AI Tech Lead

We have an exciting new role for an AI Tech Lead to join our Technology Transformation team! Our Technology Transformation function is accountable for collaborating across CTO and VMO2, to create transformational strategy that modernises our CTO technologies, simplifies how we all work, defines architectures that enables us to have agility across plan, build and run, and delivers materially better customer outcomes, internally and externally.

As the AI Tech Lead you will play a pivotal role in leading and driving the development of pioneering AI solutions applying state-of-the-art open-source language models such as Llama 2 and Hugging Face. You will lead a dedicated team of AI developers, collaborating closely with collaborators, product owners, and other technical teams to deliver AI-powered solutions that drive business success. Your primary focus will be on providing technical leadership, ensuring code quality, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the AI development squad.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Technical Leadership: Provide expert technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to the AI development team. Ensure alignment to best practices and maintain high-quality code standards.
• AI Solution Development: Lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-powered products and solutions, applying open-source language models and AI frameworks.
• Code Review: Conduct regular code reviews to ensure code quality, adherence to coding standards, and seek opportunities for improvement. Ensure compliance with CI/CD practices and security measures.
• Team Leadership: Manage a team of skilled AI developers, providing guidance, feedback, and technical assistance as needed. Act as the primary technical escalation point for major incidents related to AI solutions.
• Solution Scalability and Reliability: Architect AI platforms for scalability, reliability, and performance. Select and implement appropriate technology stacks for AI development.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Identify cross-product and cross-team dependencies and work with relevant partners to address them. Facilitate decision-making processes and ensure alignment with Agile and DevOps values.
• AI Technology Evaluation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and open-source technologies. Provide vision and strategy for using AI tools and frameworks for network modernization.
• Technical Chapter Leadership: Act as the Technical Chapter lead for AI, automation, data science, and disseminate best practices across the squads.

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too.

Diverse, high performing teams - jam packed with serious talent. Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions.

Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can't wait to see what you can do.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

• Hands-on practical experience as a Senior AI Developer or Tech Lead with a track record leading and growing tech talent.
• Experience with open-source language models like Llama 2, Hugging Face or similar tools
• Proficiency in SQL scripting and SQL queries
• Familiarity with cloud platforms ideally GCP or similar (Azure, AWS etc)

• Previous experience in software development and proven leadership skills.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Go, YAML, or similar.
• Knowledge of AI frameworks, libraries, and tools.
• Experienced in DevOps, including test automation, CI/CD, and source control.
• Experience of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and network orchestration (Cisco NSO, Itential IAP).

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date.

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.