Principal AI Transformation Architect

Role: Principal AI Transformation Architect
Project Location: Columbus, Ohio (Remote)
Duration: 6-12 Months

Role Overview
We are seeking a Principal AI Transformation Architect to serve as a strategic AI advisor to the CIO and accelerate AI-led transformation across the Technology organization. This leader will work directly with the CIO and leaders across Cybersecurity, Network, Cloud & Compute, Infrastructure, IT Service Management, Application Management, Engineering/DevOps and other technology functions to identify high-value opportunities where Generative AI, Agentic AI and intelligent automation can fundamentally transform how technology services are delivered. The role goes beyond identifying AI use cases. The architect will assess each opportunity for business value, technical feasibility, security/risk, implementation complexity and readiness, establish priorities, and develop an executable AI transformation roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the CIO on AI strategy, emerging GenAI/Agentic AI capabilities and their application across the Technology organization.

• Engage each CIO direct-report organization to understand its operating model, processes, pain points, cost drivers and transformation priorities.

• Identify AI transformation opportunities across cybersecurity, cloud/compute, networking, infrastructure operations, service desk, application management, DevOps and related technology processes.

• Look beyond incremental automation to identify opportunities for process redesign, intelligent decision support and autonomosemi-autonomous operations.

• Create a structured AI Opportunity Portfolio, including the problem addressed, expected value, feasibility, data/integration requirements, risks, dependencies and implementation complexity.

• Establish a transparent prioritization framework based on value, feasibility, readiness, risk and time-to-value.

• Develop the CIO's AI Transformation Roadmap, sequencing opportunities into quick wins, scalable initiatives and longer-term transformational programs.

• Define high-level target architectures and implementation approaches for priority initiatives, including GenAI, RAG, AI agents, orchestration, enterprise integration, security and responsible AI.

• Mobilize and coordinate Cyber, Infrastructure, Cloud, Application, Data and AI specialists where deeper domain expertise is required.

• Support initiatives from idea → business case → MVP/pilot → production, ensuring AI strategy translates into measurable outcomes.

• The need for a core strategic advisor supported by specialist expertise across infrastructure, cyber and domain areas was also identified in the Client discussions.

 
Required Experience & Capabilities

• 12+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, technology transformation, AI or technology consulting.

• Strong experience working with CIO/CTO-level executives and senior technology leaders.

• Deep understanding of Generative AI, Agentic AI, LLMs, RAG, AI agents, orchestration and enterprise AI architecture.

• Broad knowledge across Cybersecurity, Cloud, Infrastructure, Networking, Compute, Applications, ITSM and DevOps.

• Ability to translate technology and operational challenges into practical AI transformation opportunities and business cases.

• Experience assessing opportunities across value, architecture, feasibility, data, integration, security, risk and organizational readiness.

• Strong understanding of Microsoft/Azure enterprise environments and associated AI ecosystem.

• Exceptional executive communication, workshop facilitation and technology storytelling skills.

• Ability to operate as a strategist, architect, consultant and transformation leader, while drawing upon specialists rather than needing to be the deepest technical expert in every domain.