Data Analytics and AI Manager - Smartbridge

Data Analytics and AI Manager - Full-Time, Hybrid (Houston, TX) Location: Houston, TX (West Sam Houston Parkway South, Energy Corridor area) Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid About Smartbridge: Smartbridge is a U.S.-based technology consulting firm dedicated to transforming businesses through innovative solutions and digital modernization. As a trusted partner to our clients, we deliver impactful results across key industries such as Energy, Life Sciences, and Food & Beverage. Position Summary: 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. Key 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

Qualifications:

• 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
• Candidates who do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered.

Additional Requirements:

• Hybrid role based in Houston, TX (Energy Corridor); regular onsite presence required for client and team collaboration
• Reasonable commuting distance required; relocation assistance is not available