AI Architecture Lead — Enterprise AI & Data Systems

The Citation Group; Wollaton; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Citation Group is seeking an AI Architect to own the AI/Data architecture across delivery. You will work under the Chief AI Officer, guiding architectural decisions that span product, engineering, security and infrastructure.

You will design patterns for Retrieval and grounding, agent orchestration, and cost governance, while ensuring security and observable production systems. This role requires seniority and hands-on experience with production AI solutions.

Qualifications

• Senior role with 6+ years in software, data, or platform engineering/architecture.
• Hands-on experience with production AI systems, not just pilots.
• Influence comes from judgment and presence, not headcount.

Responsibilities

• Architectural standards and patterns for AI systems.
• Own design patterns for retrieval/grounding, agent orchestration, and guardrails.
• Document decisions as architecture decision records aligned to five‑layer platform.
• Lead model selection framework between open-weight and closed models with proof.
• Manage token costs and observability, including cost per outcome.
• Involve Security in major AI initiatives from the start and govern AI design choices.

Skills

AI architecture

Production AI systems

Senior experience

Job description

The Citation Group is seeking an AI Architect to own the AI/Data architecture across delivery. You will work under the Chief AI Officer, guiding architectural decisions that span product, engineering, security and infrastructure.

You will design patterns for Retrieval and grounding, agent orchestration, and cost governance, while ensuring security and observable production systems. This role requires seniority and hands-on experience with production AI solutions.