At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative AI solutions while shaping AI strategy.
- Company: Forward-thinking organisation focused on cutting-edge AI initiatives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive day rate, and potential for long-term contracts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the AI field with high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in AI architecture and strong technical leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Duration: Initial 6 months (with strong extension potential)
About the Role
We're working with a forward-thinking organisation looking to engage an experienced AI Architect on a contract basis to drive the design and delivery of enterprise-grade AI solutions. This role is ideal for a highly skilled consultant who can operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, helping shape AI capability while delivering real, production-ready outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and implement the AI architecture strategy and roadmap
- Design scalable, secure, and high-performance AI/ML solutions
- Translate business requirements into end-to-end AI architectures
- Lead the design of data pipelines, model training environments, and deployment frameworks
- Implement best practices for MLOps, CI/CD, and model life cycle management
- Evaluate and recommend AI tools, platforms, and frameworks
- Ensure alignment with data governance, security, and regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR)
- Collaborate with key stakeholders across data, engineering, and business teams
- Provide technical leadership and architectural oversight across AI initiatives
Experience Required
- Extensive experience (typically 8-12+ years) in technology, with a strong focus on AI, machine learning, and data architecture
- Proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI/ML solutions in complex environments
- Experience defining and implementing AI architecture strategies and roadmaps
- Strong hands-on experience building end-to-end AI systems (data pipelines, model development, deployment, monitoring)
- Deep experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and cloud-native architecture
- Strong background in data engineering and large-scale data platforms (e.g., Spark, Databricks)
- Experience implementing MLOps frameworks, including CI/CD and model governance
- Experience integrating AI into microservices, APIs, and enterprise systems
- Exposure to advanced AI techniques such as NLP, deep learning, and Generative AI / LLMs
- Strong understanding of AI governance, ethics, and compliance requirements
- Proven ability to work in cross-functional, stakeholder-heavy environments
- Experience in a senior or architect-level role, with strong technical leadership capability
Key Skills
- Python (or similar programming languages)
- TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar ML frameworks
- Cloud AI services (Azure AI, AWS SageMaker, GCP AI Platform)
- Data technologies (SQL/NoSQL, Spark, Databricks)
- API and microservices architecture
- DevOps / MLOps tooling
Desirable Experience
- Experience with Generative AI solutions (e.g. Azure OpenAI, GPT-based models)
- Microsoft stack experience (Azure, Fabric, Synapse)
- Previous consulting or contract experience in enterprise environments
- Industry experience in Finance / Retail / Healthcare - tailor if needed
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI initiatives
- High-impact role shaping AI strategy and delivery
- Flexible working arrangements
- Competitive day rate with long-term extension potential
If you're an experienced AI Architect available for your next contract and ready to deliver impactful AI solutions, we'd love to hear from you.
AI Architect in Manchester employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a forward-thinking organisation as an AI Architect, where you'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI initiatives that shape the future of technology. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and flexible working arrangements, this role offers a competitive day rate and the potential for long-term engagement, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Architect in Manchester
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Public Portfolio
As a freelancer in data science, having a killer portfolio is essential. Showcase your projects on platforms like GitHub or create a personal website that details your work and techniques. This gives potential clients a clear picture of what you can do and helps you stand out from the competition.
✨Get Involved in Data Science Communities
Tap into online forums like Kaggle or Stack Overflow. Not only can you showcase your expertise, but you can also connect with other data scientists and potential clients. Plus, participating in competitions and discussions can elevate your profile in the field.
✨Leverage Local Networking Opportunities
Keep an eye out for local data science meetups or tech events in your area. These are golden opportunities to meet potential clients and collaborators face-to-face. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of networking over pizza and drinks?
✨Pitch Your Services Directly to Companies
Don't just wait for freelancing platforms to bring clients to you—be proactive! Research companies that could benefit from data science services and craft tailored pitches. Mention specific pain points you can address for them. Let’s get that freelance hustle going!
We think you need these skills to ace AI Architect in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance data science role like AI Architect at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited, it’s crucial to highlight your projects. Include a portfolio that features at least two or three projects involving data analysis, machine learning, or visualisation. Make sure to describe the tools and methodologies you used, so we can see your skills in action!
Quantify Your Achievements:Freelance gigs, especially in data science, often ask for proven results. In your CV, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous work. Did your analysis help reduce costs by a certain percentage? Or did your predictive model improve performance? Numbers speak volumes!
Introduce Your Style:Since freelancing is all about your individual style and approach, use your cover letter to share how you tackle data problems. This is your chance to let us know how you think, your creative problem-solving methods, and how you would approach a project at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
Be Real About Your Rates:When you send in your application, don’t forget to mention your freelance rates and availability. We appreciate clarity up front, and it helps us gauge if you fit within our budget and timeline. Being transparent in this aspect shows professionalism and readiness!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Show Off Your Data Wizardry
As a freelancer in data science, you'll want to present a portfolio that showcases your best projects. We should pull together examples where you tackled real problems with data analytics, machine learning models, or visualisations. It's all about demonstrating your skills in action!
✨Be Ready to Dive Deep into Technical Questions
Expect to encounter some technical grilling during the interview. Prepare to discuss statistical methods, algorithms, or maybe even tackle a live coding challenge. We should brush up on tools like Python, R, or SQL—those are key players in the data science field. Don't just know them; be ready to explain your thought process!
✨Help Them Understand Your Work Style
Freelance gigs often mean you'll be working independently, so we need to convey our self-motivation and time management skills. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve handled multiple projects or met tight deadlines before. Sharing your approach to client communication can also give them confidence in your ability to deliver remotely.
✨Pitch Your Value Proposition
When freelancing, it’s crucial to clearly articulate what makes you unique. We should highlight not just technical skills but also the business impact of our projects. Think of a couple of stories where your data insights drove decision-making—this can be a game changer in showing why they should choose you for their freelance needs!