Lead - Artificial Intelligence - Center of Excellence

Job Description - AI Center of Excellence (CoE) Leader

Location: Pune / Chennai / Coimbatore (India)

Department: Services Organization

The firm is a leading AI-driven solutions provider for the life sciences industry, accelerating clinical development and commercialization outcomes. Our mission is to transform how life sciences organizations leverage data and AI to bring therapies to patients faster, safer, and more cost-effectively. With a strong culture built on customer focus, innovation, integrity, people-first, and teamwork, we are scaling our capabilities to lead the next generation of AI adoption in life sciences. Role Summary We are seeking a senior yet hands-on AI CoE Leader to establish and scale an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) within our Services Organization. This leader will be responsible for building people capability, tools, frameworks, and governance while embedding AI seamlessly across the software development lifecycle (SDLC). The role requires a strategic thinker with strong execution skills, capable of influencing across functions and driving tangible outcomes in AI adoption.

Key Responsibilities:

- Build and Lead the AI CoE: Define vision, structure, and operating model for the CoE.

- People Capability: Hire, mentor, and upskill teams across AI/ML, MLOps, and Generative AI practices.

- AI in SDLC: Establish frameworks, best practices, and automation to embed AI across the software engineering lifecycle.

Tools & Infrastructure:

- Drive adoption of AI/ML platforms, MLOps pipelines, and model governance tools.

- Cross-Functional Influence: Partner with product, delivery, data, security, and compliance teams to integrate AI into services.

- Innovation & Delivery: Lead pilots, proof-of-value initiatives, and scale AI adoption across clients and internal programs.

- Governance & Ethics: Ensure responsible AI practices with strong focus on compliance, transparency, and ethical AI.

Qualifications Education & Experience:

- 12-18 years of experience in AI/ML, Data Science, or related fields with at least 5 years in leadership roles.

- Proven track record in building AI/ML practices or Centers of Excellence in IT services or product organizations.

- Hands-on expertise with modern AI tools (LLMs, MLOps, GenAI frameworks, cloud native AI platforms).

- Prior experience in life sciences, healthcare, or regulated industries is a strong plus. AI CoE Leader Skills & Competencies

- Strong technical depth with ability to remain hands-on when needed.

- Strategic thinker with proven ability to scale capabilities from ground up.

- Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

- Strong understanding of AI ethics, compliance, and governance.

- Location preference: Pune, Chennai, or Coimbatore (or willingness to relocate).