AI Operations Manager

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 98,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an AI Operations Manager in Queenstown to oversee deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of AI/ML models in production. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on operations to ensure reliable, scalable AI systems.

You will implement MLOps best practices, manage CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud resources across AWS/Azure/GCP while collaborating with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers. Hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in production ML systems or MLOps.
• Strong CI/CD, containerization, and cloud platform knowledge.
• Experience with AI/ML monitoring tools.
• Scripting in Python or Bash.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong PM and communication abilities.
• Experience managing hybrid work environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of AI/ML models in production.
• Develop and implement MLOps CI/CD practices.
• Manage infrastructure and tooling for AI model operations (cloud, containers).
• Monitor performance, detect drift, retrain/update as needed.
• Collaborate with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards and reporting.
• Ensure reliability, scalability, and security of AI systems.
• Troubleshoot operational issues related to AI deployments.

Skills

Production ML systems

MLOps

CI/CD pipelines

Containerization

Cloud platforms

Monitoring AI/ML models

Scripting (Python, Bash)

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Hybrid work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing enterprise leveraging AI for business optimization, is seeking an experienced AI Operations Manager to oversee the deployment and management of their AI systems in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This hybrid role requires a blend of technical expertise and strong leadership skills to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of AI models in production. You will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle management of AI solutions, from deployment and monitoring to maintenance and scaling. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of MLOps principles and a proven ability to manage complex technical operations. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in operationalizing AI within a dynamic organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of AI/ML models in production environments.
• Develop and implement MLOps best practices for continuous integration, delivery, and deployment (CI/CD) of AI models.
• Manage the infrastructure and tooling required for AI model operations, including cloud resources and containerization.
• Monitor model performance, detect drift, and trigger retraining or updates as needed.
• Collaborate with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers to ensure seamless integration and operation.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of AI systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues related to AI model deployments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Proven experience in managing production ML systems or in an MLOps role.
• Strong understanding of CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience with monitoring tools and techniques for AI/ML models.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Experience in managing hybrid work environments.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. This hybrid role provides a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing you to optimize your work-life integration. You will have the opportunity to work with a talented team on exciting AI initiatives. Professional development opportunities, including training on new technologies and methodologies, are available. Our client fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Join us in Queenstown, Eastern Cape and contribute to the successful operationalization of advanced AI solutions.