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AI & Automation Lead

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Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients.  We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications.  We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

About the Role:

As our AI & Automation Lead, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, leading a talented team of automation engineers, AI specialists, and analysts to deliver smart, scalable solutions that make a real difference. Whether it’s streamlining operations, improving decision-making, or introducing machine learning to everyday processes, you’ll turn cutting-edge technology into meaningful business outcomes.

You’ll work across a diverse client base, helping them uncover opportunities, prioritise initiatives, and realise the full potential of automation and AI. If you enjoy blending strategy with delivery, working closely with stakeholders, and seeing the impact of your work unfold—you’ll thrive here.

This is an initial 6-month Inside IR35 contract, with the strong possibility of longer-term engagement or transition into a permanent position.

As our AI & Automation Lead, you will:

Build, lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team delivering AI and automation use cases.
Develop and maintain a roadmap of automation and AI opportunities aligned to client objectives.
Drive adoption of AI technologies and support change initiatives to embed AI literacy across organisations.
Lead the evaluation and deployment of AI/ML technologies, frameworks and tools.
Manage the Azure DevOps backlog, capturing, evaluating, and prioritising automation use cases.
Facilitate business-facing workshops and collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements.
Operate in agile delivery environments, supporting sprint planning, ceremonies and backlog grooming.
Manage third-party suppliers and external delivery partners where applicable.
Produce clear, business-aligned reports and updates for stakeholders.

We’re looking for someone with both strategic and technical depth—someone who can lead, influence and deliver.

You will ideally have:

A background in delivering automation or AI/ML initiatives in complex or enterprise settings.
Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring digital teams.
Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services (e.g. Power Platform, Azure AI, Azure DevOps).
A solid understanding of AI/ML concepts and frameworks (hands-on experience is a bonus).
Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver value in agile environments.
Agile delivery experience, with a working knowledge of SCRUM practices and backlog management
Experience working with managed service providers or multi-vendor setups

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success.

We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more….

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.

What You Should Know About AI & Automation Lead, Sword Group

Sword is searching for an innovative AI & Automation Lead to spearhead transformative solutions within the Energy, Public, and Finance sectors. In this exciting role, you'll lead a talented team of automation engineers and AI specialists, crafting smart and scalable solutions that drive real change for our diverse clients. Your day-to-day will involve streamlining operations and enhancing decision-making processes by integrating cutting-edge machine learning technologies. You will be the linchpin in identifying opportunities for automation, developing a strategic roadmap aligned with client objectives, and mentoring your team as you work collaboratively with stakeholders. At Sword, we pride ourselves on being at the intersection of strategy and execution, and we’re looking for someone who thrives in that environment. This initial six-month Inside IR35 contract has the potential for long-term engagement or a permanent position, making it a fantastic career opportunity. If you have a track record of delivering AI and automation initiatives in complex settings and enjoy leading cross-functional teams, this could be the perfect fit for you. With Sword, you’ll not only contribute to impactful projects but also be part of a culture that emphasizes continuous professional development and work-life balance, ensuring you have the support you need to grow both personally and professionally. Join us and help shape the future of technology across industries!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for AI & Automation Lead Role at Sword Group

What are the responsibilities of the AI & Automation Lead at Sword?

As the AI & Automation Lead at Sword, you will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team that delivers innovative AI and automation solutions. Your key responsibilities include developing and maintaining an automation roadmap aligned with client objectives, facilitating workshops to gather requirements, and evaluating AI/ML technologies for deployment. You'll also manage the Azure DevOps backlog, support agile delivery practices, and produce reports to keep stakeholders informed about progress.