Principal Data Strategist

About the role

This role involves high-level consulting to help clients define and execute data strategies that align with their business goals. You will act as a bridge between technical teams and C-level stakeholders to build modern data architectures and AI-driven solutions. This is a hands-on leadership position focused on growing capabilities and securing new business rather than managing large existing departments.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Partner with clients to assess their current data ecosystem and design long-term strategic roadmaps.
• Lead the end-to-end development of data solutions and oversee initial program phases.
• Translate complex technical concepts into business value for senior leadership.
• Define governance frameworks covering data security, privacy, and compliance.
• Collaborate with sales teams to shape proposals and win new engagements.
• Mentor and coach team members to build internal data strategy expertise.
• Create and promote reusable assets and thought leadership to expand market presence.

Requirements

• 10+ years of hands-on and leadership experience in data and AI.
• Proven track record in a professional services or consultancy environment within the last 5 years.
• Experience shaping and winning data or AI deals valued at €3M or higher within the last 3 to 5 years.
• Demonstrated success in growing a practice or developing go-to-market assets.
• Proficiency in German at a B2 level minimum, with C1 strongly preferred.
• Ability to maintain hands-on technical credibility while operating at a strategic advisory level.
• Expertise in data governance, data-as-a-product paradigms, and federated governance.

Skills & tools

• Data platform architecture
• AI and Machine Learning landscapes
• Data lineage, quality, and classification frameworks
• Stakeholder management and C-level advisory
• Business development and proposal creation

Practical notes

• Thoughtworks utilizes AI tools for administrative recruitment tasks, but all hiring decisions are made by human recruiters and managers.
• Candidates without the required German proficiency may be considered if they possess exceptional consulting credentials in data and AI.