Lead Machine Learning Engineer - £112K DOE ID51212

Lead Machine Learning Engineer – AI, MLOps & Technical Leadership Location: Oxford, UK (Hybrid or Remote Working Available) Salary: up to £112k + Excellent Benefits Are you an experienced Machine Learning Engineer who loves building AI solutions that actually make it into production? Do you enjoy leading talented engineers, shaping technical direction and still getting hands-on with the technology? What if your next role gave you the opportunity to influence an entire ML engineering function while working on exciting, real-world AI projects? If that sounds like your kind of challenge, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for. We're working with an ambitious, technology-driven organisation investing heavily in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and advanced engineering capabilities. Our client is looking for a Lead Machine Learning Engineer to help shape the future of its ML engineering function, combining technical leadership, people development and hands-on engineering. This isn't a role where you'll simply manage from the sidelines. You'll have the opportunity to influence technical strategy, lead multidisciplinary teams and continue building sophisticated machine learning solutions. And with hybrid and remote working options available, there's flexibility to find a working arrangement that suits you. Why This Role is Great Lead people. Build technology. Shape the future of ML engineering. This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact, both technically and through the people you support. Here's what makes it particularly exciting: - Shape ML engineering standards: Take ownership of developing engineering best practices, improving MLOps processes and establishing scalable, reusable approaches to delivering AI solutions. - Lead and develop talented engineers: Coach, mentor and support ML Engineers, helping them develop their technical capabilities while building a collaborative, high-performing team. - Stay hands-on with AI and Machine Learning: Continue contributing to technically challenging projects, solving complex engineering problems and helping deliver production-ready ML systems. - Influence projects from concept to production: Get involved in discovering new AI opportunities, shaping technical solutions, overseeing deployment and continuously improving live systems. - Collaborate with brilliant technical minds: Work alongside ML Scientists, Software Engineers, technical leaders and project teams to turn innovative ideas into practical applications. - Own technical delivery across multiple projects: Guide engineering decisions, support solution architecture and help teams deliver reliable, scalable and maintainable ML systems. - Make your voice heard: Work closely with commercial and business stakeholders to explore opportunities, communicate technical possibilities and influence how AI solutions are developed. - Build something that lasts: Improve shared tooling, frameworks and engineering standards that will benefit future projects and the wider technical team. You'll have the chance to combine the things that make engineering leadership rewarding: solving problems, developing people and seeing technology deliver meaningful results. About You You'll likely be someone who has spent several years developing and deploying machine learning solutions and is now looking for an opportunity to have a broader technical and leadership impact. Perhaps you're already a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, ML Engineering Manager or Technical Lead. Alternatively, you might be a Senior Machine Learning Engineer ready to take the next step. You'll get to build on experience in areas such as: - Machine Learning Engineering: Developing, deploying and maintaining production-grade machine learning or data-driven applications. - MLOps and Cloud Engineering: Working with cloud platforms, CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, model deployment and operational monitoring. - Software Engineering: Applying strong engineering principles to create clean, tested, maintainable and scalable systems. - Technical Leadership: Guiding engineering decisions, supporting solution architecture and helping teams navigate complex technical challenges. - People Development: Mentoring engineers, sharing knowledge and helping others develop their confidence and technical expertise. - AI Solution Delivery: Taking projects through discovery, experimentation, development, deployment and ongoing improvement. - Stakeholder Collaboration: Working with technical and non-technical colleagues to turn complex challenges into achievable solutions. - Technical Discovery: Helping identify new opportunities, scope potential solutions and support commercial conversations. Experience establishing MLOps practices, designing shared engineering frameworks or working in complex enterprise environments would be particularly valuable. A background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Physics or a related technical discipline could be useful, whether developed through formal education or equivalent practical experience. Don't tick every box? That's absolutely fine. Our client is interested in engineers who combine strong technical foundations with curiosity, sound judgement and a genuine passion for developing people. If you've gained similar experience through different technologies, projects or industries, we'd still encourage you to apply. What's in It for You? Alongside the opportunity to lead meaningful AI and Machine Learning initiatives, our client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing and life outside work. Benefits include: - Hybrid or remote working options, offering flexibility around how you work. - Competitive salary recognising your technical expertise and leadership experience. - 28 days' annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to five additional days. - Private medical and permanent health insurance to support your wellbeing. - Life assurance worth four times your annual salary. - Health and wellbeing support, including a virtual GP, assistance programme and contributions towards eligible healthcare expenses. - Enhanced family-friendly benefits and additional financial wellbeing support. - Cycle scheme, season ticket loans and financial flexibility benefits. - Up to £250 towards driving lessons for you or eligible dependants. - Professional development opportunities, with the chance to influence technical direction and grow your leadership career. Selected benefits are subject to company performance and successful completion of probation. Ready to Lead the Next Generation of Machine Learning Engineering? If you're passionate about building production-ready AI systems, enjoy developing talented engineers and want a role where your technical expertise can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you. This is your chance to take ownership, influence engineering direction and help turn ambitious AI ideas into solutions that deliver. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Humand Talent Solutions, both we and our client believe that diverse experiences, perspectives and backgrounds help create stronger teams and better technology. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We also recognise that talented people develop their skills through different career paths. If your experience is transferable and you're excited about this opportunity, we'd encourage you to get in touch. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process to ensure every candidate has an accessible and inclusive experience.