At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and fine-tuning of cutting-edge AI models for real-world applications.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing software organisation focused on AI innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £120,000, bonuses, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a team and work in a dynamic, evolving environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI and make a real impact in a visible role.
- 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 (e.g. 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 (e.g. 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
If you're interested in learning more, please reach out to Jacob Ferdinand at Jacob.Ferdinand@experis.co.uk
AI Models Lead employer: Experis UK
Join a forward-thinking software organisation that prioritises innovation and employee development, offering a unique opportunity to lead the creation of cutting-edge AI models in a collaborative and dynamic environment. With a strong focus on work-life balance through hybrid working options and a commitment to investing in your growth, 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 on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your AI projects and fine-tuning strategies. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to AI models and production environments. Practice explaining your past experiences and how they relate to the role of AI Models Lead.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
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. Don’t forget to mention specific technologies or methodologies you’ve used that relate to our needs.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any AI projects, make sure to include them in your application. We love seeing real-world examples of your work, especially if they demonstrate your ability to deploy models at scale or tackle complex problems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Experis UK
✨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 Qwen. 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, demonstrating your player-coach mentality.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about model fine-tuning strategies, evaluation frameworks, and cloud environments. Brush up on your Python skills and be ready to discuss tools like HuggingFace and W&B, as they are crucial for this role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for engaging with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex AI concepts. This will help you make a positive impression during the interview.
