Decoding essential AI skills for building your dream team

What is Artifical Intelligence (AI)?

From finance to marketing, healthcare and beyond, organisations are using AI to automate tasks, improve data analytics, make smarter decisions, boost productivity and stay ahead of the competition.

Some of the top trends in AI include generative AI and natural language processing (NLP); tools that use deep-learning models that can generate high-quality text, images, and other content, like ChatGPT.

How are businesses using AI?

According to a recent survey by Forbes, over half of businesses are leveraging it for cybersecurity and fraud management. With the growing prevalence of AI, the need for highly skilled AI professionals is on the rise. The AI job market is largely candidate-driven, which means finding qualified individuals can be a daunting task.

AI is here to stay. With 56% deploying AI for customer service and 64% of business owners believing AI will improve customer relationships. Notably, 97% believe ChatGPT will transform their business.

Not sure where to start? You don’t have to do it alone.

Learn how we leverage our expertise at Michael Page to assemble adept teams for critical technology transformation.

How to build high-performance teams: Key AI roles and responsibilities

Putting together an AI team is no easy feat, and depending on the size and scale of your project there are a wide range of positions that may need filling. We’ve narrowed down the job roles we’re seeing are increasing in demand.

• Data Scientist: Masters complex data sets, crafting algorithms crucial for AI functionality. They build and assess predictive models, integrating them seamlessly with the final product.
• AI Researcher: Innovators focused on devising original systems, working closely with Data Scientists to ensure practical applicability. 
• AI Engineer: Architects of AI systems and applications. They design, deploy, and optimize algorithms, ensuring seamless integration with existing applications and enhancing performance scalability. 

Unlocking AI Excellence: Standout skills every successful AI team needs

• Programming mastery: Candidates well-versed in Python, Java, and Apache Spark, showcasing proficiency gained through dedicated Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) training possess crucial skills for roles like Machine Learning Engineer or Algorithm Developer. 
• Database expertise: Individuals with a strong foundation in database modelling, data warehousing, and processing will be key to success. Candidates equipped with relational algebra, SQL, and NoSQL database skills, as honed in our Data Modelling and Analytics module, bring essential capabilities to efficiently manage and leverage data. 
• Machine learning prowess: Identify candidates with a deep understanding of machine learning concepts and techniques. Our AI and Digital Technology module ensures they possess the foundational knowledge and optimization algorithms critical for roles like Machine Learning Engineer. 
• Intelligent User Interfaces (IUI): Candidates who understand the human factors in designing interactive systems, who can prototype, evaluate, and apply IUIs in diverse domains, offer valuable skills for roles in secure systems, vehicle automation, smart homes, and smart cities. 
• Problem-solving aptitude: Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills ensures candidates can apply their knowledge effectively and contribute to your business through substantial independent research projects. 

In-house vs. freelance and interim management roles

Building an in-house team also comes with its own advantages. It gives you greater control, provides a long-term solution, and nips any security concerns in the bud. 

However, given the scarcity of talent in the AI job market, you may be considering hiring a freelance AI team. With flexible working moving from a perk to an expectation, the most suitable candidates are often unwilling to move from overseas. By outsourcing, you can secure these candidates, increase your flexibility, and reduce the cost of your AI project. 

Finding the AI talent you need 

It's important to adopt a creative approach to attract highly skilled talent to your organisation. While salary is certainly important, it's not the only factor candidates consider when deciding on a job. 

In a recent Page Pusle survey, we asked over 5,000 UK workers what is driving their job search for the New Year. 40% of respondents said they’re seeking greater work-life balance, and a further 60% said they are seeking flexible start and finish times, as opposed to the typical 9 to 5.

To attract the best candidates, you should consider offering flexible hours and remote work, training opportunities, stock options, and other perks. Consistency is key: once you’ve hired the talent, investing in upskilling, and providing other benefits will help you retain those valuable employees. 

Check out our 2024 Salary Guide for more hiring insights, candidate sentiment, and salary trends in the technology market.

Leverage Michael Page expertise to source top AI talent

At Michael Page we have a deep understanding of top candidates’ expectations, as well as what your competitors are putting on the table.

Our extensive database is filled with high-calibre individuals who could become an integral part of your AI team. We know the value of finding the right match for your business, which is why we carefully consider all factors before presenting you with the top talent that we believe would be a perfect fit. 

With our global database, you can rely on our recruitment specialists to source the very best AI talent. We make it simple by taking your salary range and candidate expectations into account before providing you with your perfect match in a matter of days. 

What's next?

As businesses navigate the transformative impact of AI, Michael Page remains the authoritative partner of choice for organisations seeking to build high-performing AI teams.

Our in-depth understanding of technology services including AI applications, from cybersecurity and fraud management to customer service and content creation, positions us as the go-to recruitment agency for companies aspiring to thrive in an AI-driven future. Partner with us to ensure your organisation not only adapts to the AI revolution but excels in it.

At Michael Page, we ensure you access AI talent poised to elevate customer experiences and drive engagement. Partner with us to thrive in the AI revolution.

Explore our 2024 Salary Guide for more hiring insights, candidate sentiment, and salary trends in the technology market.

When it comes to your AI project, getting the right team together can make all the difference. Don’t leave anything up to chance, contact us today.