{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"d5f882d69f8a8b6dcefd76f5","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d5f882d69f8a8b6dcefd76f5","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d5f882d69f8a8b6dcefd76f5","title":"Principal Solution Architect","description":"AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.AHEAD is seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to join our Data and Analytics practice. This role is a senior solutions architect and go-to-market sales leader position that balances client delivery leadership, pre-sales ownership, and practice development. The Principal Solutions Architect serves as a client-facing technical leader and trusted advisor who helps win clients define and deliver complex data, analytics, cloud, and AI engagements.This individual serves as the Solutions Lead on sales campaigns, aligning AHEAD solutions, partner capabilities, and delivery execution to client outcomes. In delivery, they may act as Engagement Lead and/or Technical Lead with accountability for engagement success, quality, stakeholder alignment, and business impact. Within the practice, they are expected to build practice pillars, create reusable intellectual property and service offerings, and drive innovation across modern data platforms, analytics, and AI-enabled solutions.AHEAD's Data and Analytics practice helps clients accelerate the impact of data through consultative strategy, modern data platform architecture, data lifecycle management, analytics, and AI capabilities. This role is central to translating those capabilities into scalable client solutions and repeatable practice growth.Key ResponsibilitiesClient DeliveryServe as the senior technical leader for large, complex, and strategic Data and Analytics engagementsLead strategy, roadmap, architecture, design, and planning workshops for enterprise clientsAct as Engagement Lead and/or Technical Architecture Lead on customer-facing projects, when assignedOwn delivery success by managing scope, objectives, requirements, milestones, dependencies, risks, timelines, and stakeholder expectationsGuide cross-functional delivery teams through the successful execution of consulting engagementsEnsure deliverables are high quality, aligned to client business outcomes, and presented effectively to technical and executive stakeholdersBreak down complex risks or issues into manageable parts, identify root causes, and drive practical resolution pathsSupport enterprise stakeholder management across business, data, analytics, cloud, and technology teamsApply knowledge of AHEAD's project lifecycle management practices to support successful delivery from initiation through closureLead clients through modern data and analytics transformations, including data strategy and governance, data lifecycle management, platform modernization, data engineering, reporting, analytics, and AI enablementPre-Sales and Business DevelopmentServe as the Solutions Lead on sales pursuits for Data and Analytics opportunitiesOwn the pre-sales process, including discovery, qualification, solution alignment, scoping, estimation, and proposal developmentLead client discovery and visioning sessions to understand business drivers, current-state challenges, and desired outcomesTranslate client needs into differentiated solution strategies that align practice offerings, partner capabilities, and delivery executionRepresent AHEAD service offerings throughout the sales cycle, including presentations, workshops, and proposal reviewsDevelop statements of work, proposal packages, and engagement scope for strategic opportunitiesPartner with sales specialists, client directors, and other practice leaders to identify and shape cross-practice opportunitiesSupport complex pursuits involving cloud platforms, data engineering, business intelligence, AI, platform engineering, and adjacent AHEAD capabilitiesPractice Development and Thought LeadershipHelp define and mature the Data and Analytics practice strategy, service portfolio, and go-to-market offeringsBuild practice pillars that improve scale, quality, differentiation, and delivery consistencyCreate reusable intellectual property, accelerators, methodologies, frameworks, and delivery assetsDrive innovation in modern data architecture, analytics platforms, AI, and emerging technologiesContribute to the development, enhancement, and standardization of in-practice offerings and capabilitiesIdentify opportunities to improve how AHEAD delivers data platform architecture, pipelines, governance, semantic models, analytics, and AI solutions for clientsPartner across AHEAD practices to develop integrated solutions that address broad client transformation goalsMaintain a strong point of view on industry trends, partner ecosystems, and modern technology standardsContribute thought leadership internally and externally through mentorship, enablement, and practice visibilityTeam Mentorship and EnablementMentor consultants, architects, and engineers across delivery, solutioning, and client engagement leadershipCoach teams on architecture quality, executive communication, consulting presence, and delivery excellenceSupport team capability development through peer reviews, solution reviews, knowledge sharing, and reusable enablement contentPositively impact both individual growth and overall practice maturity through leadership and exampleQualificationsUndergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred, but not requiredMinimum of 15 years of consulting, architecture, engineering, and related experience, or commensurate work experiencePrior experience in a senior leadership, principal architect, program leadership, or practice leadership roleDemonstrated success leading large, complex, client-facing delivery engagementsDemonstrated experience owning or leading pre-sales pursuits, including discovery, scoping, and proposal developmentDeep experience designing and delivering modern data and analytics solutions such as data platforms, data pipelines, cloud data