Data Science & AI Delivery Lead

AXIS (AXIS Capital)•Halifax, NS

3d•$175,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is a key leadership position within the Data Science & AI team, acting as the deputy to the Head of Data Science & AI Delivery. The team is focused on transforming business operations and leveraging AI advancements for competitive advantage. The Data Science & AI Delivery Lead will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of AI delivery operations, driving technical delivery, managing workstreams, and stepping in for the Head of when necessary. This is a hands-on role that requires direct work in the codebase, review of technical designs, and deep fluency with the team's tools and techniques. The goal is to ensure projects are delivered to a high standard, on time, and with strong stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

Demonstrable experience delivering AI/ML solutions in a professional environment, with a track record of taking projects from concept through to production.
Strong technical knowledge, including proficiency in Python and experience with core data science and ML libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, PyTorch or TensorFlow).
Practical experience with Databricks, including MLflow for experiment tracking and model management, and Spark-based data processing.
Familiarity with Generative AI concepts and tooling, including working with LLMs, prompt engineering, RAG patterns, and vector search.
A solid understanding of MLOps principles, including CI/CD for models, automated testing, and monitoring of deployed solutions.
Cloud platform experience, preferably Azure, including services such as Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, or Azure AI Search.
Experience managing or leading technical delivery teams, with a track record of fostering a positive, high-performing team culture.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts for business stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, including resource estimation, progress tracking, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment.
A proactive, problem-solving mindset with the ability to operate independently and step up into a leadership vacuum when needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with advanced NLP techniques beyond prompt engineering, including fine-tuning and evaluation frameworks for generative models.
Experience working in the (re)insurance industry, with an understanding of underwriting, claims, or actuarial data.
Knowledge of responsible AI practices, including bias detection, explainability, and fairness testing.

Responsibilities

Own the operational running of AI delivery workstreams, ensuring the team is focused, unblocked, and delivering against priorities.
Act as the primary point of escalation when the Head of is unavailable.
Directly manage the design, build, test, and deployment of AI solutions across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
Provide technical guidance on solution design, model selection, and architecture decisions.
Review code and technical outputs to maintain quality standards, and contribute hands-on to Python-based development.
Support the design and delivery of Generative AI solutions, including RAG architectures, prompt engineering, and integration with Azure AI services.
Ensure robust MLOps practices are followed, including model versioning, testing, deployment pipelines, and monitoring of deployed solutions.
Champion engineering best practices across the team, including code review standards, documentation, version control (Git), and a clear separation between experimentation and production-ready code.
Work closely with AXIS's Business Technology Solutions for solution architecture and delivery, and with the Program Office for planning deliveries, providing timelines, cost estimates, and status updates.
Partner with Data Engineering to ensure data pipelines and lakehouse structures support AI delivery needs.
Support the Head of Data Science & AI Delivery in leading and developing a growing team of Data Scientists and AI Engineers.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.
Mentor and coach team members through hands-on pairing, structured code reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Support the Head of in tracking the project pipeline, estimating costs, and managing resource allocation.
Stay current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape, including new foundation models, open-source frameworks, vector databases, orchestration tools, and evaluation methodologies.
Bring new ideas to the team and lead proof-of-concept development to assess feasibility and value.
Represent the Head of Data Science & AI Delivery in meetings, steering groups, and stakeholder forums as required.
Take on additional duties, responsibilities, and activities appropriate to the nature of this role.