Job Specification: AI Architect - Insurance Sector
Role: AI Architect
Sector: Insurance
Location: London (Hybrid: 1–3 days in-office/client site)
Duration: 12 Months Initial (Long-Term Expectation)
IR35 Status: Expected Outside IR35
Start Date: Early January 2026
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced, consultative AI Architect to join a major managed service engagement with a leading Insurer.
The client is in the early stages of adopting Generative AI (Gen AI) and requires an architect who can define the strategic direction, establish architectural patterns, and guide the organization from discovery through to scalable implementation. This is a senior, technology-focused position that requires deep expertise in Gen AI architecture, tooling evaluation, and integration.
This is explicitly not a data engineering or classic data platform build role; the focus is on architectural direction, solution design, and low-maturity organizational uplift.
Key Responsibilities
The architect will be central to helping the client understand, qualify, and scale their AI capability:
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Gen AI Strategy & Use Case Identification: Identify, qualify, and shape early Gen AI use cases across the business. Assess feasibility and recommend the most effective technical approach.
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Architectural Design: Create high-level architectures demonstrating how Gen AI components(including LLMs) integrate cleanly into the existing enterprise estate (which currently includes Azure and Snowflake).
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Model & Tooling Evaluation: Compare model families, implementation patterns (e.g., RAG patterns), and platforms (Azure native and broader market options). Provide clear pros and cons to explain trade-offs and recommend the right fit.
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Integration & Middleware: Deeply understand middleware, integration layers, and enterprise patterns to ensure AI components connect cleanly with existing operational systems and workflows.
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Scaling & AI Ops Guidance: Guide the client through early-stage adoption and help them build a repeatable model for scaling Gen AI, supporting the transition from discovery into delivery and establishing AI Ops practices.
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Team Collaboration: Work closely with BAs, Product Owners, Data specialists, and technical SMEs within a large, globally distributed delivery team.
Required Experience and Skills
Technical Architecture
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Deep AI Architecture: Strong background in Gen AI architecture, particularly in designing and implementing end-to-end AI solutions in a commercial environment (not limited to just LLMs).
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LLM Focus: Solid understanding of RAG patterns, model orchestration, prompt design, and guardrails.
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Platform Flexibility: Experience evaluating and implementing model families across Azure and non-Azure environments. Broad cloud knowledge across Azure and at least one other major provider is required.
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Integration: Expert knowledge of enterprise integration and middleware patterns is essential for embedding AI into existing operational flows.
Consultative & Professional Skills
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Low-Maturity Uplift: Proven experience working with organizations with low AI maturity, helping them define what Gen AI can do, where to start, and how to scale.
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Consultative Approach: Ability to assess benefits and constraints and provide clear architectural direction without heavy sign-off structures.
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Team Collaboration: Ability to operate effectively within mixed functional teams and contribute to a globally distributed delivery team that spans different time zones.
Logistics
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Start Date: Targeted for January 2026.
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Interview Process: The selection process will conclude by the end of December.
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Working Pattern: Hybrid model, requiring 1 to 3 days per week on-site in London, based on programme demand.
