AI Innovation Thought Leader

Req ID: 323541 

NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now.

We are currently seeking a AI Innovation Thought Leader to join our team in Plano, Texas (US-TX), United States (US).

 

As an AI Innovation Thought Leader within NTT DATA, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, guiding, and championing AI initiatives that span industries and client sectors. Embedded within the AI Innovation Team—structured to function like a product development engine—you will help steer concepts from initial vision through the full development and value realization lifecycle. This role is ideal for a seasoned strategist and technologist who excels at blending AI expertise, product mindset, and executive engagement. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Act as a cross-initiative thought leader, shaping the vision and strategic direction of AI innovation efforts across key industries, including Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance, and Energy & Utilities. 

• Guide AI solution concepts from inception through delivery—treating data, capabilities, and use cases as evolving products with a lifecycle to be nurtured, scaled, and maintained. 

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership and executive stakeholders, both internally and with clients (e.g., Chief Data Officers, CTOs), to translate abstract ideas into high-impact AI assets. 

• Lead value lifecycle thinking—helping teams frame use cases, define success criteria, and align design and implementation phases to long-term business value. 

• Mentor and support Innovation Factory and Demo Team contributors to develop AI offerings that are architected for reuse, extensibility, and real-world utility. 

• Engage in client-facing advisory work, providing strategic guidance on AI adoption, architecture, and portfolio development. 

• Support presales and solutioning teams with strategic input, presentations, and proposal shaping to align offerings with client needs. 

• Contribute to internal and external thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements, and leadership roundtables. 

 

Basic Qualifications: 

• 10+ years of experience in consulting, AI strategy, or innovation leadership roles, with a strong understanding of enterprise-scale transformation. 

• 5+ years of experience leading AI or data initiatives with a product-style mindset (e.g., lifecycle thinking, roadmap development, user-centered design). 

• 2+ in a professional services role with demonstrated success in influencing C-suite executives and translating complex AI concepts into strategic business outcomes. 

• 2+ years experience in frameworks that support iterative innovation (e.g., agile, lean product development, value stream mapping). 

• Ability to travel as required (minimum 25%). 

 

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience building and maturing AI or data product portfolios across multiple industries. 

• Expertise in AI technologies including Generative AI, ML/AI Agents, NLP, and enterprise-grade AI architecture. 

• Background in enterprise data technologies like Azure Platform data capabilities, Teradata, SQL, DataStage, Informatica, Databricks, Snowflake, etc. 

• Strong storytelling, facilitation, and executive engagement skills. 

• Passion for bringing ideas to life—guiding teams through ideation, validation, prototyping, and scaling. 

 

As required by law, NTT DATA provides a reasonable range of compensation for specific roles. The starting pay range for this remote role is $164,025.00 - $250,000.00. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Actual compensation will depend on a number of factors, including the candidate’s actual work location, relevant experience, technical skills, and other qualifications.

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About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30 billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services includ