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1st Central

Lead Machine Learning & AI Engineer - 10 month Fixed Term Contract

Manchester
Posted about 15 hours ago
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At 1st Central, everything starts with our people.

As one of the UK’s leading motor and home insurers, we use smart technology, data and great service to make insurance fast, fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to grow - whether that’s developing new skills, taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re on the hunt for a Lead Machine Learning & AI Engineer to join our Data & Analytics function on a 10-month fixed term contract, where you’ll play a pivotal role in implementing and continuously improving the machine learning and AI operations frameworks that bring innovative solutions to life across our organisation.

You’ll design and deliver new tools, components of the framework and engineering practices that turn cutting-edge models into high-performing, production-ready systems. In this highly collaborative role, you’ll coach and guide a small team of Machine Learning Operations Engineers, Analytics Engineers and AI Engineers while working closely with colleagues across Data Science, Pricing, Data Engineering and Software Development. Together, you’ll ensure our machine learning and AI models are engineered with excellence, from raw data through to seamless integration into real-world business processes.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

This is a flexible hybrid role, where you'll predominantly be home-based, with just one day per month in the office, either in Salford Quays (Manchester), Haywards Heath (West Sussex) or Guernsey. If you'd like to spend more time collaborating with the team, you're welcome to work from the office more frequently.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

  • Azure Cloud & AI Platform Expertise: Deep experience and strong understanding of Microsoft Azure (Azure ML, Azure Stream Analytics, Cognitive Services, Event Hubs, Synapse, and Data Factory).
  • Data Science & AI Development Skills: Fluency in Python and common modelling frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
  • MLOps & Production Deployment: Skilled in applying MLOps frameworks within production environments.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Strength: Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Troubleshooting & Technical Diagnosis: Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot problems quickly.
  • Strong line management: Ability to effectively run and manage a team, motivating for high performance and managing under-performance where necessary

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If you want to learn more about this exciting 10 month Fixed Term opportunity you can check out the full details on our career pages

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Skills

Azure Cloud
Azure ML
Python
PyTorch
TensorFlow
MLOps
Azure Stream Analytics
Cognitive Services
Event Hubs
Synapse
Data Factory
Line Management
Problem Solving
Technical Diagnosis
AI Engineering
Machine Learning

Location

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

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