Junior Innovation Engineer - HR (UK or Spain)

IFS is building a more data-driven, technology-enabled HR function. As part of this ambition, we are hiring a Junior Innovation Engineer to help design and deliver practical, AI-enabled solutions that improve how we plan, manage, and support our workforce.

This is an early-career role focused on real HR business problems, not academic research or theoretical modelling. The successful candidate will work closely with HR leaders, HRIS, and technical teams to automate manual processes, generate better people insights, and test how AI can be responsibly applied across the employee lifecycle.

This role is intentionally scoped as a proof of concept, with strong development opportunities as capability and impact are demonstrated., HR Automation and AI Enablement

• Support the design and development of AI-enabled tools and automations to improve HR processes such as workforce planning, talent acquisition analytics, skills analysis, and attrition insights.
• Use machine learning techniques, data analysis, and large language model capabilities to solve clearly defined HR use cases.
• Help reduce manual, spreadsheet-driven work through scripting, automation, and intelligent workflows.

Data and Analytics Delivery

• Build and maintain simple data pipelines using HR data from systems such as HRIS, ATS, engagement platforms, and surveys.
• Develop dashboards, models, or tools that move HR insight beyond static reporting toward predictive or decision-support use cases.
• Ensure data quality and transparency of assumptions in all outputs.

Business Collaboration

• Work closely with HR stakeholders to understand business questions and translate them into analytical or technical solutions.
• Present findings and tools in clear, non-technical language suitable for HR and business leaders.
• Iterate solutions based on feedback and real-world usage rather than theoretical design.

Governance and Responsible AI

• Follow IFS standards for data privacy, security, and ethical use of AI, particularly when working with people data.
• Partner with HR, Legal, IT, and Security to ensure solutions are appropriate, explainable, and responsible., * Delivery of working AI- or data-enabled solutions that are actively used by HR teams.
• Measurable reduction in manual HR effort or improvement in decision quality.
• Increased confidence within HR to use data and AI responsibly.
• A clear case for scaling HR innovation capability based on demonstrated impact.

• Degree (Bachelor's or Master's) in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of Python and SQL or similar tools.
• Foundational understanding of data analysis, statistics, and basic machine learning concepts.
• Familiarity with large language models and AI tooling (e.g. prompt design, APIs, experimentation).
• Ability to explain technical concepts in clear, practical business terms.

Desirable

• Exposure to cloud platforms (GCP, Azure, or AWS).
• Experience working with business or operational datasets (HR data a plus but not required).
• Internship, placement, or project experience in analytics, consulting, or automation.
• Awareness of ethical considerations in data and AI use.

Personal Attributes

• Curious and practical, with a strong bias toward building and testing solutions.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and learning through iteration.
• Commercially aware, with an interest in how HR supports business outcomes.
• Collaborative and open to feedback, with a growth mindset.

IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 7000+ employees on all continents. Our leading AI technology is the backbone of our award-winning enterprise software solutions, enabling our customers to be their best when it really matters-at the Moment of Service . Our commitment to internal AI adoption has allowed us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring our colleagues can unlock their creativity and productivity, and our solutions are always cutting-edge. At IFS, we're flexible, we're innovative, and we're focused not only on how we can engage with our customers but on how we can make a real change and have a worldwide impact. We help solve some of society's greatest challenges, fostering a better future through our agility, collaboration, and trust. We celebrate diversity and understand our responsibility to reflect the diverse world we work in. We are committed to promoting an inclusive workforce that fully represents the many different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints of our customers, our partners, and our communities. As a truly international company serving people from around the globe, we realize that our success is tantamount to the respect we have for those different points of view. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to be part of a global, diverse environment; you will be joining a winning team with a commitment to sustainability; and a company where we get things done so that you can make a positive impact on the world. We're looking for innovative and original thinkers to work in an environment where you can #MakeYourMoment so that we can help others make theirs. With the power of our AI-driven solutions, we empower our team to change the status quo and make a real difference. If you want to change the status quo, we'll help you make your moment. Join Team Purple. Join IFS., We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.