AI Engineering Manager

The Team

The AI & Analytics team develops and delivers advanced AI, machine learning, and analytics solutions including the development and maintenance of Pearson's workforce ontology of occupations and skills. We work across the full lifecycle, from research and experimentation through to production deployment, partnering closely with Product and other business teams to deliver strategically aligned, technically robust and scientifically validated solutions. Sitting within Pearson's Enterprise Learning and Skills (ELS) division, our work supports ELS's mission to help organisations understand how work is evolving, particularly through the lens of technology, and to position themselves for long-term success by combining workforce insights with tailored assessments and learning solutions.

We are looking for a talented AI Engineering Manager to join our team and lead the AI Engineering function within AI & Analytics. The AI Engineering team is responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure, systems, and APIs that bring AI models into production at scale. We develop and optimise large-scale GPU and cloud environments, design scalable architectures, and create high-performance machine learning and NLP pipelines. Our work ensures AI research, including ontology-powered solutions, can be deployed efficiently, securely, and reliably, enabling rapid experimentation and delivering measurable business impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Data Science and Analytics, you will lead the AI Engineering function managing a high-performing group of engineers to deliver secure, scalable, and maintainable AI systems. You will provide technical leadership and mentorship, oversee AI infrastructure and model deployment, and ensure the adoption of best practices in engineering. You will also work closely with Data Scientists, Ontologists, and Data Engineers to bring research and models into production at scale.

As an Engineering Manager you will be responsible for:

• Manage a team of over 6 AI engineers, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and inspiration
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, software engineers, and product managers, to gather requirements and design AI solutions that meet customer needs.
• Mentor and lead senior engineers, providing guidance on technical best practices and ensuring that code quality and standards are maintained through an agile delivery model.
• Lead the design and development of AI models and systems from concept to deployment, ensuring that they meet business requirements and are secure, scalable, and maintainable.
• Support the consumption of ML models, APIs, and data outputs by other teams and organizations.
• Research and apply the latest AI techniques and technologies including Generative AI and Agentic techniques to develop cutting-edge solutions that differentiate our products and services.
• Oversee our AI infrastructure, including monitoring production workflows and maintaining critical infrastructure components
• Drive code quality and execution by ensuring that our engineering practices are followed in relation to testing, security and monitoring including the adoption of AI powered engineering methods.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, inspiring and motivating team members to achieve their full potential.

To be successful in this role, you'll ideally have:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields
• 2+ years in Engineering Lead or Management role with at least 2 direct reports
• 7+ years of experience in the field of AI, Data Engineering, and/or Data Science
• Exceptional leadership skills, problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and communication skills
• Strong design skills in modern cloud-based architectures
• Expertise in at least one area of AI, such as Natural Language Processing, or recommender systems
• Strong skills in Python, Object Oriented design, and architecture patterns such as DDD

Our tech stack: Python, Pytorch, Terraform, Databricks, Kubernetes, AWS

At Pearson we 'add life to a lifetime of learning' so everyone can realise the life they imagine. We create vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact.

Pearson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.