Team Manager, AI Development (Helsinki)

Elisa; Helsinki; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Continuous learning opportunities

Supportive AI team culture

Job summary

Elisa is seeking a Team Manager for our AI Development team in Helsinki. The role blends people leadership with hands-on ML work, including prototyping and deploying production-grade AI solutions in a GCP environment.

You will mentor a small team of data scientists, collaborate closely with leadership, and take end-to-end ownership of projects from concept to deployment, while translating business needs into technical results.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of leadership experience mentoring AI/data/software professionals
• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field
• 3+ years hands-on experience building and deploying production‑grade ML models
• Strong proficiency in Python for AI/ML and SQL for data manipulation
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI concepts (fine-tuning, RAG, AI agents)
• Hands-on cloud experience, preferably Google Cloud Platform (GCP), with interest in MLOps
• Self-driven, proactive, agile mindset with strong ownership and English communication; Finnish optional

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists through 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and career development
• Actively participate in AI projects from prototyping to production-ready deployments in GCP
• Collaborate with Head of AI Development to align capacity with roadmaps
• Own projects end-to-end from concept to deployment and operational integration
• Bridge business needs with technical solutions for stakeholders

Skills

People Leadership

Python

SQL

Generative AI

LLMs

GCP

MLOps

English communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science/ Data Science/ Physics/ Mathematics

Tools

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Job description

Are you a passionate leader ready to guide a talented team at the forefront of AI innovation?

We are looking for a Team Manager to join our growing AI Development team in Helsinki.

This is a hybrid role that combines people leadership with hands-on technical responsibility. In addition to leading and developing a high-performing team, you will help design, build, and deploy production-grade AI and Machine Learning solutions that create significant business impact.

About The Role

• Leading & Mentoring:Guide and empower your team (approximately five data scientists) through regular 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and career development planning, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Hands-On Development:Actively participate in AI projects, from prototyping new ideas to engineering robust, scalable systems in our Google Cloud Platform (GCP) environment.
• Collaboration:Collaborate closely with the Head of AI Development to align team capacity with project roadmaps and business objectives.
• End-to-End Ownership:Take full ownership of your projects, seeing them through from initial concept to final deployment and operational integration.
• Bridging the Gap:Work with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into effective technical solutions.

You will be part of a capable and collaborative team where open communication and a passion for continuous learning are core values. We believe in getting things done and will provide you with the autonomy and responsibility to make a real difference.

We're Looking For

• People Leadership: 2+ years of experience in a leadership role (e.g., Team Manager, Tech Lead) with a proven track record of managing and mentoring AI, data, or software professionals through either direct people management or matrix leadership
• Technical Foundation: A Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Core Experience: A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience building and deploying production-grade machine learning models.
• AI & ML Expertise: Strong proficiency in Python for AI/ML development and solid SQL skills for data manipulation.
• Generative AI: Proven experience working with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI. Practical knowledge of techniques like fine-tuning, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and building with AI agents is a significant plus.
• Cloud & MLOps: Hands-on experience with cloud environments, preferably Google Cloud Platform (GCP). You should have a strong interest and understanding of data engineering and MLOps principles.
• Mindset & Collaboration: A self-driven, proactive, and agile mindset with a strong sense of ownership. You possess excellent communication skills in English (Finnish is a bonus) and enjoy collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What we offer?

• Make a real impact on the daily lives of millions
• Work with friendly, skilled, and supportive colleagues
• Be part of a top-tier Data & AI team working together with business
• Enjoy a flexible, agile, and motivating work culture
• Grow through continuous learning and development opportunities
• Join one of Europe's most equal and appreciated workplaces

Elisa is ranked among the world's top 100 most sustainable companies as well as one of the best employers in Europe. We are highly appreciated for our flexible working conditions, the endless learning opportunities and the friendly and laid-back culture, among other awesome things.

We at Elisa believe in the importance of face-to-face interaction in maintaining and developing our culture as well as strengthening the sense of belonging and sense of community. We have a hybrid work model in place, where the expectation is that Elisians will work on average three days a week at the office.

Read more here- stories from the perspective ofelisiansoffer a glimpse into the culture, values, and everyday experiences at Elisa.

The chosen candidate will undergo drug test and a security clearance, which in turn requires having stayed in Finland for multiple years.