architectures, reporting and analytics solutions, and AI-enabling data foundationsStrong knowledge of enterprise data strategy, governance, platform architecture, engineering, and analytics operating modelsExperience working with modern data and analytics technologies such as cloud-native data platforms, data warehouses, lakehouse platforms, orchestration tools, business intelligence platforms, and AI or machine learning ecosystemsStrong executive communication and presentation skills in virtual and in-person settingsDemonstrated business acumen and the ability to connect technical strategy to business valueAbility to solve complex, abstract problems and guide teams through ambiguityExcellent interpersonal skills, including listening, collaboration, and stakeholder influenceExecutive presence with the ability to build trust across client and internal leadership teamsDemonstrated experience as a technology change agentProfessional and/or technical certifications aligned to cloud, data, analytics, or AI disciplines preferredWhat Success Looks LikeWins and delivers complex Data and Analytics engagements with strong client outcomesBuilds trusted advisor relationships with client stakeholders and AHEAD account teamsStrengthens AHEAD's market position through solution leadership and differentiated offeringsExpands the practice through reusable IP, scalable service development, and innovationElevates team capability through mentorship, enablement, and leadershipThe compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On-Target Earnings (\"OTE\") for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.Why AHEAD:Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.USA Employment Benefits include:- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance- 401(k)- Paid company holidays- Paid time off- Paid parental and caregiver leave- Plus more! See benefits for additional details.Use of AI:We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, assessing responses, or to capture recordings and create transcriptions or summaries during interviews. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice or contact us at privacy@ahead.com.You may opt-out of the review or analysis of your application and resume by AI tools by using the General Application. Please include the role you wish to apply for in the Additional Information field. You may also choose to opt-out of recording and transcription at any time, including after joining an interview. Candidates will not be penalized for choosing to opt-out.","company":"Ahead","rawCompany":"ahead","city":"Cicero","state":"IL","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-02T04:42:10.625Z","occupations":[{"code":"15-1211.00","title":"Computer Systems Analysts","slug":"computer-systems-analysts"},{"code":"15-2051.00","title":"Data Scientists","slug":"data-scientists"},{"code":"15-1299.08","title":"Computer Systems Engineers/Architects","slug":"computer-systems-engineers-architects"}],"industries":[{"code":"541512","title":"Computer Systems Design Services","slug":"computer-systems-design-services"},{"code":"541511","title":"Custom Computer Programming Services","slug":"custom-computer-programming-services"},{"code":"541690","title":"Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services","slug":"other-scientific-and-technical-consulting-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Principal Solution Architect","description":"AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.AHEAD is seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to join our Data and Analytics practice. This role is a senior solutions architect and go-to-market sales leader position that balances client delivery leadership, pre-sales ownership, and practice development. The Principal Solutions Architect serves as a client-facing technical leader and trusted advisor who helps win clients define and deliver complex data, analytics, cloud, and AI engagements.This individual serves as the Solutions Lead on sales campaigns, aligning AHEAD solutions, partner capabilities, and delivery execution to client outcomes. In delivery, they may act as Engagement Lead and/or Technical Lead with accountability for engagement success, quality, stakeholder alignment, and business impact. Within the practice, they are expected to build practice pillars, create reusable intellectual property and service offerings, and drive innovation across modern data platforms, analytics, and AI-enabled solutions.AHEAD's Data and Analytics practice helps clients accelerate the impact of data through consultative strategy, modern data platform architecture, data lifecycle management, analytics, and AI capabilities. This role is central to translating those capabilities into scalable client solutions and repeatable practice growth.Key ResponsibilitiesClient DeliveryServe as the senior technical leader for large, complex, and strategic Data and Analytics engagementsLead strategy, roadmap, architecture, design, and planning workshops for enterprise clientsAct as Engagement Lead and/or Technical Architecture Lead on customer-facing projects, when assignedOwn delivery success by managing scope, objectives, requirements, milestones, dependencies, risks, timelines, and stakeholder expectationsGuide cross-functional delivery teams through the successful execution of consulting engagementsEnsure deliverables are high quality, aligned to client business outcomes, and presented effectively to technical and executive stakeholdersBreak down complex risks or issues into manageable parts, identify root causes, and drive practical resolution pathsSupport enterprise stakeholder management across business, data, analytics, cloud, and technology teamsApply knowledge of AHEAD's project lifecycle management practices to support successful delivery from initiation through closureLead clients through modern data and analytics transformations, including data strategy and governance, data lifecycle management, platform modernization, data engineering, reporting, analytics, and AI