AI and Technology Lead

Overview

We’re looking for a AI and Technology Lead to join our growing team. This is a key role within the organisation, focused on enhancing our platforms and automation. This role entails you driving forward transformation in how data, analytics and AI shape decision making and service design across the organisation.

You’ll be someone who is extremely well organised and flexible. You’ll enjoy supporting others and be confident in building solutions and managing platform performance. You will be an excellent team worker who can juggle multiple priorities working in a highly regulated business. Ideally you will be familiar with the requirements of the regulation of apprenticeship assessment / Awarding Organisations and have experience of multiple systems and platforms.

This role plays a key part in our growth plans over the coming years so we’re looking for someone who brings a growth mindset, a willingness to support our team across all departments and shares our people-first values.

• Engaging with stakeholders across departments to gather requirements and understand processes, challenges and pain points
• Translating business needs into clear technical requirements and solution specifications
• Identifying where automation or AI can reduce manual work or improve accuracy, whilst maintaining security and integrity of systems and resources
• Building and optimising automated workflows to streamline repetitive processes
• Creating and maintaining automated data flows, connecting multiple business systems
• Testing and refining solutions to ensure reliable deployment
• Identify training needs and upskilling on new developments
• Other duties as required

• Experience in process automation or applied AI roles
• Hands-on experience with automation platforms
• Knowledge of Python, Rest APIs, and cloud platforms
• Understanding of AI / ML fundamentals, including NLP, Prompt engineering and data analytics
• Critical eye to investigate, problem-solve and produce solutions
• Data driven
• Flexible with an ability to act quickly to change
• Collaborative, working as part of a team to shape ideas and solutions
• An excellent communicator with strong relationship management skills
• A customer-centric ethos, with an ability to manage internal and external expectations
• Fluent written English with exceptional grammar and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple situations and projects, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines

• Experience in change management processes
• Experience of working in a regulated industry

• Delivery of high quality, compliant systems and automation
• Optimisation of system performance and working practices
• Successfully developed working relationships across multiple departments to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction
• You spot opportunities to drive, develop and scale onboarding and mentoring processes

At 1st for Awarding, we’re a growing, purpose-driven team that genuinely cares—about our work, our people, and the impact we make. We offer flexibility, trust, and a supportive environment where your voice matters and your ideas are heard.

Here’s what else you’ll get:

• Full time or part time hours considered (state your preference when applying)
• Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending upon experience
• Remote-first role with built-in flexibility
• Monthly co-working days (lunch included!)
• 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays
• 8 Wellbeing Hours per year – your time to reset, reflect, or engage in activities that support your wellbeing or personal growth
• Flexible working, agreed up front to suit you and the business
• All the tech you need: laptop, monitor, accessories
• A company with purpose, not just process