AI & Automation Manager
TN United Kingdom
Aberdeen City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Social network you want to login/join with: Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals. About the Role: This is a strategic leadership role at the centre of a major digital and data transformation. As the AI & Automation Manager, you ll be responsible for building out a new, multi-vendor capability from the ground up, identifying and prioritising use cases, and overseeing successful delivery. Working closely with the Head of Data & Analytics and key business leaders (including CIO-level), you'll drive automation and AI adoption across the enterprise. While this is not a hands-on development role, you'll need a strong technical grounding in automation and AI/ML technologies particularly Microsoft Azure and Power Platform to assess options, challenge assumptions, and guide decision-making. Please note: This is an initial 6-month Inside IR35 contract. This role is based in the Central Belt of Scotland, with a preference for candidates who are already local or open to relocating due to team-building requirements. There is also potential for the role to transition into a permanent position thereafter. As our AI & Automation Manager, you will: Build and lead a newly established AI & Automation capability, including third-party/vendor resources Define and manage a delivery roadmap of automation and AI/ML use cases Prioritise and manage use cases via Azure DevOps, overseeing delivery workflows and value realisation Guide discussions around platform/tool selection and scalability (with a core focus on Azure and Power Platform) Engage regularly with executive and senior stakeholders to drive alignment, adoption, and visibility Bring fresh ideas and challenge the status quo this is a role for someone who adds value beyond the Microsoft toolset Lead with a strategic mindset while ensuring technical decisions are well-informed and grounded Champion change, collaboration, and data-led decision making across teams Requirements We re looking for someone with both strategic and technical depth a leader who can shape capability, influence at senior levels, and still dive deep enough to ensure delivery success. You will ideally have: Experience delivering automation and/or AI/ML initiatives in enterprise or complex environments Strong understanding of Microsoft technologies including Azure, Azure DevOps, and Power Platform A solid grasp of AI/ML principles and frameworks (you won't be building models, but you must know how they work) Experience working with and managing multi-vendor setups or third-party partners Ability to assess tools and propose better solutions open-minded, not just Microsoft-first Confident communicator who can work with both technical teams and exec-level stakeholders Familiarity with agile delivery practices and backlog management (SCRUM, sprint planning) Exposure to a range of data platforms, APIs, and integration points would be beneficial At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package: Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth. Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can. A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more . At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us. If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments. #J-18808-Ljbffr