Your new company You'll be joining an organisation embarking on an ambitious, forward‑thinking programme to introduce Artificial Intelligence and Automation across its key services. The goal is to enhance user experience, streamline processes, and drive operational efficiency through intelligent, scalable digital solutions. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful transformation within a complex and high‑impact environment. Your new role As a Senior AI Technical Architect, you will take the lead in shaping and delivering the enterprise‑wide AI technology approach. You will define strategic AI architecture, ensure alignment with organisational principles, and drive the design and implementation of innovative, production‑ready solutions. You will architect, design and deliver AI systems leveraging Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services, focusing initially on: AI‑powered Document Intelligence Multilingual speech transcription and translation Cognitive search across structured and unstructured content You will collaborate closely with architecture, data and engineering teams to embed AI capabilities across the wider technology ecosystem. You'll lead technical proof‑of‑concepts, establish API and integration standards, guide engineering best practice and ensure compliance with accessibility, ethical and legal frameworks. This is a hands‑on role at the centre of a growing AI delivery capability. What you'll need to succeed Essential technical expertise: Strong experience designing and delivering AI/ML solutions using Azure Cognitive Services Hands‑on development skills in Python, C#/.NET, and React Deep knowledge of RESTful APIs, Azure AI orchestration, Cognitive Search (semantic, keyword and hybrid modes), OCR, layout analysis and metadata extraction Background in building: Speech transcription pipelines Document intelligence models Multilingual translation solutions Architectural & strategic capabilities: Ability to define enterprise AI strategy and align solutions with organisational architecture and technology roadmaps Experience evaluating and integrating cloud, hybrid, open‑source and vendor AI technologies Desirable: Familiarity with Azure OpenAI, Azure Content Safety and Azure DevOps Experience working within regulated or public sector environments (advantageous but not essential) What you'll get in return You'll have the opportunity to shape a high‑profile AI transformation from the ground up, influence strategic decision‑making, and deliver practical, scalable AI capabilities that create real‑world impact. You'll work with cutting‑edge Azure AI technologies and contribute to an ambitious roadmap of innovation and continuous improvement. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. 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