Head of AI Engineering

Head of AI Engineering, Bexhill – Full time.

As a member of the CIO Technology Engineering senior leadership team, the Head of AI Engineering will lead the design, deployment, integration and continuous improvement of enterprise AI and machine learning capabilities, including ML platforms, generative AI, LLM services, feature pipelines and MLOps tooling. The role is responsible for establishing AI engineering standards, governance and best practices across the model lifecycle, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, compliant and deliver measurable business value.

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• Lead AI engineering, MLOps and platform teams, driving high-quality delivery and operational excellence.
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• Define and maintain engineering standards, AI guardrails and Responsible AI practices.
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• Oversee model development, deployment, monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement processes.
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• Drive preventative controls, automation, observability and root cause analysis to minimise technical debt and service issues.
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• Partner with Architecture, Risk, Compliance and business stakeholders to shape AI roadmaps and align delivery with strategic objectives.
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• Provide clear reporting on progress, model performance and value realisation, identifying opportunities for improvement.
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• Build, mentor and develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning and recruitment.
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• Significant leadership experience in AI Engineering within a fast-paced technology environment.
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• Strong expertise in machine learning, MLOps, generative AI, LLMs, AI platforms and cloud technologies (e.g. Microsoft Azure AI/Azure ML).
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• Proven experience implementing AI engineering standards, deployment automation, model monitoring and Responsible AI frameworks.
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• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
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• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
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• Passion for innovation, data-driven decision-making and continuous learning.
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• Regrettably we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
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• Benefits include a competitive salary and £6k car allowance; flexible hybrid working; competitive bonus scheme; private medical insurance; life assurance and pension contributions; mental wellbeing and financial wellbeing programs; 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays; plus additional voluntary benefits.
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• Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. We have a thorough referencing process including credit and criminal record checks. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please discuss with our recruitment team.
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