AI Lead Architect

ZipRecruiter; Knutsford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech recruitment firm is seeking a Lead Solution Architect – AI/ML to design and implement scalable cloud AI solutions in Knutsford. This hybrid role requires deep technical expertise and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will possess strong experience in enterprise environments and a background in AI/ML frameworks. Competitive salary of up to £94,000 plus a 20% bonus offered.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering complex, scalable systems in enterprise environments.
• Deep understanding of cloud technologies (preferably AWS), AI/ML frameworks, and modern CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience applying architectural principles that balance innovation, security, operational risk, and cost.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evolve AI-powered solutions for business requirements.
• Architect secure, resilient, and scalable products using modern engineering practices.
• Partner with engineers, data scientists, and stakeholders for effective technical solutions.

Skills

Hands-on technical leadership

Designing scalable systems

Cloud technologies (AWS)

Strong stakeholder management

Security-first design

Job description

Job Description

Lead Solution Architect – AI/ML

Location: Knutsford (Hybrid, 2 days per week in office)

Salary: Up to £94,000 (depending on experience) + 20% Bonus

Are you ready to shape the future of AI-powered digital experiences? We’re seeking a forward-thinking Lead AI/ML Architect with deep technical expertise and a hands-on approach to help drive our Conversational Assistant & AI strategy.

This is a highly impactful role where you will design and implement scalable, cloud- AI solutions, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, customer-centric products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and evolve AI-powered solutions that meet complex business requirements and enhance customer experiences.
• Architect secure, resilient, and scalable products using modern engineering practices and technologies (e.g. serverless, containerisation, elasticity).
• Partner with engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to translate business needs into effective technical solutions.
• Lead performance tuning, troubleshooting, and support activities for production systems.
• Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture, governance, security, privacy, and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate new AI technologies and contribute to the development and standardisation of architectural patterns and tooling.
• Maintain awareness of emerging AI trends and integrate them into future-facing design strategies.

What We’re Looking For:

• A hands-on technical leader — ideally a Senior or Lead AI Engineer with strong architectural experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering complex, scalable systems in enterprise environments.
• Deep understanding of cloud technologies (preferably AWS), AI/ML frameworks, and modern CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to operate across both technical and business domains.
• Experience applying architectural principles that balance innovation, security, operational risk, and cost.
• Familiarity with security-first solution design, including defence in depth and blast radius minimisation.

Desired Experience:

• Previous experience in financial services or similarly complex, regulated environments.
• Background in technical leadership across large-scale AI, payments, or cloud- projects.
• Proven ability to guide cross-functional teams and influence enterprise technology strategy.
• Understanding of software delivery methodologies, product engineering, and operational support structures.

Apply now to join a high-impact team where your vision and expertise will directly influence the future of AI-driven customer experiences.