Ai architect

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence at enterprise scale? We're looking for an experienced AI Architect to lead the design, engineering and evolution of our AI capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to define AI strategy, influence technology direction, and drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies including Generative AI, Agentic AI and machine learning across a large, complex organisation.

As a senior technology leader, you'll combine deep technical expertise with strong people leadership to design scalable, secure and responsible AI solutions that deliver measurable business value. Working closely with senior business leaders, product owners, engineers, data scientists and risk specialists, you'll play a pivotal role in accelerating AI-driven transformation across the enterprise.

We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best.

At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected.

For this job you'll spend at least two days per week, or if part time you'll spend 40% of your working time, based at either our Swindon or London office. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works. You can also find out more about our approach to hybrid working here here.

Nationwide is committed to the redeployment of our employees impacted by change, as such applications for redeployment candidates will be prioritised in this recruitment process.

If you’re a colleague on long-term absence (for example, on parental leave) or a temporary worker, please use your personal email address to submit an application.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What you’ll be doing

The postholder will define and own the enterprise AI architecture strategy, target-state vision, technology standards and architectural guardrails, while leading the development and evolution of enterprise-scale AI, machine learning and data platforms. They will shape technology roadmaps and investment decisions across Generative AI, Agentic AI, MLOps, LLMOps, AI orchestration and model development capabilities. The role is responsible for driving engineering excellence through the adoption of modern practices, including CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code, automated testing, model lifecycle management and AI observability. In addition, the postholder will lead and develop multidisciplinary teams of AI architects, machine learning engineers, platform engineers and technical specialists, providing technical leadership and oversight for AI solutions from concept through to production deployment to ensure they are scalable, secure and resilient. They will champion Responsible AI by embedding governance, explainability, auditability and risk controls into AI platforms and services, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and governance bodies by translating complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes. The role also requires building a high-performing culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, quality and continuous improvement, alongside leading recruitment, mentoring and capability development to create a world-class AI engineering function.

About you

We're looking for a strategic leader with a proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI and technology solutions. You'll bring a blend of technical credibility, commercial awareness and exceptional stakeholder management skills.

You'll likely have:

• Significant experience in AI architecture, machine learning platforms and cloud-native technologies.
• Expertise in Generative AI, Agentic AI, AI platforms, model lifecycle management and modern engineering practices.
• Experience defining architecture strategies, technology standards and target-state architectures within large-scale organisations.
• A strong understanding of governance, security, risk management and Responsible AI principles.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing technical teams.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic technology decisions at executive level.
• Experience delivering scalable, resilient and cost-effective platforms that support business transformation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical challenges into practical business outcomes.
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to enabling the safe and responsible adoption of AI.

QUALIFICATIONS

The extras you’ll get

There are all sorts of employee benefits available at Nationwide, including:

• 30 days holiday, pro rata
• Private medical insurance
• A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement
• Access to an annual performance-related bonus
• Training and development to help you progress your career
• A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme
• Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death
• Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness
• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year

Banking – but fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society

We forge our own path at Nationwide.

As a mutual, we’re owned by our members - those customers who bank, save or have a mortgage with us. We challenge the financial sector status quo. We don’t see customers as the engine of our own profit. We share our profits with them and put their needs first. Always there when they need us. Supporting them and their lives.

If you’re inspired by fairer finances, passionate about making a meaningful impact, and truly care about our customers, you’re one of us.

At Nationwide, you are challenged to grow and rewarded for doing so. Valued. Recognised. Inspired to be your best. As a community, we want our working lives to count. As a team, we celebrate what we achieve. As a standard-setter, we work for the good of customers, communities, and broader society.

We are purpose-driven. Uncompromisingly customer. Unstoppably Nationwide.

What to do next

If this role is for you, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You’ll need to attach your up-to-date CV and answer a few quick questions for us.

We respond to everyone, so we will be in contact shortly after the closing date to let you know the outcome of your application.

Keeping your data and personal information confidential is important to us. To find out more about how we use and process your data, please read our Privacy policy here.

If you want to find out more about using AI in our recruitment process, please read more here.

Disability Confident

We’re not just guided by data, we’re driven by the real experiences of our people. We’re a Disability Confident Level 3 Leader, the highest level.

That’s why we’re constantly evolving our policies and practices to make sure everyone feels genuinely supported, valued, and empowered to champion inclusion. Whatever your needs, we’re here to support you. If you need any additional support throughout your application journey, email our team at Recruitment Support.

Apply safely with Nationwide

Recruitment scams can look convincing, so take a moment to check the role is listed on our official careers site and read our guidance on Don’t be conned by a job scam.

The hiring manager for this role is Abishek Darbari, and the main recruitment contact is Nathan Richens.