enablementPre-Sales and Business DevelopmentServe as the Solutions Lead on sales pursuits for Data and Analytics opportunitiesOwn the pre-sales process, including discovery, qualification, solution alignment, scoping, estimation, and proposal developmentLead client discovery and visioning sessions to understand business drivers, current-state challenges, and desired outcomesTranslate client needs into differentiated solution strategies that align practice offerings, partner capabilities, and delivery executionRepresent AHEAD service offerings throughout the sales cycle, including presentations, workshops, and proposal reviewsDevelop statements of work, proposal packages, and engagement scope for strategic opportunitiesPartner with sales specialists, client directors, and other practice leaders to identify and shape cross-practice opportunitiesSupport complex pursuits involving cloud platforms, data engineering, business intelligence, AI, platform engineering, and adjacent AHEAD capabilitiesPractice Development and Thought LeadershipHelp define and mature the Data and Analytics practice strategy, service portfolio, and go-to-market offeringsBuild practice pillars that improve scale, quality, differentiation, and delivery consistencyCreate reusable intellectual property, accelerators, methodologies, frameworks, and delivery assetsDrive innovation in modern data architecture, analytics platforms, AI, and emerging technologiesContribute to the development, enhancement, and standardization of in-practice offerings and capabilitiesIdentify opportunities to improve how AHEAD delivers data platform architecture, pipelines, governance, semantic models, analytics, and AI solutions for clientsPartner across AHEAD practices to develop integrated solutions that address broad client transformation goalsMaintain a strong point of view on industry trends, partner ecosystems, and modern technology standardsContribute thought leadership internally and externally through mentorship, enablement, and practice visibilityTeam Mentorship and EnablementMentor consultants, architects, and engineers across delivery, solutioning, and client engagement leadershipCoach teams on architecture quality, executive communication, consulting presence, and delivery excellenceSupport team capability development through peer reviews, solution reviews, knowledge sharing, and reusable enablement contentPositively impact both individual growth and overall practice maturity through leadership and exampleQualificationsUndergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred, but not requiredMinimum of 15 years of consulting, architecture, engineering, and related experience, or commensurate work experiencePrior experience in a senior leadership, principal architect, program leadership, or practice leadership roleDemonstrated success leading large, complex, client-facing delivery engagementsDemonstrated experience owning or leading pre-sales pursuits, including discovery, scoping, and proposal developmentDeep experience designing and delivering modern data and analytics solutions such as data platforms, data pipelines, cloud data architectures, reporting and analytics solutions, and AI-enabling data foundationsStrong knowledge of enterprise data strategy, governance, platform architecture, engineering, and analytics operating modelsExperience working with modern data and analytics technologies such as cloud-native data platforms, data warehouses, lakehouse platforms, orchestration tools, business intelligence platforms, and AI or machine learning ecosystemsStrong executive communication and presentation skills in virtual and in-person settingsDemonstrated business acumen and the ability to connect technical strategy to business valueAbility to solve complex, abstract problems and guide teams through ambiguityExcellent interpersonal skills, including listening, collaboration, and stakeholder influenceExecutive presence with the ability to build trust across client and internal leadership teamsDemonstrated experience as a technology change agentProfessional and/or technical certifications aligned to cloud, data, analytics, or AI disciplines preferredWhat Success Looks LikeWins and delivers complex Data and Analytics engagements with strong client outcomesBuilds trusted advisor relationships with client stakeholders and AHEAD account teamsStrengthens AHEAD's market position through solution leadership and differentiated offeringsExpands the practice through reusable IP, scalable service development, and innovationElevates team capability through mentorship, enablement, and leadershipThe compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On-Target Earnings (\"OTE\") for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.Why AHEAD:Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.USA Employment Benefits include:- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance- 401(k)- Paid company holidays- Paid time off- Paid parental and caregiver leave- Plus more! See benefits for additional details.Use of AI:We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, assessing responses, or to capture recordings and create transcriptions or summaries during interviews. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice or contact us at privacy@ahead.com.You may opt-out of the review or analysis of your application and resume by AI tools by using the General Application. Please include the role you wish to apply for in the Additional Information field. You may also choose to opt-out of recording and transcription at any time, including after joining an interview. Candidates will not be penalized for choosing to opt-out.","datePosted":"2026-08-02T04:42:10.625Z","dateModified":"2026-08-02T04:42:10.625Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Ahead","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Cicero","addressRegion":"IL","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"d5f882d69f8a8b6dcefd76f5"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d5f882d69f8a8b6dcefd76f5"}}