We are looking for a Lead AI Engineer, specialising in AI Adoption & Governance with demonstrable hands-on practice in current AI engineering tooling with proven experience setting standards and guardrails across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Fluent in agentic ways of working including model selection, prompt / harness engineering, agent-tool integration (such as MCP), reusable skill and instruction packaging. The role pairs horizon scanning with practical delivery, spotting emerging capability maps and converting isolated experimentation into reusable, centralised adoption patterns. Initial emphasis on landscape setting, evaluation and standard design, shifting over time towards a forward deployed model. Strong stakeholder management is essential, internally across portfolios, professions and assurance functions, and externally with suppliers and technology providers. This is an influencing role rather than a mandating one, so success depends on evidence, brokering and consensus rather than formal authority over portfolio tooling decisions.*This is a senior technical influence role rather than a conventional people-management position. The person should be capable of leading standards and adoption across multiple teams while remaining sufficiently hands-on to test approaches and work directly with delivery teams. Essential Hands-on practice with agentic AI engineering: building and running agent workflows, model selection, prompt / harness engineering, agent-tool integration, reusable skills and instructions. Knowledge of applying AI across the SDLC including test generation, code review augmentation, documentation, legacy comprehension, and modernisation. AI coding and agent tooling exposure e.g., Claude Code, GitHub CoPilot, Codex, Kiro, MCP server development Defined standards, guardrails, or engineering practices that were adopted across multiple teams, with evidence of how adoption was achieved. Influenced without formal authority across organisational / team boundaries. Prior engagement with suppliers and technology providers. Provided coaching, targeted training or running champions network, supporting a self-sustaining community of practice. Desirable Software engineering background in large-scale production systems, sufficient to embed within delivery teams and be credible on their stack.
SC Cleared Lead AI Engineer (AI adoption & Governance) employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers
Hays Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for SEN SLD/PMLD teachers in the Hounslow/Hillingdon area. With access to exclusive vacancies, ongoing professional development, and a dedicated consultant to guide your career, you will find ample opportunities for growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Join us to be part of a community that values inclusivity and fosters both personal and professional development.
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Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers Recruitment Team
