Job Description
Head of Data & AI Engineering
London (Hybrid: 3 days office / 2 days remote)
Permanent | Leadership | Data, AI & Cloud Engineering
Overview
An exciting opportunity for a Head of Data & AI Engineering to lead a core technology function within a digital-first financial services organisation.
This role is central to a major transformation programme, focused on building cloud-native data platforms and embedding AI-driven automation to improve decision-making, operational efficiency, and customer outcomes.
The Role
You will lead teams delivering data pipelines, analytics platforms, and AI-powered solutions on Google Cloud. A key focus will be driving the adoption of large language models (e.g. Gemini) to enable intelligent automation and natural language interactions.
You will also define best practices across data engineering, MLOps, and LLMOps, ensuring scalable, secure, and high-quality solutions.
Working closely with Architecture, Risk, and Compliance teams, you will ensure responsible and compliant AI deployment.
Key Responsibilities
* Build and operate cloud-native data platforms (BigQuery)
* Deliver batch and real-time pipelines (Dataflow, Pub/Sub, Cloud Storage)
* Drive AI and LLM-based automation initiatives
* Implement MLOps and LLMOps best practices
* Set standards for data quality, security, and resilience
* Lead and develop data and AI engineering teams
* Collaborate with stakeholders across the business
Experience Required
* Proven leadership in data or AI engineering
* Strong technical background (Python, or Go/Java/Scala)
* Experience delivering cloud-native data/AI platforms
* Deep knowledge of GCP (BigQuery, Dataflow, Pub/Sub, Vertex AI)
* Experience with LLMs (e.g. Gemini or similar)
* Familiarity with Airflow/Composer and dbt
* Understanding of data governance and financial services regulation
* Strong stakeholder management skills
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary + bonus
* 25–30 days holiday (option to buy more)
* Pension, healthcare, life assurance
* Hybrid working
* Learning & development opportunities
* Additional lifestyle and wellbeing benefits