Solution Architect - Azure AI

<STRONG>Solution Architect - Azure AI</STRONG><BR> &pound;100,000 - &pound;110,000&nbsp;+ Bonus + Benefits | UK | Hybrid&nbsp;<BR> &nbsp;<BR><STRONG>Overview</STRONG> <BR>We&rsquo;re looking for an experienced Azure AI Architect to lead the design and delivery of secure, scalable and responsible AI solutions across enterprise and public-sector programmes.<BR><BR> You&rsquo;ll shape Azure-based solutions from discovery through to production, combining architectural leadership with hands-on expertise. You&rsquo;ll advise clients on the appropriate use of Generative AI, agentic AI and machine learning while ensuring solutions are secure, supportable and commercially sustainable.<BR> <BR><STRONG>Key Responsibilities</STRONG> <UL> <LI>Own end-to-end AI architectures within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.</LI> <LI>Design Generative AI, RAG, agentic and machine-learning solutions using Azure services.</LI> <LI>Translate business requirements into solution designs, estimates and delivery roadmaps.</LI> <LI>Define reusable Azure AI patterns, reference architectures and engineering standards.</LI> <LI>Embed Azure security, governance, Responsible AI and cost controls throughout the solution lifecycle.</LI> <LI>Provide architectural assurance and technical leadership across delivery teams.</LI> <LI>Build prototypes and reference implementations to validate key decisions.</LI> <LI>Support client discovery, pre-sales and technical proposals.</LI> <LI>Advise stakeholders on feasibility, trade-offs, risks, performance and cost.</LI> <LI>Mentor AI engineers and consultants.</LI> </UL> <STRONG>Skills &amp; Experience</STRONG> <UL> <LI>Significant enterprise technology experience, including hands-on delivery of production AI or machine-learning systems on Azure.</LI> <LI>Strong experience with Microsoft technologies such as, Foundry, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Search and Azure Machine Learning.</LI> <LI>Experience designing LLM solutions using RAG, tool use, structured outputs and agent orchestration.</LI> <LI>Practical knowledge of Semantic Kernel, Microsoft Agent Framework or a comparable framework.</LI> <LI>Experience integrating AI workloads with Azure Functions, Container Apps, API Management, Service Bus or Event Grid.</LI> <LI>A strong grounding in classical machine learning and model lifecycle management.</LI> <LI>The judgement to select between Generative AI, classical ML and non-AI approaches.</LI> <LI>Strong knowledge of Entra ID, managed identities, RBAC, Key Vault, private networking and data protection.</LI> <LI>Experience with Azure DevOps and MLOps or LLMOps, including CI/CD, automated testing, evaluation and lifecycle management.</LI> <LI>Knowledge of Azure Monitor, Application Insights and production observability.</LI> <LI>Understanding of Responsible AI, content safety, governance and regulatory risk.</LI> <LI>Consulting experience and strong senior stakeholder communication skills.</LI> <LI>Experience guiding or mentoring technical delivery teams.</LI> <LI>Relevant Microsoft Azure architecture, AI or data certifications.</LI> </UL> You don't need to meet every requirement. We're particularly interested in candidates who combine strong architectural judgement with practical AI delivery experience.<BR> &nbsp;<BR> <STRONG>What This Role Offers</STRONG><BR> <UL> <LI>Leadership of enterprise-scale AI programmes.</LI> <LI>Hands-on work across Generative AI, agents and machine learning.</LI> <LI>Exposure to secure public-sector and regulated environments.</LI> <LI>The opportunity to shape AI standards, governance and reusable solutions.</LI> <LI>A collaborative consulting environment with mentoring and career-development opportunities.</LI> <LI>Candidates must have the ongoing right to work in the United Kingdom without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.</LI> </UL>