Applied Research Engineering Manager, Cleo AI

• You can dive into technical details when needed
• Advanced degree in Machine Learning, AI, Computer Science, or related quantitative field
• Strong foundation in ML fundamentals, research methods, and evaluation design
• First-principles thinker who can question assumptions and innovate beyond existing approaches
• Proven experience managing and developing research teams - scientifically curious, technically strong, and motivated
• Able to set direction, make decisions with imperfect information, and move a team confidently forward
• Skilled in mentoring, performance management, and fostering a psychologically safe culture
• You set the strategic context so the team doesn’t lose sight of business impact
• Experience turning research outcomes into concrete product value
• You know how to prioritise research problems that matter most to users
• Comfortable balancing long-term projects with shorter deliverables
• Strong communicator - can explain complex results to engineers, product partners, and leaders

Desirable

• We’re hiring an Applied Research Manager to grow and lead a team of research scientists and machine learning engineers solving some of the hardest AI problems at Cleo
• You’ll be accountable for setting research direction, turning exploration into impact, and scaling research outcomes into product-ready solutions
• This role sits at the intersection of long-term innovation and high-value product execution - taking ideas from prototype through to measurable value
• You’ll own the research roadmap for areas like large language models, AI agents, personalisation, and evaluation, leveraging Cleo's data from open banking, app interactions, and conversation transacripts
• You’ll also build, coach, and develop a team that thrives on curiosity, technical excellence, and pushing boundaries
• You’ll partner closely with Product, Engineering, Design, and other cross-functional stakeholders to ensure research speaks directly to real user and business needs
• Define and own the applied research roadmap that delivers measurable impact
• Identify high-value research opportunities aligned to product and AI priorities
• Balance blue-sky investigation with focused execution and delivery
• Hire, grow, and retain a high-performing research team (scientists + research engineers)
• Provide coaching, career development, and mentorship that elevates individual and team performance
• Set clear expectations, review work rigorously, and reinforce high standards
• Work directly with Product and Engineering to prioritise research work that aligns to business impact
• Advocate for research needs, constraints, and timelines across teams
• Communicate priorities and results clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• This role offers a clear progression plan. We want you to keep growing. That means trying new things, leading others, challenging the status quo and owning your impact. Always with our complete support

• Interview with a Recruiter (30 mins)
• Interview with the Hiring Manager (30 mins)
• Python Programming Interview (45 mins)
• White-boarding session (60 mins)
• Management Skills Interview (60 mins)