Head of AI Engineering

As a member of the CIO Technology Engineering senior leadership team, the Head of AI Engineering will lead the design, deployment, integration and continuous improvement of enterprise AI and machine learning capabilities, including ML platforms, generative AI, LLM services, feature pipelines and MLOps tooling. The role is responsible for establishing AI engineering standards, governance and best practices across the model lifecycle, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, compliant and deliver measurable business value.

About the role

• Lead AI engineering, MLOps and platform teams, driving high-quality delivery and operational excellence.
• Define and maintain engineering standards, AI guardrails and Responsible AI practices.
• Oversee model development, deployment, monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement processes.
• Drive preventative controls, automation, observability and root cause analysis to minimise technical debt and service issues.
• Partner with Architecture, Risk, Compliance and business stakeholders to shape AI roadmaps and align delivery with strategic objectives.
• Provide clear reporting on progress, model performance and value realisation, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Build, mentor and develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning and recruitment.

About you

• Significant leadership experience in AI Engineering within a fast-paced technology environment.
• Strong expertise in machine learning, MLOps, generative AI, LLMs, AI platforms and cloud technologies (e.g. Microsoft Azure AI/Azure ML).
• Proven experience implementing AI engineering standards, deployment automation, model monitoring and Responsible AI frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Passion for innovation, data-driven decision-making and continuous learning.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and £6k car allowance.
• Flexible working – we champion a flexible hybrid working approach.
• Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus.
• Physical wellbeing – Hastings pays for private medical insurance (PMI).
• Financial wellbeing – life assurance cover, income protection, matched pension contributions up to 10%, discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and access to financial wellbeing support.
• Mental wellbeing programme – thrive mental health app, colleague assistance programme available 24/7, in-house mental health first aiders, support groups.
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. We have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks. At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.