Senior Data Architect (AI)

Royal London Mutual Insurance Society; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Data Architect to lead AI initiatives and drive digital transformation. This role involves designing AI solutions that solve complex business challenges and collaborating with diverse teams to align technology with strategic goals. You'll have the opportunity to influence the future of data architecture in a supportive and inclusive environment, where your contributions will directly impact the organization’s success. Join a company that values empowerment, trust, and collaboration, and enjoy comprehensive benefits including generous leave and a strong pension scheme.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

14% employer matching pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Inclusive workplace environment

Qualifications

• Strong experience in AI/ML solution architecture within large-scale environments.
• Proven experience with Cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design of advanced AI and machine learning solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into AI strategies.

Skills

AI/ML solution architecture

Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS)

Data Platforms (Azure Databricks)

Generative AI and foundation models

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Job description

Job Title: Senior Data Architect (AI)

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Alderley Park

Working style: Hybrid (50% home/office based)

The Group Data Office (GDO) is responsible for enhancing how data is used across Royal London. The function provides Data Governance, Data Management, Data Strategy, Analytics/AI, and Insight Capabilities. It sets policies and standards to ensure data is collected, processed, and exploited in accordance with the Group's risk appetite.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Senior Data & AI Architect to join the GDO Team. Reporting to the Enterprise Data Architect, you will define, design, and oversee the implementation of AI-powered systems to solve complex business challenges. You will work on large-scale data & digital transformation programmes, collaborating with engineers, data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to align AI initiatives with strategic objectives.

About the Role

1. Lead the architectural design of advanced AI and machine learning solutions.
2. Define AI roadmaps, frameworks, and reference architectures aligned with business goals.
3. Collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders to translate business needs into AI strategies.
4. Ensure AI solutions are secure, scalable, explainable, and ethically sound.
5. Stay current with industry developments and introduce innovative ideas and approaches.
6. Work closely with the Enterprise Data Architect and Group Technology and Digital functions to ensure alignment with end-to-end domain architecture, integrating into existing architecture design authority/boards where appropriate.
7. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to understand their challenges and champion data architecture solutions that democratise data.

About You

1. Strong experience in AI/ML solution architecture within large-scale, complex environments.
2. Proven experience with Cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS, and Data Platforms like Azure Databricks.
3. Exposure to generative AI and foundation models (LLMs).
4. Ability to develop and present to executive and senior-level committees.
5. Strong influencing and communication skills with both business and technical teams.
6. Experience in UK Financial Services or other regulated industries.

About Royal London

We're the UK's largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings, and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise is to work in an inclusive, responsible, enjoyable, and fulfilling environment. This aligns with our Spirit of Royal London values: Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We offer great workplace benefits such as 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 14% employer matching pension scheme, and private medical insurance. See all our benefits here.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging

We are an inclusive employer, valuing different backgrounds and cultures. Our diverse perspectives enhance our skills and are recognized and respected, regardless of background.