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- Tasks: Lead AI engineering strategy and design impactful AI solutions for our customers.
- Company: Join 1st Central, a top-rated insurance company with a people-focused culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, competitive salary, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Award-winning workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in a rapidly growing company and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Python and modern AI frameworks, plus strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We're 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that's the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty mega too!
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal AI Engineer to join us as a senior technical authority for AI and Generative AI, defining our long-term AI engineering strategy and leading the design of enterprise-grade solutions that deliver safe, scalable and high-impact AI across the business.
You'll build secure, scalable multi-provider AI platforms, leveraging third-party capabilities where they add value that minimise vendor lock-in and support rapid experimentation across Azure OpenAI and alternative LLM ecosystems. You'll also shape the design of agentic AI systems, orchestration layers, and integration patterns that support flexible, production-ready AI solutions at pace.
Working closely with Enterprise Architecture, Security, Data, Platforms, and senior business leaders, you'll ensure all AI solutions are robust, compliant, and aligned to organisational goals. You'll also provide technical leadership across the engineering community, mentoring senior engineers, setting technical governance standards, and championing responsible and ethical AI practices.
This is a flexible hybrid role, with occasional visits to our offices in Salford Quays (Manchester) or Haywards Heath (West Sussex) when needed. We offer excellent flexibility in working patterns, along with a supportive, people-focused culture that we're proud of.
Core skills we're looking for to succeed in the role:
- Python & Modern AI Framework Expertise: Expert-level Python development and strong familiarity with modern AI frameworks (e.g., LangChain or equivalent).
Principal AI Engineer | Manchester, UK employer: First Central Insurance & Technology Group
Contact Detail:
First Central Insurance & Technology Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal AI Engineer | Manchester, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks 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 and contributions. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in Python and modern AI frameworks, making it easier for hiring managers to see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and scenarios related to AI engineering. Practice explaining your thought process and solutions clearly, as communication is key in this role.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal AI Engineer | Manchester, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal AI Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Python and modern AI frameworks, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had in AI projects. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 skills align with our goals at 1st Central. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant AI projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it's a personal project or something from your previous job, we want to see your hands-on experience and innovative thinking!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Central Insurance & Technology Group
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI and Generative AI frameworks. Be ready to discuss your experience with Python and any relevant projects you've worked on. This is your chance to showcase your technical expertise, so prepare some examples that highlight your skills in building scalable AI solutions.
✨Understand the Company Culture
1st Central prides itself on a supportive, people-focused culture. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent achievements, like winning Insurance Employer of the Year. This will help you align your answers with what they value in their employees, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Leadership Questions
As a Principal AI Engineer, you'll be expected to provide technical leadership. Prepare to discuss how you've mentored others, set technical standards, and championed ethical AI practices in your previous roles. Think of specific instances where you made a significant impact on your team's performance or project outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their AI engineering strategy, team dynamics, and how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals and values.