Associate Director, AI Enterprise Architect, EY-Parthenon

Job ID: 1439111233Location: London, GB, SE1 2AFJob Function: Transactions & Corporate Finance (TCF)Employer: EY Global ServicesApply by: 2026-10-20Company: EYAt EY, we're all in to shape your future with confidence. We'll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world. AI Enterprise Architect – Associate DirectorYour Key ResponsibilitiesAs an AI Enterprise Architect, you'll typically be responsible forproviding strategic and technology advisory leadership across AI strategy, transformation and transaction engagements, with support from our Directors and PartnersThis will include: Advising clients on AI target architectures and evaluating architectural options against business objectives, value creation opportunities, investment constraints and risk considerationsStructure ambiguous client problems into hypotheses, analyses and actionable recommendationsDesigning end-to-end AI target architectures spanning data foundations, models, orchestration, integration, security, enterprise systems and the operating model required to run themAssessing AI, technology and data maturity of enterprises including the credibility of data/AI claims, the durability of application landscape, infrastructure and data to scale AI in a enterprise context and translating findings into executive recommendations, investment priorities and transformation roadmapsDefining AI solutions for targeted use cases or complex AI products that span across value streams that are underpinned by existing enterprise IT & data landscapes, including prioritisation of use cases based on value, feasibility, scalability and strategic relevanceDevelop board-ready recommendations on AI-enabled growth, productivity and transformation opportunitiesDeveloping the technical and economic case for AI, including inference and token costs, infrastructure requirements, cost-to-serve, gross-margin sensitivity and build, buy or partner decisionsAdvising on AI governance, security, data residency, responsible AI and relevant regulatory requirements, including the EU AI Act and the evolving UK regulatory environmentGuiding prototyping teams and using prototypes to test strategic, operational, commercial and technical assumptionsDefining architecture standards, reference patterns, assessment frameworks, strategy and assessment frameworks and reusable technical assets for the practiceCommunicating strategic implications, investment trade-offs, architecture decisions and technical risks clearly to boards, investment committees, executive teams and non-technical stakeholdersSupporting proposals, technical workshops and pursuit meetings, acting as a credibility anchor on complex AI questions and leading executive workshops, client problem-solving sessions and strategic discussionsCoaching colleagues and building AI architecture capability across EY-Parthenon and the wider EY organisation, including engagement teams comprising strategy consultants and technical specialistsSkills And Attributes for SuccessSuccessful candidates will combine deep technical expertise with the ability to operate effectively in a strategy consulting environment They will be intellectually curious, commercially aware and able to form clear judgements under significant time pressureTechnical depthStrong enterprise architecture experience across AI, data, applications, integration, infrastructure, security and operating-model considerationsA practical understanding of generative AI, machine learning, foundation models, retrieval architectures, orchestration, agentic patterns and modern data platformsExperience designing AI or machine-learning systems that progressed beyond proof of concept into sustained production usePractical familiarity with Python and AI development approaches sufficient to review technical designs, guide prototyping efforts and challenge technical assumptionsExperience with cloud-native and hybrid environments, including at least one of AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud PlatformWorking knowledge of modern data platforms such as Databricks or Snowflake, and integration with core enterprise systemsA strong understanding of AI unit economics and the difference between a successful demonstration and a system that is affordable, scalable and supportable in productionFamiliarity with emerging AI architectures, agentic systems and enterprise AI design patternsConsulting capabilityStrong answer-first communication and the ability to structure complex technical questions under demanding deadlinesThe ability to explain an architecture decision, technical risk or investment requirement clearly to a non-technical executive audienceEvidence of constructively influencing senior stakeholders, including where the appropriate recommendation is to stop, redesign or defer an initiativeThe confidence to form a defensible view using incomplete information while being clear about assumptions and limitationsExperience operating under compressed transaction or executive decision-making timelinesA collaborative and low-ego working style, with a willingness to operate as an integrated member of a strategy engagement rather than as an external technical authorityThe ability to translate technology choices into implications for value, cost, scalability, risk, competitive differentiation and strategic controlTo Qualify for the Role, You Must7+ years spanning technology strategy, AI advisory, enterprise architecture, solution architecture, technology consulting or related disciplinesHave hands-on experience designing AI architectures or machine-learning systems that reached and remained in productionHave experience working at the intersection of business strategy and technology, helping senior executives translate AI opportunities into investment priorities, transformation initiatives and measurable business outcomesHave demonstrable enterprise architecture experience across cloud-native or hybrid technology environmentsHave experience integrating AI and data solutions with enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM, supply-chain, manufacturing or other operational platformsPractical familiarity with Python and AI development approaches orchestration, agent, retrieval and evaluation approachesHave experience assessing the scalability, security, reliability, performance and cost of AI systemsHave strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical recommendations to senior stakeholdersBe able to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams comprising strategy consultants, engineers, data scientists, commercial specialists and sector expertsBe comfortable delivering high-quality answers under tight and sometimes transaction-driven deadlinesBe able to provide vendor-neutral advice and objectively evaluate competing technologies, platforms and delivery modelsA masters degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science or related analytical discipline from a reputable universityIdeally, You Will AlsoHave experience supporting technology, digital or AI diligence engagements, including the assessment of scalability, risks, capability gaps and value creation opportunitiesHave experience evaluating AI-enabled products, software businesses, data assets or technology-led investment theses, translating technical findings into commercial and strategic implicationsBring sector expertise in one or more of the following industries: Media, Retail & Consumer Products, Industrials, Automotive, Technology or Software, with an understanding of the key technology and AI value drivers within those sectorsHave experience advising on responsible AI, AI governance, model risk, AI security, regulatory compliance or technology assuranceHave worked with major enterprise technology platforms, including ERP, CRM, supply chain, manufacturing and data platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Snowflake, Databricks or Palantir, and understand their role in enabling enterprise AI adoptionHave experience developing reusable assessment frameworks, architecture patterns, strategic recommendations or reference assets that accelerate client delivery and capability buildingBe an effective coach and mentor, able to develop the technical and commercial confidence of both specialist and non-specialist colleaguesBe a highly collaborative team player with the ability to build trusted relationships across clients, EY-Parthenon and the wider EY organisation, both in the UK and internationallyWhat We OfferWe offer an attractive remuneration package where you'll be rewarded for your performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions.

Plus, we offer: Continuous learning: Through continuous training, coaching and mentorship, you'll develop the mindset and skills needed to accelerate your career and become a transformational leader.

Real exposure: Opportunities to advise senior business leaders and investors on high-priority AI strategy, architecture and transaction questions.

Technical impact: The opportunity to shape architecture standards, reusable assets and the development of EY-Parthenon's AI capabilities.

Diverse and inclusive culture: You'll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

Success as defined by you: We'll provide the tools and flexibility so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

The Exceptional EY Experience. It's Yours To Build.

Apply now. EY | Building a better working worldEY | Building a better working worldEY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. EY | Building a better working world EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.