AI & Data Solutions Engineer

Job Title: AI & Data Solutions Engineer

Location: SE1, London (Southwark)

Reports to: Head of Data & Analytics

Department: Category & Product / Data

Employment Type: Full-time in office

Salary: £50,000 per annum

Role Overview

Black Sheep Coffee is seeking a motivated and commercially minded AI & Data Solutions Engineer to help identify, assess, and implement data, AI, and automation initiatives across the business.

As part of the Category & Product / Data team, this role will focus on turning business challenges into practical data-led solutions, with a particular emphasis on AI tools, agentic workflows, automation opportunities, and measurable return on investment.

The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical and technical skills with the ability to work closely with stakeholders, understand business processes, assess impact, and support the successful adoption of new tools and ways of working.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI, Automation & Business Solutions

· Identify opportunities where AI, automation, and analytics can improve efficiency, decision-making, customer experience, or cost control.

· Support the assessment, testing, and implementation of AI tools, agentic workflows, and automation projects across the business.

· Work with stakeholders to understand business processes, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.

· Translate business requirements into practical data, AI, or automation solutions.

· Help define success measures for pilots and new initiatives, ensuring projects have clear commercial and operational value.

· Support the rollout and adoption of new tools, ensuring teams understand how to use them effectively.

2. Analytics & ROI Measurement

· Analyse business performance before and after implementation to measure impact and ROI.

· Build dashboards, reports, and analysis to support data-driven decision-making.

· Translate complex data into clear insights and practical recommendations.

· Support business cases for new AI, automation, and analytics initiatives.

· Monitor the performance and adoption of implemented solutions, recommending improvements where needed.

3. Data Engineering & Best Practices

· Support and maintain data pipelines and analytics engineering processes where required.

· Work with Azure Data Factory and other data tools to ensure data is reliable, well-structured, and fit for purpose.

· Contribute to data quality, governance, documentation, and security best practices.

· Collaborate with internal teams to ensure data solutions are scalable, accurate, and aligned to business needs.

· Stay up to date with emerging AI, data, and automation tools to support continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Annual Discretionary Bonus - Up to 15% of previous years earning.
• Monthly phone bills reimbursed – up to £50 per month.
• Free coffees and drinks at any of our locations, plus discounted food.
• Access to Stream, offering a variety of high-street discounts.
• Up to 5% Interest on savings through Stream Build Pot.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Access to confidential counselling and advice
• Wellness App through our EAP.
• Quarterly take home coffee orders - pods, beans or ground coffee.
• Pension plan through NEST pensions – 3% employer contribution.
• Free daily breakfast, snacks and commercial coffee machine in the office.
• Monthly pub drinks, biannual staff socials and a fully stocked drinks fridge.
• Rapid career progression and development opportunities.

About you

Essential Requirements:

· Experience: 1–3 years in an analytics, data engineering, analytics engineering, automation, or similar data-focused role.

Technical Skills:

· Strong SQL skills and experience working with relational databases.

· Experience with Python for data analysis, automation, or workflow development.

· Experience working with APIs, including integrating data between systems or tools.

· Experience with Azure Data Factory or similar data orchestration tools.

· Experience building reports, dashboards, or analytical outputs.

· Understanding of data modelling, ETL workflows, and data quality principles.

· Interest in, or experience with, AI tools, LLMs, automation, or agentic workflows.

Commercial & Analytical Skills:

· Ability to assess business impact, define success metrics, and measure ROI.

· Strong problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.

· Ability to turn business requirements into practical data or technology solutions.

· Comfortable using data to challenge assumptions and support decision-making.

Soft Skills:

· Strong communication and collaboration skills.

· Comfortable working across teams and functions.

· Able to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

· Curious, proactive, and comfortable working with ambiguity.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience with Power BI or other data visualisation tools.

· Knowledge of responsible AI, data governance, privacy, and security best practices.

· Experience supporting pilots, proof-of-concepts, or technology implementation projects.

· Experience in retail, hospitality, food and beverage, or another fast-paced operational business.

About Black Sheep Coffee

Join the thriving team at Black Sheep Coffee, the rapidly expanding 4th largest coffee chain in the UK. With our sights set on further growth, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of our success story.

Since our establishment in 2013, we have captivated coffee lovers with our commitment to quality and innovation. As a testament to our dedication, we have risen to become one of the leading players in the UK coffee scene.

With our continuous expansion plans, there has never been a more exciting time to join us. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to contribute to our upward trajectory and be part of our ambitious journey towards shaping the future of the coffee industry.

We foster a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and a passion for excellence, we provide a supportive platform for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing company that values innovation, quality, and the power of exceptional coffee. Join Black Sheep Coffee today and embark on a rewarding career that offers unlimited potential.