Data Analytics and AI Manager

Smartbridge; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Smartbridge in Houston is looking for a Data Analytics and AI Manager who will lead data-driven projects across various industries, specifically in Energy. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and Azure Databricks, along with a background in Oil & Gas. This full-time hybrid role demands strong leadership and communication skills to enhance client relationships.

Key responsibilities include delivering comprehensive analytics solutions and managing project scopes while ensuring high data quality and governance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience delivering data, analytics and AI solutions.
• 3-5+ years direct Oil and Gas experience required.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and Azure Databricks required.
• Strong understanding of Agile delivery methods and the software development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of data and analytics engagements.
• Collaborate with business units to implement analytics solutions.
• Manage project scope, timeline, budget, and client communications.
• Document and share technical best practices.

Skills

Data, analytics, and AI solutions

Oil and Gas experience

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Databricks

Azure data platform tools

AI/ML solution design

Agile delivery methods

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Business, or a related field

PMP certification

Tools

Data Factory

Synapse

Azure SQL

Job description

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 Smartbridge's client base. While this role will support clients across all of Smartbridge's 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 Smartbridge's 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

Qualifications

• 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
• Bachelor's 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.

Additional Requirements

• 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