Data Analytics and AI Manager

Data Analytics and AI Manager Full-Time Hybrid (Houston TX)
Location: Houston TX (West Sam Houston Parkway South Energy Corridor area)
Employment Type: Full-Time Hybrid

About Smartbridge:
Smartbridge is a U.S.-based technology consulting firm dedicated to transforming businesses through innovative solutions and digital modernization. As a trusted partner to our clients we deliver impactful results across key industries such as Energy Life Sciences and Food & Beverage.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a hands-on Data Analytics and AI Manager to lead the delivery of data and AI-driven projects across Smartbridges client base. While this role will support clients across all of Smartbridges industries a significant portion of the work will center on our Energy clients so Oil & Gas experience is strongly preferred. This role owns technical delivery from architecture through implementation working directly in the platforms our clients run on Microsoft Fabric Azure Databricks and the broader Azure data and AI ecosystem. The ideal candidate is comfortable staying hands-on with delivery rather than purely managing from a distance and can translate business requirements into scalable production-ready data and AI solutions across a range of industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver data and analytics engagements across Smartbridges full client portfolio spanning Energy Life Sciences and Food & Beverage
• Lead end-to-end delivery of data and analytics engagements including implementations built on Microsoft Fabric Azure Databricks and Azure AI/ML services
• Architect high-performing end-to-end cloud (and on-premise) data and analytics solutions including AI/ML solutions
• Oversee the design development implementation and maintenance of enterprise data architecture using Agile methodology and the software development lifecycle
• Drive business requirement gathering and review sessions to develop effective data integrations applying both data expertise and industry knowledge
• Promote data sharing consistency and reusability across the organization; ensure data quality across all project phases
• Collaborate with business units and data owners to implement and maintain enterprise-level business analytics and data warehousing solutions
• Identify and promote best practices for data modeling across business units and information domains
• Ensure operational and analytical data warehouses support business reporting needs; establish standards for data governance and consistency
• Execute technical feasibility assessments solution estimation and proposal development for data and analytics opportunities
• Develop functional and technical designs for client solutions staying hands-on through delivery rather than delegating execution entirely
• Lead and mentor small to mid-sized delivery teams on cloud data and analytics migrations and implementations in enterprise environments
• Manage project scope timeline budget risk and client communications for assigned engagements
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client reporting and stakeholder communication
• Document and share technical best practices with clients and the Smartbridge community contributing to our internal IP repository
• Strategize plan and support business development related to data and analytics opportunities including client-facing presentations
• Maintain and grow client relationships bringing forward ideas that help clients improve business performance

• 5 years of experience delivering data analytics and AI solutions.
• 3-5 years direct Oil and Gas experience required in Upstream or Midstream. Medical Device Manufacturing experience will also be considered.
• Strong industry business acumen with a solid understanding of the Upstream Midstream or Medical Device Manufacturing business value chain.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabricand Azure Databricks required
• Strong background in Azure data platform tools (Data Factory Synapse Azure SQL or similar)
• Working knowledge of AI/ML solution design and implementation on Azure
• Proven experience managing and staying technically hands-on in data project delivery (not purely oversight)
• Strong understanding of Agile delivery methods and the software development lifecycle
• Excellent communication stakeholder management and client-facing skills
• Bachelors degree in Computer Science Data Science Business or a related field
• PMP certification required
• Candidates who do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered.

• Hybrid role based in Houston TX (Energy Corridor); regular onsite presence required for client and team collaboration
• Reasonable commuting distance required; relocation assistance is not available