AI Engineering Manager

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!

[Read our Impact Report] | [See our Trustpilot]

📍 London (Hybrid) | 🤝 2 days in the office | 💰 Competitive Salary + 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 GenAI product and process roadmap and build a high performing Data Science and AI Engineering culture.

Reporting to the Director of AI/ML, you will take ownership of people management and delivery across our Data Science and AI Engineering team. The team is organised into small squads of Data Scientists and AI Engineers, each working on a specific GenAI-based product or process, from initial R&D through to production implementation and ongoing maintenance. You will manage this group end to end, ensuring they are supported and delivering value.

Your responsibilities will include:

• People management and culture: You will 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. Whether maintaining the existing team or hiring new members as we scale, you will ensure we have the right people in the right roles.

• Delivery management: You will oversee delivery. You will drive the transition of models from research into robust production systems, ensuring we balance speed of experimentation with engineering rigour.

• Technical partnership: You will partner closely with our Technical Leads, who focus on architecture and craft excellence. You will ensure the team has the resources and environment to execute that vision effectively.

• Operational excellence: You will 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.

We are looking for an experienced Engineering Manager who cares deeply about people and processes. You should have 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.

• Engineering leadership: Proven experience managing technical teams. You know how to build happy, high-performing teams and have experience with hiring, onboarding, and performance management.

• Technical background: You have 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.

• Delivery focus: You are experienced in agile delivery and know how to manage the unique uncertainty of AI projects. You can unblock teams and keep stakeholders aligned on timelines and expectations.

• Collaborative mindset: You are comfortable working in a complex environment. You understand that your role is to enable the team and partner with Technical Leads, other Engineering Managers and Product managers to ensure we are building the right things, the right way.

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.

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.