Head of AI Engineering
Hastings Direct
Head of AI Engineering
Hastings Direct
Underwrites car, home, and vehicle insurance
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 andMLOpstooling.
The roleis responsible forestablishingAI engineering standards,governanceand best practices across the model lifecycle, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, compliant and deliver measurable business value.
About the role
Lead AI engineering,MLOpsand platform teams, driving high-quality delivery and operational excellence.
Define andmaintainengineering standards, AIguardrailsand Responsible AI practices.
Oversee model development, deployment, monitoring,evaluationand continuous improvement processes.
Drive preventative controls, automation,observabilityand root cause analysis to minimise technical debt and service issues.
Partner with Architecture, Risk,Complianceand business stakeholders to shape AI roadmaps and align delivery with strategicobjectives.
Provide clear reporting on progress, modelperformanceand value realisation,identifyingopportunities for improvement.
Build,mentorand develop high-performing teams through coaching, successionplanningand recruitment.
About you
Significant leadership experience in AI Engineering within a fast-paced technology environment.
Strongexpertisein 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, modelmonitoringand Responsible AI frameworks.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, withproficiencyin Microsoft Office applications.
Passion for innovation, data-drivendecision-makingand continuous learning.
Regrettablywe are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
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 anaward winningpackage 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 colleagueassistanceprogramme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, supportgroupsand a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs
There'smore! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one ofyour 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 which means we treat people fairly. We 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.
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:
30/11/2026Underwrites car, home, and vehicle insurance
Hastings Direct provides general insurance in the UK, mainly car insurance, and also offers policies for vans, bikes, and homes. It sells directly to customers and through multiple channels, including price comparison websites and its own site (hastingsdirect.com) as well as a contact centre, to reach a wide audience. The productworks by underwriting policies and pricing risk using data analytics, while handling claims and offering ancillary products to generate revenue. The company differentiates itself with a direct-to-consumer, multi-channel distribution approach that blends online, comparison sites, and support channels, alongside data-driven pricing and underwriting. Its goal is to grow its share of the UK general insurance market by efficiently pricing risk, effectively managing claims, and maintaining a competitive expense ratio.
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