AI Advisory Lead

Joining Arup Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

The Opportunity Across the UK, building, asset and infrastructure owners and operators are increasingly seeking strategic advice on how AI can improve design, decision making, performance, sustainability, resilience and long-term value. They are looking to organisations like Arup to advise on and develop applied AI solutions that solve real-world problems.

We are seeking an experienced and credible AI Advisory Leader (Associate / Associate Director) to join our UK, India, Middle East and Africa (UKMEA) region. This is a senior, outward-facing advisory role focused on shaping and leading Arup’s AI consulting services for clients.

You will lead early-stage client engagements, build trusted senior relationships and grow a strong pipeline of AI advisory work. You will work closely with Market Leaders across Cities, Energy, Water and Transport, and collaborate with teams spanning Digital Advisory, Digital Solutions, Data & AI, Geospatial and Technology.

The role operates primarily through influence and collaboration across markets, portfolios and disciplines, rather than direct line management of delivery capability.

The role will see you perform the following key responsibilities:

Business Development & Client Relationship Management Drive AI advisory growth by identifying opportunities, leading client engagement and work-winning activity, and building trusted senior relationships to expand partnerships across Cities, Energy, Water and Transport.

Strengthen Arup’s market position through thought leadership, major bids, proposals and negotiations, while shaping delivery and technology partnerships that support strategic pursuits.

Leadership & Advisory Delivery Act as a senior AI advisor to clients, shaping strategy, governance, investment decisions and early-stage advisory engagements.

Lead and evolve AI advisory offers aligned to client needs and Arup’s wider digital strategy, promoting responsible AI through clear guidance on ethics, regulation, risk and delivery quality.

Projects & Commercial Oversight Oversee AI advisory engagements to deliver against scope, programme and budget, with contractual arrangements aligned to Arup’s commercial objectives, risk appetite and professional obligations.

Monitor financial performance, apply effective controls and proactively manage commercial and delivery risks to support sustainable growth and healthy margins.

People, Skills & Capability Assess regional AI advisory capability and work with Digital Services leaders to shape skills development, close priority gaps and build capacity in line with market demand.

Support the growth of the team through senior hiring, mentoring, career development, succession planning and contribution to performance and promotion processes.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you? We are looking for a candidate with:

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent professional experience), with extensive experience in digital or management consulting, data, analytics or AI-enabled transformation roles.

Demonstrable experience leading AI and data strategy engagements from problem framing through to implementation roadmaps, ideally within the Built Environment across Energy, Water, Transport or Cities in the UK and Europe, or with a strong interest in developing deep sector understanding.

Proven track record in senior client relationship management, business development and building sustainable pipelines of work, alongside a highly collaborative leadership style that brings together multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex client problems.

Recognised external profile through publications, speaking engagements, industry forums or professional networks is desirable.

Not…