We are seeking an experienced AI / ML Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers and data scientists in developing, deploying, and scaling AI and machine learning solutions. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping our AI / ML strategy, ensuring solutions are aligned to business objectives, and building a high-performance, diverse, and inclusive team.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and grow a team of AI / ML engineers and data scientists.
Drive the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of AI / ML models and systems in production environments.
Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify opportunities for AI-driven innovation and measurable value creation.
Establish and implement best practices for ML model development, MLOps, and data engineering pipelines.
Oversee technical architecture, data infrastructure, and cloud-based solutions to support scalable AI / ML delivery.
Ensure governance, compliance, security, and ethical use of AI across projects.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and knowledge sharing within the team.
Work closely with senior leadership to define and deliver on the AI / ML roadmap.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field (PhD advantageous).
8+ years experience in AI / ML engineering, data science, or related roles, with at least 3+ years in a leadership / management capacity.
Proven track record of managing teams delivering production-grade AI / ML solutions at scale.
Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), MLOps, and data engineering practices.
Proficiency in Python, SQL, and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc.).
Solid understanding of modern software engineering practices (CI / CD, DevOps, APIs, microservices).
Experience working in retail, e-commerce, or consumer-focused industries is advantageous.
Key Competencies
Strategic thinker with ability to align AI / ML solutions to business goals.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
Problem-solving mindset with ability to balance innovation and pragmatism.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in team-building and delivery.
Engineering Manager • Cape Town, South Africa