AI Architecture Lead: Patterns, Governance & Cost

The Citation Group; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Citation Group is seeking an AI Architect to own the AI/Data architecture across the delivery area, reporting to the Chief AI Officer. This senior role requires 6+ years in software, data, or platform engineering/architecture with hands-on production AI experience.

You will shape architectural standards, cost governance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. You will lead model selection, data readiness, and governance, ensuring architectural decisions align with the five-layer AI

Qualifications

• Senior — 6+ years in software, data, or platform engineering/architecture, with meaningful hands-on time on production AI systems.

Responsibilities

• Own AI patterns and architecture standards across Citation's AI systems.
• Lead model selection decisions between open-weight and closed models with a documented framework.
• Define token cost governance, observability, and cost-per-outcome tracking.
• Ensure security and compliance are integrated from the start of initiatives.
• Act as the internal architectural counterpart to delivery partners and sign off on AI design elements.

Skills

Senior AI architecture

Software/data/platform engineering

Hands-on production AI systems

Job description

The Citation Group is seeking an AI Architect to own the AI/Data architecture across the delivery area, reporting to the Chief AI Officer. This senior role requires 6+ years in software, data, or platform engineering/architecture with hands-on production AI experience.

You will shape architectural standards, cost governance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. You will lead model selection, data readiness, and governance, ensuring architectural decisions align with the five-layer AI