AI & Machine Learning Lead in Exeter

Ready to lead real‑world AI innovation in a fast‑growing SaaS start‑up? If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, experimentation, and delivery — this is your chance to shape the intelligence behind the future of work. Join RoleMapper and lead the evolution of our AI and ML capabilities that make workforce decisions fairer, smarter, and more transparent.

About RoleMapper: In a world where organisations are facing significant skills challenges, increasing compliance requirements and continuous organisational transformation, current approaches to managing job, work & skills data are no longer fit for purpose. RoleMapper is building the DNA for Work, the data infrastructure powering fair, transparent and AI‑driven workforce decisions. RoleMapper brings structure, intelligence and governance to Job, Work & Skills data, enabling transparent, equitable pay decisions, skills‑based talent strategies and high‑performing teams, at scale.

In 5 years, we have built a portfolio of global big brand customers across the UK and US, have recently received significant VC funding, and are now embarking on the next chapter of our growth journey.

Job Purpose: RoleMapper is building the DNA for Work: the data infrastructure powering fair, transparent, and AI‑driven workforce decisions. You'll shape and scale the platform that makes this possible. You will lead our AI roadmap, from model design to data architecture, ensuring RoleMapper's technology remains differentiated, defensible, and enterprise ready. You will play a pivotal role in defining how our proprietary AI and platform evolves, turning complex, messy organisational data into intelligence that powers fair compensation, pay transparency, and workforce agility. Combining strategy with hands‑on leadership, you'll build the team, systems, and innovation engine that drive our next phase of growth and position RoleMapper at the forefront of AI in work design.

Responsibilities:

• Translating product vision into a feasible, scalable AI and ML roadmap that delivers measurable business value and aligns with commercial goals.
• Designing and scaling RoleMapper’s AI and Machine Learning models, combining leadership with hands‑on execution.
• Ensuring reliable and responsible ML systems through strong operations and governance.
• Owning cross‑functional alignment to ensure ML solutions are developed collaboratively and translated seamlessly into the core product experience.
• Leading and scaling a high‑performing ML team.
• Representing technology to customers, partners, investors and the broader company.

Qualifications:

• Experience in leading and growing ML/Data teams.
• A product‑focused approach with a background in data‑heavy SaaS or B2B Enterprise platforms.
• A collaborative, skilled communicator with ability to influence non‑technical audiences.
• A commercially savvy startup mindset: hands‑on, innovative, pragmatic, delivery‑oriented.
• A proactive, hands‑on mindset — comfortable working at pace in a fast‑changing environment.
• Clear and confident communication skills, able to explain technical ideas to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder skills and a practical, flexible approach.
• Motivation to be part of a scaling startup where things evolve quickly and you have a real impact.

Values:

• Customer Focus: We are obsessive about delivering value and reducing complexity for customers.
• Collaboration: We’re all about the team — collaborating, supporting and recognising everyone’s contributions.
• Openness & Honesty: We are open, honest, and straight‑talking with each other and our customers.
• Authenticity & Humility: We bring our whole selves to work, and we have the humility and self‑honesty to admit when we are wrong.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range: up to £120k plus share options. In addition to 25 days of holiday, we have a paid shutdown period between Christmas and New Year equating to an additional 3 to 5 days. Flexible benefits package includes:

• Pension contribution.
• Top‑up your life insurance cover up to 8 times your annual salary (capped at £750,000).
• Purchase Critical Illness cover up to 5 times your basic salary (capped at £500,000).
• Top‑up pension contributions.
• Private Medical Scheme – add your immediate family.
• Cash plan scheme – add your partner (children covered for free).
• Cycle2Work Scheme for cycle or cycling equipment.
• Lease an Electric car with LoveElectric.
• Nursery Scheme for nursery fees.

Location: While our official registered office is in Exeter, we work remotely across different locations. We have regular team days in Exeter & London, so you should reside in a location reasonably accessible to these sites. Flexible workspace memberships available if you prefer an office.