Client-facing R&D Generative AI Architect

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence ("AI") company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 60,000 employees spanning six continents.

We are seeking a visionary and technically adept Assistant Vice President (AVP) in EXL’s AI Innovation & R&D team to spearhead our innovative client-facing initiatives in the rapidly evolving fields of Generative and Agentic AI. This high-impact, senior consulting role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in AI solutioning and deployment, Fortune 500 client stakeholder management skills, and the ability to drive thought leadership. You will be instrumental in advising Insurance, Healthcare, and Banking clients, designing cutting-edge AI solutions, leading complex implementations, and shaping EXL’s strategy and market presence in Generative and Agentic AI.

You will collaborate closely with data science, technology, business development, and client teams to identify opportunities, architect robust solutions, and deliver transformative results. As part of your duties, you will be responsible for:

• AI Architecture Innovation Research & Design: Focus on new innovative methods of designing and architecting AI and GenAI systems and be able to grasp and adapt monthly and weekly AI innovation coming out in the industry and apply it to our clients’ use cases and needs in new modern ways.
• Client Advisory & Solutioning: Engage directly with senior client stakeholders (including C-suite) to understand complex business challenges, identify opportunities for GenAI and Agentic AI, and define project scope.
• Workshop Facilitation: Design, lead, and facilitate high-impact client workshops and strategy sessions focused on identifying and prioritising Generative and Agentic AI use cases and roadmap development.
• Technical Leadership & Architecture: Design, architect, and oversee the development and deployment of scalable, robust, and cutting-edge Generative AI and sophisticated Agentic AI systems for client and internal projects.
• Project & Engagement Leadership: Lead large-scale, complex Generative AI and Agentic AI projects from strategic conception through successful deployment, managing cross-functional teams and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality solutions.
• Technical Mentorship: Mentor and guide technical teams in best practices for advanced AI development, deployment, MLOps/LLMOps, and agentic system design.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, effectively communicating complex technical concepts and project progress.
• Quality & Best Practices: Ensure adherence to rigorous software engineering principles, Agile methodologies, and responsible AI practices throughout the solution lifecycle.
• Stay Current: Maintain deep expertise in the latest trends, research, tools, and technologies within Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Agentic AI paradigms.

Qualifications and experience we consider to be essential for the role:

• Programming & Libraries: Deep proficiency in Python and extensive experience with relevant AI/ML/NLP libraries.
• AI-driven SDLC: Experience using various coding tools and platforms.
• LLM Expertise: Proven experience developing applications leveraging state-of-the-art LLMs.
• GenAI & Agentic Frameworks: Hands-on mastery of core GenAI frameworks and practical experience with Agentic AI frameworks and concepts.
• AI Architecture: Deep understanding of AI/ML system architecture patterns.
• Data: Knowledge of industry approaches to data engines and data labeling.
• Vector Databases & Embeddings: Expertise in working with various embedding models and vector databases.
• Advanced AI Concepts: Strong grasp of advanced techniques for complex AI systems.
• Software Engineering: Strong foundation in software engineering principles for building scalable AI systems.
• Cloud Platforms: Strong working knowledge and practical deployment experience on at least one major cloud platform.
• LLMOps/MLOps: Expertise in designing and implementing robust MLOps/LLMOps pipelines.

Leadership & Communication:

• Proven ability to lead and motivate diverse, global teams.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex AI concepts to various stakeholders.
• Strong project and program management skills and experience working in Agile environments.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field. Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in AI/ML/Data Science, with at least 5 years in significant leadership roles.
• Deployment Success: Demonstrated track record of successfully architecting and deploying large-scale AI projects.
• Consulting Background: Prior experience in technology consulting or a client-facing technical specialist role is highly advantageous.
• Global Experience: Experience working effectively with global teams across multiple geographic locations is a plus.

As part of a leading global Data and AI company, you can look forward to a competitive salary with a generous bonus, private healthcare, critical illness life assurance, income protection insurance, and a rewarding pension. EXL provides everyday financial well-being solutions, such as cashback cards. We also offer a Cycle Scheme where you can save money on bikes and cycling accessories. At EXL, we are committed to providing our employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed and excel in their careers. We offer a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities. We also support a range of learning initiatives that allow our employees to build on their existing skills and knowledge. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EXL is committed to diversity. Our company does not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability status. EXL employees are eligible to purchase stock as part of our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). At EXL, we offer a flexible hybrid working model that allows employees to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle while strengthening our culture of collaboration. To be considered for this role, you must already be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.