Lead AI Engineer

James Adams; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A scaling B2B SaaS company seeks an AI & Machine Learning Lead to drive ML architecture and implementation of NLP and GenAI solutions. This hybrid role focuses on 80% hands-on and 20% leadership tasks, including delivering end-to-end ML pipelines and aligning AI strategy with product impact. Ideal candidates will have a proven background in deploying AI solutions and strong communication skills. Competitive pay up to £120,000 plus bonus and equity potential in a fast-growing environment.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Equity potential

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record building and deploying ML/AI solutions in production, ideally B2B SaaS.
• Deep experience with NLP, GenAI, LLMs, and handling unstructured data at scale.
• Strong MLOps background including CI/CD, monitoring, and model lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deliver end-to-end ML pipelines including model design and deployment.
• Build and scale NLP/LLM solutions using semantic search and embeddings.
• Lead responsible AI efforts around fairness, explainability, and bias mitigation.

Skills

NLP

GenAI

MLOps

Communication skills

Job description

Lead – AI & Machine Learning

📍 Hybrid – UK-based

💷 Up to £120,000 + bonus + equity potential

🕓 Full time

A scaling B2B SaaS company is seeking a hands‑on AI & Machine Learning Lead to drive the development of cutting‑edge NLP and GenAI solutions powering responsible, explainable enterprise software. This is a rare opportunity to lead the AI roadmap while remaining technically deep, owning both architecture and delivery.

The Role

This is an 80% hands‑on, 20% leadership role. You'll lead the development of proprietary ML systems (including LLMs), scale MLOps pipelines, and ensure responsible AI practices. Working closely with Product, Engineering, and senior leadership, you’ll translate strategic goals into robust, production‑ready AI solutions.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deliver end‑to‑end ML pipelines, including model design, deployment, monitoring, and optimisation
• Build and scale NLP / LLM solutions using semantic search, embeddings, and unstructured data methods
• Define and implement MLOps frameworks for versioning, observability, drift detection, and reproducibility
• Lead responsible AI efforts around fairness, explainability, and bias mitigation
• Mentor and support a small ML team while maintaining strong hands‑on contribution
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to align ML solutions with real product and user impact
• Communicate AI strategy to internal teams, external partners, and investors

Requirements

• Proven track record building and deploying ML / AI solutions in production (ideally B2B SaaS)
• Deep experience with NLP, GenAI, LLMs, and handling unstructured data at scale
• Strong MLOps background, including CI / CD, monitoring, and model lifecycle management
• Passion for responsible AI with experience in fairness, bias detection, and explainability
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading small ML teams
• Startup or scaling environment experience preferred

Bonus Skills

• Experience communicating AI value to sales or customers
• Background in enterprise software or regulated domains
• Public speaking, writing, or thought leadership in ML / AI

Why Apply

• Own and shape the ML architecture in a high‑impact role
• Work on meaningful, socially responsible AI applications
• Join a mission‑led team with strong values and supportive leadership
• Competitive pay, equity, and career growth in a fast‑scaling company