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.

Requirements

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

Benefits

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.