adaptability and strategic breadth.

• Leadership Development: Structured programs and mentorship to cultivate leadership skills necessary for managing client relationships, teams, and strategic initiatives.

• Certification & Conferences: Support for pursuing relevant industry certifications and attending key AI and data science conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also rich growth opportunities. The ability to thrive in ambiguity and drive consensus across diverse teams will be key to success and professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to turn a complex, ambiguous business problem into a clear AI opportunity. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your discovery, prioritization, and value articulation methodology.)

• "How do you assess the feasibility and potential risks of an AI initiative, especially when data or technical infrastructure is suboptimal?" (Prepare to discuss your technical depth and pragmatic approach to risk mitigation.)

• "Walk us through a phased program you designed to deliver near-term value while building long-term data and technology foundations. What were the key trade-offs?" (Highlight your program design, prioritization, and strategic sequencing skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How would you approach building trust and influencing senior executives who may be skeptical about AI or have limited technical understanding?" (Demonstrate your executive presence, communication skills, and understanding of stakeholder management.)

• "Blend360 emphasizes 'co-creating value.' How do you foster a collaborative environment with clients to ensure shared ownership and successful outcomes?" (Showcase your partnership approach and client-centric mindset.)

• "Describe a situation where AI was not the right solution for a business problem. How did you identify this, and what alternative recommendations did you provide?" (Illustrate your AI pragmatism and strategic judgment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives, highlighting the problem, your strategic approach, the solution, your leadership role, and the measurable impact.

• Quantifiable Results: Focus on presenting concrete metrics and business outcomes (e.g., revenue increase, cost reduction, efficiency gains) to demonstrate ROI.

• Process Clarity: Clearly explain your methodologies for discovery, prioritization, roadmap development, and workflow redesign.

• Interactive Discussion: Be prepared for deep dives into your projects, ready to answer detailed questions about challenges, decisions, and alternatives considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep AI understanding, practical delivery experience, and strong stakeholder management skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase your ability to navigate complexity and drive tangible business results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this AI Product & Strategy Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor your CV: Emphasize your 10+ years of experience in business strategy, technology, and AI/digital transformation programs. Highlight leadership roles, stakeholder management successes, and specific achievements in driving value realization through AI.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your ability to identify AI opportunities, shape product strategies, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Prepare concise summaries and be ready to present them.

• Prepare for case studies: Practice articulating your approach to solving ambiguous business problems using AI, focusing on strategic frameworks, technical feasibility assessment, and value case development.

• Research Blend360: Understand their "pure play" data consultancy model, their focus on co-creating value, and their commitment to being a "Great Place To Work." This will help you align your responses to their culture and mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.