At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative AI/ML products to enhance digital services.
- Company: Join National Highways, a leader in digital transformation for transport networks.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services and make a real impact on customer journeys.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in AI/ML with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are recruiting to strengthen our internal digital capability. These roles are central to building sustainable in‑house expertise that supports the design, development, and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network. A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities.
As Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the strategic direction, risk management, and continuous improvement of production AI/ML products and services that support critical business decision‑making. Working closely with Digital Services teams and senior stakeholders, you will define and deliver machine learning strategies that maximise adoption and unlock value from our £69 billion data assets. You will ensure solutions are commercially sustainable, technically robust, and designed around user needs and experience. This is a hybrid role based at any National Highways office location, with an expectation to attend the office for two days per week, including weekly travel to collaborate with the team.
- Lead the Machine Learning Engineering team in the safe and effective operation of AI/ML products and services in production, maximising the value and adoption of data‑driven decision making across the business.
- Own service performance and continuous improvement, ensuring robust IT Service Management, regulatory compliance, model risk management, ethical AI standards, and ongoing enhancements to user experience, efficiency, scalability, and cost of operation.
- Define and deliver the AI/ML Ops platform strategy and roadmap, implementing modern engineering practices and leading‑edge techniques to enable rapid, scalable, and cost‑effective delivery of machine learning services.
- Build and lead senior stakeholder relationships across directorates, working with Directors and business leaders to manage service performance, prioritise demand, shape delivery backlogs and influence future digital strategy both internally and externally.
- Provide effective operational leadership of the team, ensuring adherence to governance and compliance frameworks including budget management, forecasting, business planning, delivery controls, data governance, audit, communications, and people policies.
About you:
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build credible relationships at senior levels, navigate complex environments, and secure positive outcomes across multiple priorities.
- Proven experience leading data innovation and systems integration, including developing and improving AI/ML products, platforms, or digital services that deliver measurable user and business value.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to turn insight into action, using evidence, data, and organisational priorities to shape plans, inform decisions and drive successful outcomes.
- Excellent understanding of governance and risk management, with experience applying controls and standards across areas such as model risk, data governance, security, audit, and responsible or ethical AI.
- Commercial and operational leadership experience, including managing budgets, supplier performance, financial governance and delivering cost‑effective services or large‑scale programmes that achieve value for money.
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Principal Machine Learning Engineer – Manchester employer: NLP PEOPLE
National Highways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of digital services. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to lead cutting-edge AI/ML initiatives that directly impact the transport network. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our focus on diversity ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Machine Learning Engineer – Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Machine Learning Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI/ML projects. Whether it's GitHub repos or case studies, having tangible evidence of your work can really impress potential employers and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for machine learning roles and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss your experience with data innovation and how you've led teams to success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about joining us and gives you a better chance of standing out in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Machine Learning Engineer – Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Machine Learning Engineer role. Highlight your experience with AI/ML products and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about digital services and how you can contribute to our mission at National Highways. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in building relationships and influencing decisions. We love seeing examples of how you've navigated complex environments successfully!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NLP PEOPLE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in machine learning and AI. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the role. Highlight your experience with data innovation and systems integration, as this will show you understand the core responsibilities of the position.
✨Stakeholder Savvy
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about examples where you've successfully influenced decisions or built relationships at a senior level. This will demonstrate your strong stakeholder management skills.
✨Strategic Mindset
Prepare to showcase your strategic thinking abilities. Have examples ready that illustrate how you've turned insights into actionable plans. Discuss how you've used data to inform decisions and drive successful outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Governance Guru
Familiarise yourself with governance and risk management principles, especially in relation to AI and data. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied controls and standards in past projects, as this will highlight your understanding of compliance and ethical AI standards.
