Software Development Manager (AI & Data)

Datalex; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineering Manager with extensive expertise in AI, Data Engineering, and Architecture. You will lead the development of scalable, AI-driven solutions, combining deep technical knowledge of AWS Cloud Services, MLOps, and core Data Science concepts with proven leadership and strong technical project management capabilities. You will act as both a technical and project leader, ensuring efficient execution of complex projects from initial planning through successful delivery.

This person will be highly technically proficient, an excellent communicator and have a strong customer orientation. You will have strong experience leading software teams within a dynamic Product Development organisation. You will have successfully delivered key enterprise grade applications and platforms for global customers. You will have full lifecycle experience – from initial concept design, implementation and ultimately production.

As a member of the Engineering leadership team, you will be passionate about building a world class engineering team and product. An absolute passion for quality is a must, as is seeking out and driving continuous improvements within the engineering & wider organisation. Building strong relationships with the wider delivery and customer teams will be a critical part of this role.

As Software Engineering Manager, you will be ultimately responsible for solution delivery. Coaching and developing your team is critical, with experience leading collocated and remote teams. You will be very confident in advising the wider project team on matters of design, enhancements, optimisation, and implementation, while being commercially aware and able to make sound judgement calls.

If you want to influence an industry, have the talent and ability to innovate with the best and the courage to stand up for quality for our customers then we want to talk to you.

Key responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams to deliver high-quality AI and Data solutions.
• Define and oversee solution and technical architecture decisions.
• Drive the technical vision, including the selection of appropriate technologies, frameworks, and architectural patterns.
• Review designs, providing feedback to Product Management and Architects.
• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of AI projects including data ingestion, ML model development, deployment, and monitoring.
• Implement and refine MLOps processes, ensuring robust and scalable delivery of models into production.
• Plan, initiate, manage, and monitor technical projects from end-to-end.
• Work with the Product Manager to refine the delivery roadmap and ensure alignment of projects with strategic business goals.
• Manage resource allocation, project timelines, budget adherence, scope management, and risk mitigation.
• Establish project management standards, methodologies, and best practices (Agile/Scrum, Kanban, hybrid approaches as appropriate).
• Mentor and develop engineering and project management talent.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing culture, supporting career development and growth within your teams.
• Provide regular, clear updates to executive stakeholders, partners, and customers regarding project status, technical direction, and risks.
• Facilitate communication across teams, bridging technical, business, and operational stakeholders.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within engineering, project management practices, and product quality.
• Stay abreast of industry developments to introduce innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and product competitiveness.

Technical Skills / Knowledge / Experience

Minimum requirements:

• Degree related to software engineering or computer science.
• 10+ years’ experience in software development preferably in a Python based environment.
• 5 years plus experience in a leadership role in Product Development delivering B2B enterprise cloud applications hosted on AWS.
• Extensive experience of working with Agile processes, scrum practice and software engineering practices.
• Solid experience implementing MLOps processes, pipelines, and understanding key ML concepts.
• Experience building, scaling, and mentoring high-performance teams; adept at aligning teams towards strategic goals.
• Track record of project delivery on time and to budget.
• Excellent People Management skills.
• Strong customer focus.
• Experience in collaborating closely at all levels of the organization providing guidance, mentoring and leadership.
• Self-starter who works on their own initiative.
• Adaptable, flexible with a proven experience of delivering quality solutions in a fast-moving business environment.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present at executive level, and engage with senior customers.
• Excellent Analytic and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills.
• Experience in building and operating enterprise applications in AWS that follow principles of security, scalability and high availability.
• Very strong technical background leading application development – with experience in some or all of the following technologies: Python, Java, Spring Boot, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Apache Spark, Kafka, Jenkins, Git/Bitbucket, Terraform, Docker, ECS/EKS, IntelliJ, JIRA, Confluence, React/Typescript, Selenium, Redux, Junit, Cucumber/Gherkin.

About Datalex

Datalex's purpose is to transform airline retail. Datalex is a market leader in airline retail technology, offering unique products that enable airlines to drive revenue and profit as digital retailers. Datalex has a strong track record of delivering digital retail transformation for progressive airline brands worldwide, including Aer Lingus, easyJet, JetBlue Airways, Air China, Edelweiss, Air Transat, and Air Macau. The Group is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and maintains offices across Europe, the USA and China. In 2024, Datalex was awarded the 'Great Place to Work' and 'Best Workplaces in Tech' certifications. Datalex plc is a publicly listed company, on Euronext Growth, Dublin.