Data Analytics and AI Manager

Smartbridge•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Data Analytics and AI Manager to lead the delivery of data and AI-driven projects across Smartbridge's client base. While this role will support clients across all of Smartbridge's industries, a significant portion of the work will center on our Energy clients, so Oil & Gas experience is strongly preferred. This role owns technical delivery from architecture through implementation, working directly in the platforms our clients run on — Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, and the broader Azure data and AI ecosystem. The ideal candidate is comfortable staying hands-on with delivery rather than purely managing from a distance, and can translate business requirements into scalable, production-ready data and AI solutions across a range of industries.

Requirements

5+ years of experience delivering data, analytics and AI solutions.
3-5+ years direct Oil and Gas experience required in Upstream or Midstream. Medical Device Manufacturing experience will also be considered.
Strong industry business acumen with a solid understanding of the Upstream, Midstream, or Medical Device Manufacturing business value chain.
Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and Azure Databricks required
Strong background in Azure data platform tools (Data Factory, Synapse, Azure SQL, or similar)
Working knowledge of AI/ML solution design and implementation on Azure
Proven experience managing and staying technically hands-on in data project delivery (not purely oversight)
Strong understanding of Agile delivery methods and the software development lifecycle
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and client-facing skills
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Business, or a related field
PMP certification required

Responsibilities

Deliver data and analytics engagements across Smartbridge's full client portfolio — spanning Energy, Life Sciences, and Food & Beverage
Lead end-to-end delivery of data and analytics engagements, including implementations built on Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, and Azure AI/ML services
Architect high-performing, end-to-end cloud (and on-premise) data and analytics solutions, including AI/ML solutions
Oversee the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise data architecture using Agile methodology and the software development lifecycle
Drive business requirement gathering and review sessions to develop effective data integrations, applying both data expertise and industry knowledge
Promote data sharing, consistency, and reusability across the organization; ensure data quality across all project phases
Collaborate with business units and data owners to implement and maintain enterprise-level business analytics and data warehousing solutions
Identify and promote best practices for data modeling across business units and information domains
Ensure operational and analytical data warehouses support business reporting needs; establish standards for data governance and consistency
Execute technical feasibility assessments, solution estimation, and proposal development for data and analytics opportunities
Develop functional and technical designs for client solutions, staying hands-on through delivery rather than delegating execution entirely
Lead and mentor small to mid-sized delivery teams on cloud data and analytics migrations and implementations in enterprise environments
Manage project scope, timeline, budget, risk, and client communications for assigned engagements
Serve as the primary point of contact for client reporting and stakeholder communication
Document and share technical best practices with clients and the Smartbridge community, contributing to our internal IP repository
Strategize, plan, and support business development related to data and analytics opportunities, including client-facing presentations
Maintain and grow client relationships, bringing forward ideas that help clients improve business performance