Solutions Architect - Azure AI

ShareForce; England; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ShareForce is seeking an experienced Azure AI Architect to lead secure, scalable AI solutions across enterprise and public-sector programmes in the United Kingdom. You will shape Azure-based solutions from discovery through production, combining architectural leadership with hands-on delivery and advising on Generative AI, agentic AI and ML strategies.

You will ensure solutions are secure, supportable and commercially sustainable, mentoring teams and collaborating with stakeholders to define

Qualifications

• Significant enterprise technology experience with hands-on delivery of production AI or ML systems on Azure.
• Strong experience with Microsoft technologies such as Foundry, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Search and Azure Machine Learning.
• Experience designing LLM solutions using RAG, tool use, structured outputs and agent orchestration.
• Practical knowledge of Semantic Kernel, Microsoft Agent Framework or a comparable framework.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end AI architectures within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
• Design Generative AI, RAG, agentic and machine-learning solutions using Azure services.
• Translate business requirements into solution designs, estimates and delivery roadmaps.
• Define reusable Azure AI patterns, reference architectures and engineering standards.
• Embed Azure security, governance, Responsible AI and cost controls throughout the solution lifecycle.
• Provide architectural assurance and technical leadership across delivery teams.
• Build prototypes and reference implementations to validate key decisions.
• Support client discovery, pre-sales and technical proposals.
• Advise stakeholders on feasibility, trade-offs, risks, performance and cost.
• Mentor AI engineers and consultants.

Skills

Azure Architecture

Generative AI

LLM/Agentic AI

MLOps

Security & governance

Stakeholder communication

Mentoring

Azure DevOps

Education

Microsoft Azure certification(s)

Tools

Foundry

Azure OpenAI

Azure AI Search

Azure ML

Entra ID

Key Vault

RBAC

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Azure AI Architect to lead the design and delivery of secure, scalable and responsible AI solutions across enterprise and public-sector programmes.

You’ll shape Azure-based solutions from discovery through to production, combining architectural leadership with hands‑on expertise. You’ll advise clients on the appropriate use of Generative AI, agentic AI and machine learning while ensuring solutions are secure, supportable and commercially sustainable.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end AI architectures within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
• Design Generative AI, RAG, agentic and machine-learning solutions using Azure services.
• Translate business requirements into solution designs, estimates and delivery roadmaps.
• Define reusable Azure AI patterns, reference architectures and engineering standards.
• Embed Azure security, governance, Responsible AI and cost controls throughout the solution lifecycle.
• Provide architectural assurance and technical leadership across delivery teams.
• Build prototypes and reference implementations to validate key decisions.
• Support client discovery, pre-sales and technical proposals.
• Advise stakeholders on feasibility, trade-offs, risks, performance and cost.
• Mentor AI engineers and consultants.

Skills & Experience

• Significant enterprise technology experience, including hands‑on delivery of production AI or machine‑learning systems on Azure.
• Strong experience with Microsoft technologies such as, Foundry, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Search and Azure Machine Learning.
• Experience designing LLM solutions using RAG, tool use, structured outputs and agent orchestration.
• Practical knowledge of Semantic Kernel, Microsoft Agent Framework or a comparable framework.
• Experience integrating AI workloads with Azure Functions, Container Apps, API Management, Service Bus or Event Grid.
• A strong grounding in classical machine learning and model lifecycle management.
• The judgement to select between Generative AI, classical ML and non‑AI approaches.
• Strong knowledge of Entra ID, managed identities, RBAC, Key Vault, private networking and data protection.
• Experience with Azure DevOps and MLOps or LLMOps, including CI/CD, automated testing, evaluation and lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of Azure Monitor, Application Insights and production observability.
• Understanding of Responsible AI, content safety, governance and regulatory risk.
• Consulting experience and strong senior stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience guiding or mentoring technical delivery teams.
• Relevant Microsoft Azure architecture, AI or data certifications.

You don't need to meet every requirement. We're particularly interested in candidates who combine strong architectural judgement with practical AI delivery experience.

What This Role Offers

• Leadership of enterprise-scale AI programmes.
• Hands‑on work across Generative AI, agents and machine learning.
• Exposure to secure public‑sector and regulated environments.
• The opportunity to shape AI standards, governance and reusable solutions.
• A collaborative consulting environment with mentoring and career‑development opportunities.
• Candidates must have the ongoing right to work in the United Kingdom without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.