Who We Are You know those big cities that still feel like small towns? Where everyone’s friendly and helps each other out? That’s like Doane Grant Thornton. Except here we’re all professionals and there isn’t a mayor or a general store. What we’re trying to say is that we’re a large and growing professional services firm that still feels like a community. We employ about 3000 people across Canada, and we truly care about our colleagues, our clients and the communities where we work and live. That’s what’s most important to us. We’re building a thriving organization that’s purpose driven and still want to remember what your favourite milkshake flavour is.

Position Overview The AI Technical Lead is a pivotal member of the Information Technology team, responsible for driving the technical adoption and effective use of Microsoft AI tools within the organization. Reporting to the Director of Software Engineering, you will serve as a subject matter expert and hands-on leader, guiding and mentoring team members as they enhance their knowledge and skills with Microsoft’s AI ecosystem. You will ensure that AI systems (including generative and agentic AI) are architected for security, transparency, and resilience.

Your role is fundamental to the evolution of our Engineering team, ensuring that we adopt the right tools at the right pace to deliver the benefits of AI to the firm. By defining the AI technology vision and overseeing the roadmap for adoption, you will ensure that our Engineering team can guide the use of AI at the firm and support our objective of creating the best client and colleague experience in the industry.

You are a forward-thinking technology professional with a passion for innovation and a wealth of experience with the latest AI tools, and you will foster a collaborative, energetic environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving. You have worked with both business and technology teams to explore the latest AI capabilities and deliver business benefits.

As an AI Technical Lead your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the implementation and optimization of AI tools with a focus on Microsoft products including Copilot, Copilot Agent Builder, Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry.
• Design and develop AI-driven automation, analytics, and workflow solutions using Microsoft technologies.
• Act as a technical advisor and mentor to the IT team, providing training, guidance, and best practices for AI tool integration and usage.
• Collaborate with our Business Transformation team to identify business opportunities for AI solutions and develop strategies that align with organizational objectives.
• Ensure solutions are designed with security in mind – that they protect company and client data, meet privacy expectations, and are safe from misuse or attack.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning within the IT department.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in AI and Microsoft’s technology stack, evaluating their relevance and potential impact on the organization.
• Communicate technical concepts and project updates clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Doane Grant Thornton If you’re a bit like us, you’re driven to connect with how others are feeling and thinking. Here we walk in others shoes before taking action. Just imagine being part of a team that puts “we before me”, where flexAbility is a mindset, and where you trust your colleagues to have your back. At Doane Grant Thornton, you’ll work with inspiring leaders who support your development, both personally and professionally. This is a place where your insatiable curiosity enables you to think, see and hear from a variety of perspectives, a place where every day is different and having the courage to grow is part of who you are. And when all this comes together, well that’s when the magic happens!

Want to learn more about who we are and how we live our purple every day? Read our colleagues’ stories at www.discoveryourpurple.ca Think you’ve got what it takes to be an AI Technical Lead? Like the colour purple? Great. Here's a few more boxes we’re also hoping you can tick: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Strong technical skills and background with 8+ years’ experience in software development.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in artificial intelligence, with recent hands-on experience with Microsoft AI tools and platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry, as well as experience with Fabric, Power Automate, and GitHub.
• Microsoft AI Certifications desired.
• Proven track record of leading successful AI or automation projects within a corporate IT environment.
• Experience training or mentoring team members in technical concepts and toolsets.

Key Competencies

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Able to build strong relationships and a positive, inclusive team environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to explain complex technical topics to a variety of audiences.
• Creativity & Innovation: Bring energy and original thinking to problems.
• Initiative: Self-starter who helps drive projects forward and motivates others.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and learning new technologies in a rapidly evolving field.

At Doane Grant Thornton we’re focused on making a difference in the lives of our clients, our colleagues and our communities. That’s our purpose. Or, as we like to say, living our purple.

What's in it for you? Profit sharing, Flex days, RRSP contributions, Firmwide holiday closure, Wellness benefits, Concierge-like benefits, Work from anywhere in Canada in the summer for 4 weeks, and more!

At Doane Grant Thornton, we believe compensation should reflect more than just market data—it should reflect you . We’re serious about compensation. We benchmark regularly across a wide spectrum of roles, industries, sectors, and levels to ensure our ranges are both competitive and current . But we don’t stop there. We also consider the unique strengths, experiences, and impact each individual brings to the table. Our salary ranges are reviewed annually, and where you land within the range depends on a mix of factors— your background, your skills, and how your contributions align with internal equity . To help start the conversation, the current salary range for this role is $102,000–$150,000 in Toronto. If the role is available in other locations, the range may differ to reflect local market factors.

Our special culture shines through when we have the opportunity to connect in person. That’s why we’re working in a model where teams are required to be together in the office 4 days per week. Are you ready to Discover Your Purple? Doane Grant Thornton is committed to employment equity, human rights and respectful workplace principles throughout the life cycle of employment, including at the recruitment and hiring stages. We welcome applications from members of all equity deserving groups, including persons with disabilities, women, racialized and/or Indigenous applicants. Should you require accommodation in relation to the recruitment process, please notify us by emailing and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs.