We’re looking for a hands-on AI Technical Lead to drive the development of scalable, well-governed data and AI solutions that align with our broader business and technology strategies. In this senior technical role, you’ll lead a small, agile squad, bringing deep expertise and current market insight to shape how we design, build, and scale AI capabilities. This is an ideal opportunity for a technically driven leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering early value through real-world use cases. You’ll define the technical direction of your team, collaborate closely with business stakeholders, and stay ahead of emerging technologies to continuously evolve solutions on our data and AI platforms. Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible What You’ll do Your key accountabilities will include - Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable, secure, and governed Data & AI solutions using Databricks and Microsoft Foundry. - Define and shape the technical roadmap for AI, and automation capabilities, aligning platform strategy with business priorities. - Lead and mentor a high-performing AI engineering squad, driving innovation, technical excellence, and delivery outcomes. - Partner with business stakeholders to identify high-value use cases, rapidly prototype solutions, and scale successful AI products into production. - Ensure robust AI governance, security, ethical AI practices, and seamless integration of solutions into enterprise platforms and business processes. Who you are Your skills and experience will include - Extensive experience delivering Data, AI, ML, and Generative AI solutions, with strong hands-on expertise in Databricks, Microsoft Foundry, and the wider Azure ecosystem. - Proven leader of engineering and AI teams, with a track record of coaching talent and building high-performing technical squads. - Commercially minded problem solver with the ability to translate complex business challenges into practical, value-driven AI solutions. - Strong communicator and influencer, capable of engaging both technical and non-technical stakeholders and articulating the value of AI. - Passionate about Data & AI innovation, continuously exploring emerging technologies, market trends, and opportunities to enhance business outcomes. What's in it for you Being a part of M&S is exactly that – playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us. Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special… - After completing your probationary period, you’ll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household. - Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days! - Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business. - A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance. - A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills. - Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing. - Industry-leading parental, adoption and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family. - Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family. - A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work. Everyone's welcome We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process. #hybridrole #LI-hybrid #LI-HB1