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 Toronto, Mississauga, Waterloo, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver

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

Please note:

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting is just getting started and may be used during the process to improve efficiency and fairness. Your application may be reviewed by both AI and our hiring team. While AI supports some steps through the process, all final hiring decisions are made by humans

• This position is for an existing vacancy

As a diverse and inclusive organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.

Take on some of the world’s toughest challenges - with GHD supporting you every step of the way.

We'll give you control over your career, empower you to find innovative solutions and help you create a lasting impact.

See where your commitment could take you with GHD.

Our Pledge to You
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 empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

See where your commitment could take you.
That’s the #PowerOfCommitment

Who we are 
GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, and construction expertise. We are an employee-owned company with over 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals, across more than 200 offices spanning five continents.
The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It’s what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity’s most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.