Darter is seeking an industry‑leadingPrincipal 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’rea 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 strategyexpertise, comfortable operating at the most senior levels, with the judgement and credibility to cut through complexity.
Key Skills and Experience
Significant experienceleading strategic advisory engagements in consulting
Deepexpertisein AI& MLstrategy, 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 strongtrack recordin sales and account growth
Active UK Security Clearance isrequired
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
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 deliverreal societalbenefit.
Wetakepride in delivering outstanding work. In this role,you’lldeliver excellence for our clients, ensure quality outcomes, and help othersdevelop.You’llbe given the resources and autonomy to deliver yourbest, andbe 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’lllisten deeply, challenge constructively, and always dowhat’sright, even whenit’snot easy.You’llfoster 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.
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