Lead Data – AI Architect

Jobtailor

Leatherhead

On-site

GBP 90,000 - 150,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a strategic Data & AI Architecture Lead to steer enterprise-scale architectures in the UK, focusing on scalable data platforms, governance, GenAI, and security-aligned delivery for regulated environments.

The role involves mentoring architects, shaping reference architectures, and driving governance and risk management across complex programs. Collaboration with senior stakeholders is essential.

Qualifications

Significant experience leading Data and AI architecture within regulated environments.
Experience shaping architecture strategy for analytics, automation, GenAI and software-enabled products.
Solid understanding of enterprise data platforms, integration and modern AI technologies.
Ability to set standards and assure solutions through governance processes.
Knowledge of security, data sovereignty and model lifecycle controls.
Experience working across multiple products, programmes or delivery teams.
Strong communication with senior leadership and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic technical leadership across the Digital & AI capability.
Shape architecture vision for scalable, secure Data & AI solutions aligned with business strategy.
Work with senior stakeholders to shape technology direction and assurance.
Develop reference architectures, standards and guardrails for data platforms and GenAI.
Define and own strategic Data & AI architectures across complex organisations.
Mentor architects, engineers and technical leaders; foster communities of excellence.

Skills

Data Architecture

AI Solutions

Analytics Strategy

Automation Architecture

Integration Architecture

Technical Standards

Model Lifecycle

Cloud Platforms

EA Frameworks

Digital Transformation

Education

Chartered Status

Professional Certifications

Tools

Governance Processes

Technical Guardrails

DevOps Practices

Audit & Assurance

Software Engineering

Job description

Provide strategic technical leadership across the Digital & AI capability
Shape the architecture vision for scalable, secure, reusable Data & AI solutions aligned with business strategy, governance requirements and client expectations
Work closely with senior stakeholders to shape technology direction and provide architecture assurance
Develop reference architectures, standards and technical guardrails for enterprise data platforms, analytics, automation and GenAI solutions
Define and own strategic Data & AI architectures across complex organisations
Manage development of enterprise data platforms, analytics, automation and Generative AI solutions
Act as design authority for significant digital programmes and products
Establish architecture standards, reference architectures, governance processes and reusable technical patterns
Manage technical risk and make architectural decisions balancing innovation, security, maintainability and long-term value
Provide strategic direction on data governance, security, sovereignty, integration and model lifecycle management
Advise senior stakeholders on technology strategy, delivery approaches and investment decisions
Improve consistency and reuse across Digital & AI products, platforms and delivery teams
Mentor architects, engineers and technical leaders
Support adoption of emerging technologies with robust governance and assurance
Deliver solutions for clients and the wider business in complex and highly regulated environments

Requirements

Significant experience leading Data and AI architecture within complex or regulated environments
Significant experience shaping architecture strategy for analytics, automation, Generative AI and software-enabled products
Solid understanding of enterprise data platforms, integration architectures and modern Digital & AI technologies
Experience acting as a design authority, setting technical standards and assuring solutions through governance processes
Solid understanding of security, data sovereignty, data separation, assurance and model lifecycle controls
Experience shaping architecture direction across multiple products, programmes or delivery teams
Effective stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to provide constructive challenge and specialist advice to senior leadership teams
Experience coaching, mentoring and developing architecture, engineering or technical delivery capability
Good written and verbal communication skills
Experience working within highly regulated sectors such as defence, nuclear, energy, transport or government
Experience designing and governing enterprise-scale GenAI solutions
Knowledge of cloud-based Data & AI platforms and services
Experience supporting governance, audit, accreditation or assurance activities
Understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks and best practice
Experience establishing architecture communities, standards or centres of excellence
Knowledge of software engineering, DevOps and modern delivery approaches
Chartered status or relevant professional certifications
Experience delivering large-scale digital transformation programmes
Strong understanding of data governance, information management and data quality practices
Required to undergo pre-employment screening and satisfy clearance criteria for UK National Security Vetting

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in shaping and leading Data & AI architecture strategies, with a strong focus on governance, security, and integration within complex and regulated environments. Proven ability to mentor technical teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

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