AI Architect in London

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence at enterprise scale? We're looking for an experienced AI Architect to lead the design, engineering and evolution of our AI capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to define AI strategy, influence technology direction, and drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies including Generative AI, Agentic AI and machine learning across a large, complex organisation.

As a senior technology leader, you'll combine deep technical expertise with strong people leadership to design scalable, secure and responsible AI solutions that deliver measurable business value. Working closely with senior business leaders, product owners, engineers, data scientists and risk specialists, you'll play a pivotal role in accelerating AI-driven transformation across the enterprise. We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best. At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible.

Responsibilities:

• The postholder will define and own the enterprise AI architecture strategy, target-state vision, technology standards and architectural guardrails, while leading the development and evolution of enterprise-scale AI, machine learning and data platforms.
• They will shape technology roadmaps and investment decisions across Generative AI, Agentic AI, MLOps, LLMOps, AI orchestration and model development capabilities.
• The role is responsible for driving engineering excellence through the adoption of modern practices, including CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code, automated testing, model lifecycle management and AI observability.
• In addition, the postholder will lead and develop multidisciplinary teams of AI architects, machine learning engineers, platform engineers and technical specialists, providing technical leadership and oversight for AI solutions from concept through to production deployment to ensure they are scalable, secure and resilient.
• They will champion Responsible AI by embedding governance, explainability, auditability and risk controls into AI platforms and services, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and governance bodies by translating complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes.
• The role also requires building a high-performing culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, quality and continuous improvement, alongside leading recruitment, mentoring and capability development to create a world-class AI engineering function.

About you:

We're looking for a strategic leader with a proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI and technology solutions. You'll bring a blend of technical credibility, commercial awareness and exceptional stakeholder management skills.

You’ll likely have:

• Significant experience in AI architecture, machine learning platforms and cloud-native technologies.
• Expertise in Generative AI, Agentic AI, AI platforms, model lifecycle management and modern engineering practices.
• Experience defining architecture strategies, technology standards and target-state architectures within large-scale organisations.
• A strong understanding of governance, security, risk management and Responsible AI principles.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing technical teams.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic technology decisions at executive level.
• Experience delivering scalable, resilient and cost-effective platforms that support business transformation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical challenges into practical business outcomes.
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to enabling the safe and responsible adoption of AI.

Our customer first behaviours put customers and members at the heart of how we work together. They are the set of behaviours that every colleague needs to display, in every role:

• Feel what customers feel - We step into our customers’ shoes, using their feedback and insights to empathise with them and to understand their needs, so that every decision we make starts and finishes with our customers in mind.
• Say it straight - We are brave in speaking out and saying what we think – we’re honest and direct with good intent, openly sharing diverse perspectives to reach the best conclusions and using language everyone can understand.
• Push for better - We don’t settle for mediocrity, we challenge the status quo, taking responsibility for continuous improvement and personal development.
• Get it done - We prioritise what will have the greatest impact, we are decisive, and we take accountability for delivering brilliant customer outcomes.

You can strengthen your application by showing how our customer first behaviours resonate with you, and where you may have already demonstrated these.

The extras you’ll get:

• 30 days holiday, pro rata
• Private medical insurance
• A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement
• Access to an annual performance-related bonus
• Training and development to help you progress your career
• A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme
• Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death
• Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness
• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year

If this role is for you, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You’ll need to attach your up-to-date CV and answer a few quick questions for us. We respond to everyone, so we will be in contact shortly after the closing date to let you know the outcome of your application.