Lead Technologist - AI

As Lead Technologist – AI, you will act as the Bechtle’s lead technical authority for Artificial Intelligence, Copilot, and emerging agentic technologies.

This role blends strategic advisory capability with hands-on technical expertise. You will work with customers to define AI strategies, deliver practical AI adoption roadmaps, and build real solutions using modern AI platforms – from discovery and planning through to implementation.

Your mission is to translate AI opportunity into practical customer outcomes, helping organisations move from experimentation to operational AI. You will also lead the creation of Bechtle’s AI practice as a framework to grow capability and accelerate AI adoption both internally and for customers.

This role combines technology leadership, consulting, and innovation, requiring both high-level strategic thinking and the ability to design and build working AI solutions such as Copilot extensions, AI agents, and intelligent workflows.

Job Role Responsibilities

• Lead AI Strategy and Advisory Engagements Act as a trusted advisor to customers on the strategic adoption of Artificial Intelligence. Lead executive conversations, discovery engagements, and AI strategy workshops that help organisations identify where AI can deliver measurable business value. Translate complex AI capabilities into clear strategic roadmaps and practical adoption plans aligned with organisational priorities, governance requirements, and operational readiness.
• Design and Architect AI-Driven Solutions Architect practical AI solutions that solve real business problems, combining strategic thinking with hands-on technical capability. Design scalable AI architectures using platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI services, and emerging agentic AI technologies. Develop and prototype AI agents, assistants, and automation workflows that augment human capability and enable organisations to operationalise AI within their existing technology environments.
• Deliver Copilot and AI Adoption Programmes Lead customer workshops and advisory engagements focused on Copilot and enterprise AI adoption. Guide organisations through Copilot readiness, governance considerations, and practical use case identification. Demonstrate how AI assistants and agents can enhance productivity, streamline knowledge work, and create measurable improvements in organisational performance.
• Support Strategic Pre-Sales and Complex Solution Engagements Work closely with Account Managers and Pre-Sales to support strategic AI opportunities and complex transformation programmes. Provide technical leadership during discovery, solution design, and proposal development. Ensure proposed AI solutions are technically viable, commercially aligned, and capable of being delivered successfully within customer environments.
• Build and Develop the Bechtle UK&I’s AI Practice Lead the creation, growth and maturity of the Bechtle’s AI consulting capability. Identify new service offerings and help develop repeatable frameworks, methodologies, and accelerators for AI strategy, Copilot enablement, and intelligent automation.
• Provide Thought Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
• Create and share thought leadership that positions Bechtle as a credible advisor in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Produce content such as blogs, whitepapers, webinars, and presentations that explore emerging technologies, real-world AI use cases, and practical guidance for organisations adopting AI. Represent the Bechtle at customer and partner events.
• Enable Internal Teams and Build Capability Mentor consultants and technical specialists within our Solutions & Services division to build internal understanding of AI technologies and solution design approaches. Lead internal enablement sessions, share emerging insights from the AI ecosystem, and help elevate Bechtle’s ability to deliver AI solutions confidently and effectively.
• Drive Innovation and AI Experimentation Actively explore emerging technologies, platforms, and frameworks within the AI ecosystem. Contribute to internal innovation initiatives, prototype new capabilities such as AI agents and intelligent automation tools and help identify opportunities where new technologies can deliver strategic advantage for customers.

What We Offer

• Hybrid Working (3 days in/2 days out)
• Location – Near one of UK offices (Chippenham, Newbury, London and Manchester), and willing to travel
• Culture – Social events, supportive, fun, hard working
• Perks – Incentives (holidays, vouchers, lunches, spot prizes).
• Top of the range technology in office and for home working (laptops, screens, latest iPhone, etc)
• Subsidised health care/medical benefits
• Annual Leave – 30 days plus bank holidays + optional 2 weeks unpaid. *Increases with time spent
• Progression Plan – training & mentor programme.

Experience

• Extensive IT knowledge (10+ years minimum)
• Prior experience in similar role/level
• Significant exposure to customer C-Level engagements
• Experience in owning and leading large, complex, multi-solution projects
• Professional certifications in AI, cloud, or data platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure AI, Azure Solutions Architect, AWS/GCP AI/ML certifications, or similar recognized qualifications).
• Experience with Microsoft AI technologies including Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, or Azure AI services
• Professional certifications in AI, cloud, or data platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure AI, Azure Solutions Architect, AWS/GCP AI/ML certifications, or similar recognized qualifications).
• Evidence of innovation or thought leadership - such as prototyping AI solutions, publishing technical content, speaking at events, or contributing to open-source or technical communities.
• Degree or equivalent (ideally in Computer Science or related discipline) preferred but not required