AI Business Transformation Consultant
CONFIDENTIAL POSITION DESCRIPTIONAI Business Transformation ConsultantRestaurant & Hospitality Industry | Executive Client Engagement LeadEngagement Type: Contract / Project Based with Strong Potential for Ongoing EngagementsSector: Multi-unit Restaurant, Fast Casual, HospitalityLocation: Remote with Periodic On Site Travel in the Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia RegionStart Date: ImmediateThe OpportunityA rapidly growing AI transformation and advisory firm is seeking an experienced AI Business Transformation Consultant to lead a high visibility engagement for a multi-location regional restaurant organization operating more than 30 locations as a unified enterprise.This is not a research or back-office consulting role. The selected consultant will work directly with ownership, executive leadership, and operational stakeholders to assess AI readiness, uncover operational inefficiencies, identify high ROI opportunities, and build a practical AI transformation roadmap.The ideal candidate brings both deep restaurant operational expertise and credible AI transformation experience. This individual must be capable of translating operational realities into strategic AI opportunities that executive teams can understand, trust, and implement.This role is highly client-facing and requires executive presence, operational fluency, analytical rigor, and the ability to lead complex transformation discussions with confidence and clarity.Key ResponsibilitiesExecutive Engagement LeadershipLead the engagement directly with the client’s executive leadership team from kickoff through final presentationFacilitate executive discussions, operational discovery sessions, and strategic workshopsServe as the trusted advisor and primary point of contact throughout the engagementAI Readiness AssessmentConduct a comprehensive six-domain AI readiness assessment across:Strategy & LeadershipData & InfrastructureTechnology & Systems ArchitectureOperations & Workflow OptimizationGovernance & RiskWorkforce Readiness & Organizational CultureStrategic Analysis & DeliverablesDevelop executive-level AI readiness reports and maturity assessmentsCreate strategic heat maps, risk matrices, and opportunity pipelinesProduce board-ready executive presentations and transformation recommendationsBuild phased AI adoption roadmaps tied to measurable business outcomesFinancial & Operational Impact ModelingQuantify operational inefficiencies and AI opportunities tied to:Labor optimizationFood waste reductionMargin improvementVendor spendThroughput optimizationCatering and off-premise growthDevelop ROI models and investment cases capable of withstanding board-level scrutinyPilot & Transformation PlanningIdentify high-value pilot opportunitiesCollaborate with technical implementation teams on proof-of-concept strategiesEnsure operational feasibility and practical adoption pathwaysRequired Restaurant & Hospitality ExpertiseCandidates must possess meaningful experience within multi-unit restaurant, QSR, fast casual, franchising, or hospitality environments.Demonstrated expertise should include:Multi-unit operations managementRestaurant P&L analysisLabor optimization and prime cost managementThroughput and unit economicsCatering and off-premise operationsFood cost and inventory controlsFront-of-house and back-of-house operationsFranchise or multi-location operational consistencyStrong familiarity with restaurant technology ecosystems including:POS and ordering systemsLoyalty platformsThird-party delivery platformsInventory and operational management systemsThe ideal candidate instinctively understands where operational inefficiencies exist and where technology can materially improve profitability and scalability.Required AI & Transformation ExpertiseCandidates should also bring strong AI strategy and business transformation capabilities including:AI readiness and maturity assessmentsEnterprise AI transformation strategyBusiness process optimizationAI roadmap developmentData governance and operational analyticsAI risk and compliance considerationsChange management and organizational adoptionPractical understanding of:Large Language Models (LLMs)Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)AI agents and automation frameworksCloud versus private AI deployment modelsData architecture and governanceAI infrastructure and scalability considerationsExperience translating technical concepts into clear business language for executive audiences is essential.Preferred QualificationsRelevant certifications are welcomed but secondary to demonstrated business impact and operational leadership. Examples include:PMPSix SigmaITILAI or Data CertificationsIdeal Candidate ProfileThe successful consultant will demonstrate:Strong executive presence and communication skillsThe ability to earn trust quickly with CEOs and operational leadersStructured analytical thinkingHigh accountability and ownership mentalityComfort operating independently in a client-facing leadership roleA polished and professional consulting styleThe ability to simplify complex technology into practical business outcomesEngagement DetailsContract-based engagement tied to an initial AI readiness assessment initiativeStrong potential for additional follow-on engagements and implementation leadership opportunitiesRemote engagement structure with periodic on-site collaborationCompetitive compensation commensurate with experience and scopeApplication InstructionsQualified candidates should provide:A brief overview of a multi-unit operational transformation they helped leadQuantifiable business results achievedRelevant AI, operational, or transformation experienceExamples of executive-facing consulting or strategic advisory workThis opportunity is confidential. Additional details will be shared with selected candidates during the interview process.