Lead Machine Learning & AI Engineer 10 month Fixed Term Contract

At 1st Central everything starts with our people.

As one of the UKs leading motor and home insurers we use smart technology data and great service to make insurance fast fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. Were proud to create an environment where people feel supported trusted and able to grow -whether thats developing new skills taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day. If youre looking for a role where you can make a difference wed love to hear from you.

Were on the hunt for a Lead Machine Learning & AI Engineer to join our Data & Analytics function on a 10-month fixed term contract where youll play a pivotal role in implementing and continuously improving the machine learning and AI operations frameworks that bring innovative solutions to life across our organisation.

Youll design and deliver new tools components of the framework and engineering practices that turn cuttingedge models into highperforming productionready this highly collaborative role youll coach and guide a small team of Machine Learning Operations Engineers Analytics Engineers and AI Engineers while working closely with colleagues across Data Science Pricing Data Engineering and Software Development. Together youll ensure our machine learning and AI models are engineered with excellence from raw data through to seamless integration into realworld business processes.

This is a flexible hybrid role where youll predominantly be home-based with just one day per month in the office either in Salford Quays (Manchester) Haywards Heath (West Sussex) or Guernsey. If youd like to spend more time collaborating with the team youre welcome to work from the office more frequently.

Core skills were looking for to succeed in the role:

• Azure Cloud & AI Platform Expertise: Deep experience and strong understanding of Microsoft Azure (Azure ML Azure Stream Analytics Cognitive Services Event Hubs Synapse and Data Factory).
• Data Science & AI Development Skills: Fluency in Python and common modelling frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• MLOps & Production Deployment: Skilled in applying MLOps frameworks within production environments.
• Analytical & ProblemSolving Strength: Excellent problemsolving and analytical skills.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Diagnosis: Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot problems quickly.
• Strong line management: Ability to effectively run and manage a team motivating for high performance and managing under-performance where necessary

Whats involved:

• Youll continue to grow and evolve our Machine Learning & AI Engineering standards and frameworks.
• Youll design further enhancements to the data pipelines and engineering infrastructure to embed scaled machine learning & AI solutions.
• Youll support data science and AI discovery and model development activities through acquisition and transformation of data.
• Youll support model development with an emphasis on auditability versioning and data security.
• Youll collaboratively design and implement AI Ops on cloud (Azure).
• Youll optimise deployment of ML & AI model scoring code in production services.
• Youll use CI/CD pipelines manage the deployment and version management of large numbers of data science & AI models supporting customer and operational processes.
• Youll protect against model degradation and operational performance issues through the development and continual automated monitoring of model execution and model quality.
• Youll manage the remediation of priority 2 3 and 4 issues impacting production ML & AI services deployed within the business.
• Youll carry out data science & AI model testing validation and test automation.
• Youll support deployment of ML & AI models as API endpoints for consumption within First Central and partner systems.
• Youll continually look for how we can evolve and improve our technology processes and practices.
• Youll lead group discussions on system design and architecture and sharing knowledge with the wider engineering community.
• Youll collaborate closely with data scientists data engineers AI engineers and the software development team to ensure end to end data science and AI solutions are embedded into business processes.
• Youll liaise with senior stakeholders across the business to ensure ML and AI are being used to improve strategic business decisions and identify new areas for improvements
• Youll provide coaching empowerment and support to a team of ML Ops and AI engineers.
• Youll comply with the requirements and act in accordance with the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
• Youll ensure compliance with Company Policies Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.

Experience & knowledge

• Extensive experience of building end-to-end systems as a Platform Engineer ML DevOps Engineer or Data Engineer.
• Experience building integrations between cloud-based systems using APIs.
• Experience developing and maintaining ML and AI systems.
• Experience of agile ways of working applied in a data science machine learning and AI environment.
• Experience of designing or maintaining data software development lifecycles and continuous integration and deployment (CICD).
• Exposure to machine learning and AI methodology and best practices.
• Coaching experience.
• Experience within financial/insurance services industry advantageous

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors or masters degree and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Deep experience and strong understanding of Microsoft Azure (Azure ML Azure Stream Analytics Cognitive services Event Hubs Synapse and Data Factory).
• Fluency in common data science coding capabilities such as Python and modelling frameworks such as Pytorch TensorFlow etc.
• Skilled in application of MLOps frameworks within a production environment.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Strong time management and organisation skills.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot problems quickly.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytic skills.

Behaviours

• Strong stakeholder management.
• Leads by example encouraging others to fulfil their potential.
• Embrace embed and incorporate the company values.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• An organised and proactive approach.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.

If you thrive in highimpact environments want to lead meaningful AI innovation and move fast while doing it wed be excited to hear from you.

Ready to join us

Were looking for talented people who want to make a real impact for our customers colleagues and business. Apply today and discover where a career at 1st Central could take you.

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