Lead Data – AI Architect in Leatherhead

• Provide strategic technical leadership across the Digital & AI capability
• Shape the architecture vision for scalable, secure, reusable Data & AI solutions aligned with business strategy, governance requirements and client expectations
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to shape technology direction and provide architecture assurance
• Develop reference architectures, standards and technical guardrails for enterprise data platforms, analytics, automation and GenAI solutions
• Define and own strategic Data & AI architectures across complex organisations
• Manage development of enterprise data platforms, analytics, automation and Generative AI solutions
• Act as design authority for significant digital programmes and products
• Establish architecture standards, reference architectures, governance processes and reusable technical patterns
• Manage technical risk and make architectural decisions balancing innovation, security, maintainability and long-term value
• Provide strategic direction on data governance, security, sovereignty, integration and model lifecycle management
• Advise senior stakeholders on technology strategy, delivery approaches and investment decisions
• Improve consistency and reuse across Digital & AI products, platforms and delivery teams
• Mentor architects, engineers and technical leaders
• Support adoption of emerging technologies with robust governance and assurance
• Deliver solutions for clients and the wider business in complex and highly regulated environments

Requirements

• Significant experience leading Data and AI architecture within complex or regulated environments
• Significant experience shaping architecture strategy for analytics, automation, Generative AI and software-enabled products
• Solid understanding of enterprise data platforms, integration architectures and modern Digital & AI technologies
• Experience acting as a design authority, setting technical standards and assuring solutions through governance processes
• Solid understanding of security, data sovereignty, data separation, assurance and model lifecycle controls
• Experience shaping architecture direction across multiple products, programmes or delivery teams
• Effective stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to provide constructive challenge and specialist advice to senior leadership teams
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing architecture, engineering or technical delivery capability
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working within highly regulated sectors such as defence, nuclear, energy, transport or government
• Experience designing and governing enterprise-scale GenAI solutions
• Knowledge of cloud-based Data & AI platforms and services
• Experience supporting governance, audit, accreditation or assurance activities
• Understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks and best practice
• Experience establishing architecture communities, standards or centres of excellence
• Knowledge of software engineering, DevOps and modern delivery approaches
• Chartered status or relevant professional certifications
• Experience delivering large-scale digital transformation programmes
• Strong understanding of data governance, information management and data quality practices
• Required to undergo pre-employment screening and satisfy clearance criteria for UK National Security Vetting

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in shaping and leading Data & AI architecture strategies, with a strong focus on governance, security, and integration within complex and regulated environments. Proven ability to mentor technical teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Data & AI Architecture Leadership
• Generative AI Solutions Design
• Enterprise Data Platforms Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Data Governance and Security

Hard Skills

• Data Architecture
• AI Solutions
• Analytics Strategy
• Automation Architecture
• Integration Architecture
• Technical Standards Development
• Model Lifecycle Management
• Cloud-Based Data Platforms
• Enterprise Architecture Frameworks
• Digital Transformation

Soft Skills

• Effective Communication
• Mentoring
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Constructive Challenge
• Team Development

Certifications & Qualifications

• Chartered Status
• Professional Certifications

Industry Keywords

• Regulated Environments
• Defence
• Nuclear
• Energy
• Transport
• Government

Tools & Technologies

• Governance Processes
• Technical Guardrails
• DevOps Practices
• Audit and Assurance Activities
• Software Engineering