Head of AI Engineering

Hastings Direct; Bexhill-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£6k car allowance

Hybrid working model

4Cs annual bonus programme

Private medical insurance (PMI)

Life assurance + pension

Job summary

Hastings Direct is seeking a Head of AI Engineering to lead AI and ML capabilities, including platforms, MLOps, and responsible AI practices. You will drive governance, scalability and measurable business value across the model lifecycle.

The role requires strong leadership, cloud expertise (Azure AI/Azure ML) and a track record of delivering secure, compliant AI systems in a dynamic environment. Hybrid working available with a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in AI engineering within a fast-paced tech environment.
• Strong expertise in ML, MLOps, generative AI and LLMs.
• Experience implementing AI engineering standards, deployment automation and monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI engineering, MLOps and platform teams to deliver high-quality AI solutions.
• Define and maintain engineering standards, AI guardrails and Responsible AI practices.
• Oversee model development, deployment, monitoring and continuous improvement processes.
• Drive automation, observability and root-cause analysis to reduce technical debt.
• Partner with Architecture, Risk, Compliance and stakeholders to shape AI roadmaps.
• Provide reporting on progress, model performance and value realization.
• Build, mentor and develop high-performing teams with succession planning.

Skills

AI leadership

MLOps

Gen AI & LLMs

AI platforms

Cloud technologies

AI governance

Tools

Azure ML

Azure AI

Job description

Head of AI Engineering

As a member of the CIO Technology Engineering senior leadership team, the Head of AI Engineering will lead the design, deployment, integration and continuous improvement of enterprise AI and machine learning capabilities, including ML platforms, generative AI, LLM services, feature pipelines andMLOpstooling.

The roleis responsible forestablishingAI engineering standards,governanceand best practices across the model lifecycle, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, compliant and deliver measurable business value.

About the role

• Lead AI engineering,MLOpsand platform teams, driving high-quality delivery and operational excellence.

• Define andmaintainengineering standards, AIguardrailsand Responsible AI practices.

• Oversee model development, deployment, monitoring,evaluationand continuous improvement processes.

• Drive preventative controls, automation,observabilityand root cause analysis to minimise technical debt and service issues.

• Partner with Architecture, Risk,Complianceand business stakeholders to shape AI roadmaps and align delivery with strategicobjectives.

• Provide clear reporting on progress, modelperformanceand value realisation,identifyingopportunities for improvement.

• Build,mentorand develop high-performing teams through coaching, successionplanningand recruitment.

About you

• Significant leadership experience in AI Engineering within a fast-paced technology environment.

• Strongexpertisein machine learning,MLOps, generative AI, LLMs, AI platforms and cloud technologies (e.g. Microsoft Azure AI/Azure ML).

• Proven experience implementing AI engineering standards, deployment automation, modelmonitoringand Responsible AI frameworks.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, withproficiencyin Microsoft Office applications.

• Passion for innovation, data-drivendecision-makingand continuous learning.

Regrettablywe are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

• Benefits: competitive salary and £6k car allowance

• Flexible working –we champion a flexible hybrid working approach –

• Competitive bonus scheme- all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus

• Physical wellbeing – as a Band 5 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen

• Financial wellbeing – as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with anaward winningpackage which includes – discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support

• Mental wellbeing programme – we have the thrive mental health app, our colleagueassistanceprogramme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, supportgroupsand a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs

• There’smore! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one ofyour weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

Job posting end date:

01/11/2026