At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering and AI initiatives, transforming investment platforms with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Top buy-side investment firm in London, focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive contract salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a small, senior team driving innovation in a regulated environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI development in finance, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven engineering leadership, strong .NET and AI tooling experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join a leading buy-side investment firm as Head of Engineering and AI, taking ownership of proprietary investment and operations platforms while driving the transformation to AI-augmented development. This is a hands-on leadership role for an engineering leader who treats software as a craft, has strong opinions on modern application architecture, and is energized by building AI-delivery capabilities.
What You'll Own
- Proprietary Applications
- Lifecycle ownership of core investment and operations systems
- Application portfolio including architecture, technical roadmap, framework modernization
- Decommissioning legacy components and driving technical evolution
- AI-Augmented Delivery
- Drive adoption of Claude Code, agentic pipelines, and AI-generated testing across the development lifecycle
- Productionize existing PoCs (unit test, codebase documentation, ADO-to-GitHub automation)
- Build AI-delivery model reducing external supplier dependency
- MCP & Integration Architecture
- Build MCP connector layer exposing proprietary systems to firm’s AI estate
- Implement governance, audit trails, and access controls
- Enable secure, governed AI integration with core platforms
- Team & Supply Model
- Lead small senior in-house engineering squad augmented by selected contractors
- Set engineering standards, code review culture, and delivery cadence
- Reduce dependency on external development suppliers through AI-augmented in-house capability
- Governance & Audit Readiness
- Ensure institutional investor scrutiny standards met
- AI code provenance, container hardening, change control, full audit trails
- FCA regulated environment compliance without slowing delivery
We're Looking For An engineering leader who has done the work, not just managed it.
Essential
- Strong track record building and running proprietary applications in financial services
- Deep .NET background with modernization programme experience
- Multi-fluency - .NET, Python, TypeScript, SQL
- Hands-on AI tooling experience - Claude Code, Cursor, or equivalent AI-development tools with clear POV on effective use
- MCP, agent frameworks, or LLM integration - practical production experience
- Cloud & data platforms - Azure and Databricks fluency
- Team leadership - experience leading small senior teams and managing supplier relationships
- In-house ownership bias - proven track record reducing external dependency for critical IP
- FCA regulated environment - judgement to maintain compliance without blocking velocity
Head of Engineering and AI in London employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Join a leading buy-side investment firm in London, where innovation meets excellence. As the Head of Engineering and AI, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that values craftsmanship in software development and fosters continuous learning. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to cutting-edge technology, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of investment operations while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world's financial capitals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering and AI in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Energy Jobline ZR.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Energy Jobline ZR might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering and AI in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Energy Jobline ZR will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Energy Jobline ZR. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Energy Jobline ZR confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Energy Jobline ZR.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Energy Jobline ZR that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
