AI Architect

AI Architect (Contract)

Duration: Initial 6 months (with strong extension potential)

About the Role

We're working with a forward-thinking organisation looking to engage an experienced AI Architect on a contract basis to drive the design and delivery of enterprise-grade AI solutions.This role is ideal for a highly skilled consultant who can operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, helping shape AI capability while delivering real, production-ready outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the AI architecture strategy and roadmap
• Design scalable, secure, and high-performance AI/ML solutions
• Translate business requirements into end-to-end AI architectures
• Lead the design of data pipelines, model training environments, and deployment frameworks
• Implement best practices for MLOps, CI/CD, and model life cycle management
• Evaluate and recommend AI tools, platforms, and frameworks
• Ensure alignment with data governance, security, and regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR)
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across data, engineering, and business teams
• Provide technical leadership and architectural oversight across AI initiatives

Experience Required

• Extensive experience (typically 8-12+ years) in technology, with a strong focus on AI, machine learning, and data architecture
• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI/ML solutions in complex environments
• Experience defining and implementing AI architecture strategies and roadmaps
• Strong hands-on experience building end-to-end AI systems (data pipelines, model development, deployment, monitoring)
• Deep experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and cloud-native architecture
• Strong background in data engineering and large-scale data platforms (e.g., Spark, Databricks)
• Experience implementing MLOps frameworks, including CI/CD and model governance
• Experience integrating AI into microservices, APIs, and enterprise systems
• Exposure to advanced AI techniques such as NLP, deep learning, and Generative AI / LLMs
• Strong understanding of AI governance, ethics, and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to work in cross-functional, stakeholder-heavy environments
• Experience in a senior or architect-level role, with strong technical leadership capability

Key Skills

• Python (or similar programming languages)
• TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar ML frameworks
• Cloud AI services (Azure AI, AWS SageMaker, GCP AI Platform)
• Data technologies (SQL/NoSQL, Spark, Databricks)
• API and microservices architecture
• DevOps / MLOps tooling

Desirable Experience

• Experience with Generative AI solutions (e.g. Azure OpenAI, GPT-based models)
• Microsoft stack experience (Azure, Fabric, Synapse)
• Previous consulting or contract experience in enterprise environments
• Industry experience in [Finance / Retail / Healthcare - tailor if needed]

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI initiatives
• High-impact role shaping AI strategy and delivery
• Flexible working arrangements
• Competitive day rate with long-term extension potential

Apply Now

If you're an experienced AI Architect available for your next contract and ready to deliver impactful AI solutions, we'd love to hear from you.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk