At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and fine-tuning of cutting-edge AI models for real-world applications.
- Company: Join a successful software organisation investing heavily in AI innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £120,000, bonuses, and flexible remote work options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and direct exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while working on impactful projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine-tuning AI models and strong Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 € per year.
Hybrid: Midlands-based 2-3 days in the office or remote contracts for candidates outside of 35 miles. Paying up to £120,000 + bonus + Benefits. Permanent.
Experis are delighted to be partnering with a highly successful and growing software organisation as they invest heavily in building a cutting-edge AI capability at the heart of their product suite. We are supporting them in the search for an AI Models Lead, a key foundational hire who will own the development, fine-tuning, and production delivery of domain-specific AI models within a large-scale programme. This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage and build a fine-tuning capability from first principles, shaping how AI models are developed, evaluated, and deployed in real-world, regulated environments.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Designing and leading the end-to-end model fine-tuning strategy, including SFT, LoRA/QLoRA, and optimisation approaches.
- Selecting and evaluating base models (eg Mistral, Qwen, PHI, Falcon) based on performance, cost, and use case.
- Defining evaluation frameworks and standards to ensure models meet production-grade quality and reliability.
- Building and scaling a suite of fine-tuned models to support multiple product use cases.
- Owning experiment design and reproducibility, including tracking, benchmarking, and iteration cycles.
- Working closely with data, domain and product teams to translate real-world requirements into model behaviour.
- Leading, mentoring, and growing a team of ML Engineers while remaining hands-on technically.
- Driving models through to production environments, ensuring robustness, scalability, and performance.
Experience Required:
- Proven experience fine-tuning machine learning/LLM models in production environments.
- Strong track record of deploying AI models at scale and understanding real-world failure modes.
- Hands-on experience with Generative AI/LLM architectures and frameworks.
- Strong Python engineering capability and familiarity with ML tooling (eg HuggingFace, PEFT, TRL, W&B).
- Experience working in cloud environments (AWS preferred).
- Ability to operate as a player-coach, combining deep technical expertise with leadership.
- Pragmatic mindset, comfortable working in ambiguous, evolving environments.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and influence direction.
Why Join:
- Opportunity to build and shape a core AI capability from the ground up.
- Work on real-world AI use cases where accuracy and trust genuinely matter.
- Highly visible role with direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic initiatives.
- Join a business making significant long-term investment in AI-driven innovation.
AI Models Lead employer: Experis IT
Join a forward-thinking software organisation that prioritises innovation and employee growth, offering a unique opportunity to lead the development of cutting-edge AI models in a collaborative and dynamic environment. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance through hybrid working options and a commitment to investing in your professional development, this role not only allows you to shape the future of AI but also provides a supportive culture where your contributions are valued and recognised. Experience the thrill of working on impactful projects while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits in the vibrant Midlands region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Models Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI projects, models you've fine-tuned, or any relevant work. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to AI model development and deployment. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Models Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the AI Models Lead role. Highlight your experience with fine-tuning machine learning models and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with Python and any ML tooling you've used, like HuggingFace or AWS. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios, so be specific!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Experis IT
✨Know Your AI Models Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific AI models mentioned in the job description, like Mistral and Falcon. Be ready to discuss your experience with fine-tuning and deploying these models, as well as any challenges you've faced in production environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring a team of ML Engineers, prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities, and be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and growth within your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Pragmatic Mindset
The company values a pragmatic approach to working in evolving environments. Think of instances where you've successfully navigated ambiguity or adapted your strategies based on changing requirements. This will show that you can thrive in their dynamic setting.
✨Engage with Real-World Use Cases
Be prepared to discuss real-world applications of AI and how accuracy and trust play a role in those scenarios. This will not only demonstrate your understanding of the field but also your alignment with the company's mission to build a core AI capability that genuinely matters.