AbsoluteLabs
Strategy Manager - Data & AI

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Role purpose
As an AI & Data Strategy Lead, you will connect business vision to technology partners and platform roadmap for AI and Data initiatives across the retail business. You will lead research and strategic analysis that shapes how the business adopts AI and data, working closely with technology partners to translate direction into a clear, practical roadmap.
This is a strategy and research-focused role rather than a hands-on delivery or configuration position. You will translate business vision into an actionable AI and Data strategy, build and manage relationships with technology partners, and act as the key link between business leadership and the technology roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & research
- Conduct market, technology and competitor research to inform AI and Data strategy for the retail business.
- Translate business vision into a clear, prioritised AI and Data strategy and roadmap.
- Provide thought leadership across customer experience, merchandising, supply chain, inventory and personalisation use cases enabled by AI and data.
Technology partnerships
- Identify, evaluate and build relationships with technology partners and platform vendors relevant to the AI and Data roadmap.
- Act as the link between business stakeholders and technology partners, ensuring the roadmap reflects strategic, operational and customer needs.
- Coordinate with internal teams and partners to validate feasibility, sequencing and dependencies across the roadmap.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Stakeholder engagement and reporting
- Present strategy, research findings and roadmap updates to senior stakeholders and leadership.
- Track progress against the roadmap, flag risks and dependencies, and refine strategy based on emerging research and partner input.
Candidate Profile
Essential experience and capabilities
- Demonstrated experience in AI and Data strategy, research or advisory roles, ideally within retail or a similar consumer-facing sector.
- Ability to translate business vision into a practical AI and Data roadmap in partnership with technology vendors.
- Skilled in market and technology research, with the ability to synthesise findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Experience building and managing relationships with technology partners and platform vendors.
- Strong understanding of retail business models, customer journeys and operational challenges, with the ability to translate these into AI and Data-enabled solutions.
- Experience with large-scale retail datasets such as POS, inventory, supply chain and customer/CRM data.
- Good understanding of modern data platforms (at least one) such as Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake or Databricks, and their application in retail.


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Desirable experience
- Good understanding of leading frontier AI models and their application in the retail sector.
- Experience in IT strategy and transformation engagements, including roadmap, operating model and governance design.
- Knowledge of AI governance frameworks and responsible AI practices.
What's on Offer
- Competitive, fair and rewarding compensation and benefits.
- Hybrid working based in London.
- Exposure to diverse AI and Data strategy work across a leading retail business.
- Career growth and development within an established, fast-growing consultancy.
- A people-first, flexible culture that supports work-life balance.
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