Overview

As Sr Manager, AI & Innovation, you will lead a central R&D team—comprising primarily software engineers alongside data scientists—and a forward-deployed engineering contingent across Europe and the UK. You will drive the conception, prototyping, and delivery of cross-vertical generative AI and machine-learning solutions at customer sites. This position is based in Bracknell, with hybrid support for both local and remote team members. You will report directly to the Senior Director of AI & Innovation and partner closely with UX, Product Management, and engineering leaders across multiple time zones.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a cross-product AI roadmap focused on generative AI and machine-learning capabilities.
• Align R&D priorities with broader corporate strategy and market demands.
• Oversee requirements gathering, algorithm and system design, development, validation, and deployment of AI solutions at customer sites.
• Ensure robust MLOps practices for scalability and maintainability.
• Champion lean startup and design-thinking methodologies to accelerate proof-of-concepts.
• Evaluate emerging AI frameworks, data platforms, and automation tools, recommending new software and infrastructure enhancements.
• Provide hands-on architectural direction spanning cloud SaaS (primarily Azure, with AWS), Python, and C# to cultivate technical excellence.
• Coach engineers and data scientists on best practices in model development, data engineering, and deployment.
• Collaborate with sales, UX, product management, and engineering leadership to translate complex business challenges into innovative AI solutions.
• Present technical proposals, live demos, and regular progress updates to executive stakeholders.
• Establish policies for innovation governance, IP management, and quality assurance.
• Contribute to annual budget planning, resource allocation, and strategic program initiatives.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of generative models, NLP, CV, and data-driven architectures; proven track record deploying AI at scale.
• Apply lean experimentation, design thinking, rapid iteration, and cross-functional program leadership.
• Maintain hands-on proficiency with Azure cloud services (ML Studio, Databricks, Azure Functions) and familiarity with AWS offerings.
• Proficiency in Python for AI/ML development and C# for integration with enterprise platforms.
• Demonstrate ability to build, coach, and guide high-performing teams with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive software or systems engineering experience, including 5+ years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on AI/ML or advanced R&D experience in a corporate innovation setting.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or equivalent (advanced degree preferred).
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel up to one week per quarter within the EU and UK; occasional travel outside EU and UK for conferences and company events.

Additional Information

Location: Bracknell office with hybrid support for local and remote team members.

Travel

Up to one week per quarter within the EU and UK; occasional travel outside EU and UK for conferences and company events.