Machine Learning Manager

Location: Waltham, MA (hybrid)

NEXT’s mission is to help entrepreneurs thrive. We’re doing that by building the only technology-led, full-stack provider of small business insurance in the industry, taking on the entire value chain and transforming the customer experience. 

Simply put, wherever you find small businesses, you’ll find NEXT.

Since 2016, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of small business customers across the United States get fast, customized and affordable coverage. We’re backed by industry leaders in insurance and tech, and we still have room to grow — that’s where you come in.

What You’ll Do: 

• Lead and mentor a team of AI and backend engineers


• Drive delivery of team projects from requirements through deployment


• Provide technical guidance, review designs and support hands on development when needed


• Define priorities and coordinate with product and cross functional partners


• Establish clear processes for planning, execution and quality


• Maintain focus and clarity in fast moving or ambiguous environments


• Promote innovation in AI architecture, tools and workflows, Identify opportunities for improvement and proactively drive new initiatives. 


• Encourage a culture of experimentation, learning and continuous advancement

What We Need: 

• 5+ years of experience leading engineers


• 3+ years of experience in integrating AI or ML models into production


• [Bouns] 3+ years of backend engineering experience with high performance or distributed system


• Strategic thinking and ability to prioritize initiatives effectively


• Excellent communication, collaboration and planning skills


• Proven ability to operate effectively under ambiguity and drive results


• [Bonus] Experience in agentic AI

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some underrepresented people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NEXT, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

One of our core values is 'Play as a Team'; this means making sure everyone has an equal chance to participate and make a difference. We win by playing together. Next Insurance is an equal opportunity employer and prioritizes building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants of any type and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job-related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state, and local laws. Next's policy is to comply with all applicable laws related to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.