AI Engineering Manager

We’re on a mission to back the UK’s small businesses like no one else. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we’re here to help them win. We’ve built a platform that uses clever data to get them the funding they need in minutes, not weeks. At Funding Circle, we have the restless energy of a fintech start-up with the stability of a public company. It’s a unique mix that gives Circlers the autonomy to take ownership and the scale to make an impact that truly counts.

We’re a high-performing team that chooses to lift each other up. We challenge, we champion, and we have each other’s backs - because we know that when we stand together, we move faster and build better. The impact is real: Last year alone, the businesses on our platform generated £7.2bn for the UK economy. Come and join a mission that matters!

The role is based in London (Hybrid) with 2 days in the office and offers a competitive salary plus benefits. You will be joining our AI and Machine Learning team at a pivotal moment, as we transition to become an AI-native organisation. We are introducing this role to lead the delivery of our AI roadmap and build a high performing Data Science and Engineering culture.

Reporting to the Director of AI/ML, you will take ownership of people management and delivery across our technical team. You will manage a diverse group of Data Scientists, AI Engineers, and AI Platform Engineers, ensuring they are supported and delivering value.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a cross-functional team (Data Science, Engineering and Platform Engineering). You will be responsible for their career growth, performance management, and building a coherent, collaborative team culture.
• Drive the transition of models from research into robust production systems, ensuring we balance speed of experimentation with engineering rigour.
• Play a key role in our AI infrastructure development by overseeing the delivery of reusable platform components that allow the wider organisation to adopt GenAI safely and efficiently.
• Partner closely with our Technical Leads, who focus on architecture and craft excellence, and ensure the team has the resources and environment to execute that vision effectively.
• Define how we operate, managing the intersection between our central AI/ML team and the domain teams we support. You will also ensure our engineers and data scientists are supported in their on-call rotations and that our production systems remain resilient.

What we’re looking for:

• An experienced Engineering Manager who cares deeply about people and processes.
• A solid technical background in software, AI engineering or full stack data science and be comfortable stepping into the code related tasks when needed, even if your primary focus is now on leadership and management.
• Proven experience building and managing high performing technical teams.
• A background in software engineering or AI/ML and can hold your own in technical discussions. You are familiar with our stack (Python, AWS, Javascript, LLM frameworks) and understand the lifecycle of putting AI/ML models into production.
• Experience building or managing the build of reusable platform components or developer tools is highly valuable.
• Experienced in agile delivery and understand how to manage the unique uncertainty of AI projects. Able to unblock teams and keep stakeholders aligned on timelines and expectations.

We’re building a place where everyone truly feels they belong. Even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.

Why join us? We back you to build an incredible career and by joining us, you'll be part of one of The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2026! As a flexible-first employer, we use a "best of both" approach. We’ll see you in our London office to collaborate – with barista coffee and subsidised Just Eat lunches on us!

Our Circler Proposition focuses on five areas:

• Flexibility: We provide a benefit allowance you can tailor to your own life and family.
• Health: This includes private medical and dental, health assessments, and access to a digital GP.
• Wealth: We offer life assurance, share schemes, and financial coaching.
• Development: You get a dedicated annual learning allowance to help you level up.
• Lifestyle: We have electric car and cycle-to-work schemes, plus season ticket loans.

We also have award‑winning parental leave policies. We're here to support you through the big life moments, from fertility treatments to new additions to the family. Ready to join a mission that matters? We’d love to chat!