Digital Advisory Lead

About this role

What We're Looking For We are seeking an leader for our emerging Digital and AI Advisory practice who can expand our advisory efforts by bringing expertise, credibility, and strategic counsel to our engagement with top clients. This person will have the expertise and experience to provide a credible, complete perspective on the application of AI within our clients’ programs and organizations. Their background should reflect real-world application of AI and analytics in complex, margin-sensitive industries, with a pragmatic mindset that prioritizes measurable impact over hype. They will distinguish themselves by knowing when, how, and where to deploy AI solutions, and when conventional digital tools provide a higher-ROI solution. Ultimately, this person will help clients translate digital ambition into an actionable approach built of right-sized strategies.

Beyond technical depth, we need someone who understands the competitive landscape of applied AI—ideally within infrastructure and transportation—and stays current on industry trends. This familiarity will guide our market research and, ultimately, our approach to data partnerships, software reviews, and acquisitions of data and tools. The role will fill a key gap within HNTB's digital efforts: overseeing programmatic decisions about digital and AI investments that currently lack dedicated ownership. They will work closely with the DIS, advisory, and corporate leadership teams in making informed, dominance-building decisions that position HNTB as a leader in digital infrastructure. Their work will ensure our advisory practice is both forward-leaning and effective, driving outcomes that matter for our clients and our business.

What You'll Do: • Applies technical expertise and guidance to project structuring, delivery options analysis and commercial and technical provisions of procurement documents, with a focus on innovative delivery. Advises on technical elements on complex projects across all phases of the project life cycle. • Acts as subject matter expert to provide strategic advice and analysis, and engage in marketing and business development, as well as preparing reports and presentations to HNTB leadership and senior client personnel. • Manages tasks or major workstreams independently, and interfaces with senior Advisory and client leadership to ensure 4for4 delivery while managing client relationships and day to day interactions with appropriate counterparts. Responsible for successful contracting and project execution, working closely with regional HNTB staff and office leadership. • Prepares technical materials for client engagements, including strategic analyses, commercial documentation, technical provisions, procurement documents, and other materials pertaining to applicable subject matter focus. • Trains and instructs line personnel on innovative delivery and other Advisory disciplines. Advises on business planning and supports marketing efforts of the line organization. • Works with the line organization in a lead support role on strategically important client and project pursuits, providing strategic input and market knowledge to expand service offerings and enhance win probabilities. • Contributes to strategic planning for Advisory and assists with thought leadership initiatives. • Mentors and oversees the work of junior Advisory staff through performance management and encouragement of professional development opportunities. • Represents Advisory and the firm at industry events and organizations, and drives thought leadership and external positioning efforts. • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need: • Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 12 years of relevant experience. • Master's degree in relevant field and 10 years of relevant experience. • PhD/JD in relevant field and 8 years of relevant experience.

What We Prefer: • Enterprise Owner / Executive Owner’s Representative mindset, with a proven record of owning outcomes, shaping decisions, and driving value realization. • Senior leadership experience guiding major transformations, technology modernization, digital programs, or enterprise‑level change. • Ability to set direction and lead senior executives and peers in complex, high‑stakes environments; comfortable advising at board and C‑suite levels. • Broad understanding of the infrastructure sector and digital ecosystem, including major players, vendors, consultants, software platforms, and emerging competitors. • Familiarity with mobility analytics, transportation data platforms, and AI/ML applications—especially their influence on planning, policy, readiness, and decision‑making. • Demonstrated success operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments, able to create clarity, sequence investments, and shape actionable roadmaps. • Strong commercial acumen, with deep understanding of financial, contractual, operational, and enterprise value drivers in digital and infrastructure programs. • Extensive, credible professional network across infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transportation technology, and adjacent industries. • Exceptional communication and executive‑storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex digital concepts into clear, high‑impact narratives. • Executive presence and maturity, able to independently interface with boards, agency leadership, and senior decision‑makers. • Strategic thinker who understands the enterprise and market landscape, identifies growth opportunities, and helps shape differentiated service offerings. • Strong understanding of consulting and advisory business dynamics, including how to drive margin, differentiate against competitors, and scale repeatable digital offerings.

Additional Information Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

#NF #Advisory

. Locations: Arlington, VA (Alexandria), A

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