Hastings Direct
Head of AI Engineering
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Head of AI Engineering
As a member of the CIO Technology Engineering senior leadership team, the Head of AI Engineering will lead the design, deployment, integration and continuous improvement of enterprise AI and machine learning capabilities, including ML platforms, generative AI, LLM services, feature pipelines and MLOps tooling. The role is responsible for establishing AI engineering standards, governance and best practices across the model lifecycle, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, compliant and deliver measurable business value.
About the role
- Lead AI engineering, MLOps and platform teams, driving high-quality delivery and operational excellence.
- Define and maintain engineering standards, AI guardrails and Responsible AI practices.
- Oversee model development, deployment, monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement processes.
- Drive preventative controls, automation, observability and root cause analysis to minimise technical debt and service issues.
- Partner with Architecture, Risk, Compliance and business stakeholders to shape AI roadmaps and align delivery with strategic objectives.
- Provide clear reporting on progress, model performance and value realisation, identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Build, mentor and develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning and recruitment.
About you
- Significant leadership experience in AI Engineering within a fast-paced technology environment.
- Strong expertise in machine learning, MLOps, generative AI, LLMs, AI platforms and cloud technologies (e.g. Microsoft Azure AI/Azure ML).
- Proven experience implementing AI engineering standards, deployment automation, model monitoring and Responsible AI frameworks.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Passion for innovation, data-driven decision-making and continuous learning.
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Benefits
- Competitive salary and £6k car allowance
- Flexible working – we champion a flexible hybrid working approach – please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail
- Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus
- Physical wellbeing – as a Band 5 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen
- Financial wellbeing – as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an award winning package which includes – discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support
- Mental wellbeing programme – we have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs
- There's more! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….
Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer
We treat people fairly and welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.
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At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.
Job posting end date: 31/07/2026
Would you like to learn more about how we value diversity and inclusion at Hastings Direct and what our rewards and benefits package looks like? Are you interested in how we engage with and support our local communities and the wonderful wellbeing programme you will have access to? Click here and check out the what we offer tab to learn more.
Hastings Direct is a fast growing, agile, digitally focused general insurance provider of products and services to over 4 million customers in the UK, employing over 4,600 colleagues. Our vision – to be the best and biggest digital insurance provider in the market. It's our attitude and the way we run our business that makes us different. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. It's a dynamic, flexible, fun and constantly changing environment. You'll enjoy the scope to make a real difference for our customers, influence our company, benefit the communities we work in and have fun along the way. If you enjoyed the video and would like to learn more about #LifatHD, check out our colleague stories.
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