Principal AI Strategy Consultant

Darter is seeking an industry‐leading Principal AI Strategy Consultant, trusted to lead large, complex advisory engagements across Defence and National Security.

You will shape and lead high‐impact AI and digital transformation programmes, engaging senior leaders, and translating AI ambition into executable strategy, governance, and outcomes that matter.

About Darter

We’re a fast‐growing Digital Strategy Consultancy focused on strengthening the UK’s national security, resilience, and prosperity. We work across Defence, Public Sector, Aerospace, and Technology, helping organisations navigate complexity and adopt digital and AI capabilities responsibly to deliver real‐world impact.

Having more than doubled in size year‐on‐year, we are building a team of senior, thoughtful practitioners who want to shape what comes next and take responsibility for doing it well.

What You’ll Do

Client Leadership and Delivery

• Lead large, complex AI and digital strategy engagements across Defence and national security
• Act as a senior trusted adviser to 2‐star and 3‐star equivalents, SCS, and C‐suite stakeholders
• Shape AI strategies and transformation roadmaps that balance operational advantage, risk, ethics, and delivery reality
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across strategy, data, engineering, and delivery, owning outcomes and commercial performance

AI Strategy and Thought Leadership

• Define and evolve Darter’s AI strategy propositions and methods
• Bring deep understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, and risks in Defence contexts, guiding responsible adoption
• Build Darter’s external credibility through thought leadership and reusable IP

Practice and Business Growth

• Play a senior role in shaping Darter’s strategy and AI practice as it scales
• Lead business development from opportunity shaping through to deal close
• Coach and mentor senior consultants, contributing to firm leadership and new service development

What We’re Looking For

You are a senior consultant with deep AI and digital strategy expertise, comfortable operating at the most senior levels, with the judgement and credibility to cut through complexity.

Key Skills and Experience

• Significant experience leading strategic advisory engagements in consulting
• Deep expertise in AI & ML strategy, data‐driven transformation, and digital adoption
• Strong Defence sector experience with credibility in national security environments
• Proven ability to influence senior decision‐makers and align complex stakeholder groups
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams and complex programmes
• Commercial acumen with a strong track record in sales and account growth
• Active UK Security Clearance is required
• MBA is highly desirable

What You’ll Get at Darter

Purpose and Impact

• Mission‐driven work strengthening the UK’s security, resilience, and prosperity
• Values‐led culture grounded in excellence, empathy, and integrity
• Real influence over propositions, services, and how we grow
• Opportunity to shape Darter’s AI approach from the inside

Growth and Development

• Senior leadership role with scope to shape the firm’s future
• Dedicated annual personal development budget and time for learning
• Strong internal learning culture with peer challenge and support

Rewards and Benefits

• £110,000 - £130,000 salary (dependent on experience) and pension matched up to 10%
• Performance and profit share bonus and share options
• Unlimited holiday

Flexibility and Wellbeing

• Time off for volunteering and matched charity donations
• Regular team socials and offsites
• Flexible, remote‐first working
• A trusting, high‐standards culture where your judgement is respected

Our Values

Force for Good

We believe in making a positive impact, on our team, our clients, and society. For you, this means championing ethical decisions, supporting colleagues, and seeking out projects that deliver real societal benefit.

Deliver Excellence

We take pride in delivering outstanding work. In this role, you’ll deliver excellence for our clients, ensure quality outcomes, and help others develop. You’ll be given the resources and autonomy to deliver your best, and be expected to share lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.

Empathy and Integrity

We act with empathy and integrity in every interaction. As a leader, you’ll listen deeply, challenge constructively, and always do what’s right, even when it’s not easy. You’ll foster trust, own your mistakes, and help build a safe, open environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to speak up.

Not Ticked Every Box?

If you bring most of this and the judgement to grow into the rest, we still want to hear from you.