**Introduction** IBM Consulting is seeking a visionary Associate Partner to join our expanding Microsoft Data & AI practice. This strategic leadership role is pivotal in driving growth, shaping enterprise-grade solutions, and leading delivery across transformative engagements within the Consumer, Industrial, and Communications sectors. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior clients, guiding them in leveraging Azure, Generative AI, and AI governance frameworks to foster innovation and enhance business performance. **Your role and responsibilities** As an Associate Partner, you will: * Own the strategy, go-to-market (GTM), and delivery execution for data and AI consulting engagements—leading pursuits, shaping solutions, and delivering measurable value for clients. * Design and implement Microsoft Azure-based solutions encompassing Generative AI, data platforms, automation, and analytics. * Build and maintain executive client relationships, co-developing AI strategies and transformation roadmaps aligned with business objectives. * Collaborate with IBM’s Microsoft alliance, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners to drive pipeline growth and solution innovation. * Lead cross-functional delivery teams, ensuring success across the project lifecycle—from discovery through to scaled implementation. * Drive the adoption of AI governance and responsible AI practices, ensuring compliance, ethical AI use, and operational integrity in all solutions. • • Contribute to practice growth through strategic planning, talent development, and operational leadership **Required technical and professional expertise** * 10+ years of experience in data and AI consulting, with deep knowledge of Microsoft Azure’s AI and data stack. * Demonstrated ability to lead both go-to-market strategy and successful delivery of complex AI transformation engagements. * Proven experience working with clients in industries such as retail, consumer goods, energy, utilities, manufacturing, mining, or telecom. * Strong expertise in AI governance, responsible AI implementation, and risk management frameworks. * Successful track record of business development, proposal leadership, and executive stakeholder engagement. **Preferred technical and professional experience** * Executive presence with strong consultative, communication, and leadership skills. * Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in a matrixed consulting environment. IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.