Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Reporting to the Head of Data, the Artificial Intelligence Specialist will be responsible for defining and leading the organisation's AI strategy, ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies deliver measurable business value, innovation, and competitive advantage.

This role oversees the research, design, development, and deployment of AI-driven solutions that automate processes, enhance decision making and create intelligent digital capabilities across the enterprise, whilst ensuring the Group adopts the AI policy which delivers ethical, secure, and scalable adoption of AI.

You will develop and own the organisation's AI strategy, aligning it with our broader technology strategy and transformation to support business objectives. Identifying opportunities where AI can enhance operational efficiency, customer experience and revenue growth whilst championing AI literacy and cultural adoption across the organisation.

Overseeing the design, development, and deployment of AI models, systems, and tools, you will ensure robust data pipelines, governance and MLOps practices are in place for scalable and maintainable AI solutions.

We are looking for an accomplished Artificial Intelligence specialist with extensive experience in data science, machine learning, or AI-focused roles and a proven track record in leadership positions.

You will have previously successfully developed and implemented enterprise-level AI strategies, demonstrating a deep understanding of AI technologies and their practical application in business contexts. Your experience will span data architecture and cloud platforms, with proficiency in Microsoft Azure and Databricks being a distinct advantage. Experienced in translating complex AI concepts into clear business value and compelling executive narratives, ensuring stakeholders understand both the opportunities and implications of AI adoption.

Ideally, you will hold a Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related discipline and bring knowledge of AI regulation, ethics, and risk management frameworks, alongside familiarity with large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and emerging generative AI technologies.

What do you get in return? As well as receiving a competitive annual salary based on above-market pay scales, our reward package includes:

Financial

• Corporate bonus scheme (on target 10%, up to a maximum 15%)
• Pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution)
• Annual performance related pay reviews
• Colleague mortgage scheme
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
• Access to our financial advisers
• Access to a range of high street and online discounts

Work/Life Balance

• A 35-hour weekly contract - We are happy to talk flexible working and welcome discussions
• 30 days' annual leave + bank holidays
• The option to buy and sell up to 5 days' holiday
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days' home based)
• Above statutory family leave entitlement - 3 months full pay, 3 months half pay, regardless of gender or route to parenthood

Health and Wellbeing

• Private medical insurance
• Access to a health cash plan through a Medicash scheme
• Access to an employee assistance programme
• Free onsite gym at our Cobalt head office and access to discounted gym's
• Two paid volunteering days' each year
• Cycle to work scheme

The Newcastle Building Society Group comprises of Newcastle Building Society, Manchester Building Society, Newcastle Financial Advisers and Newcastle Strategic Solutions. Our purpose, connecting our communities with a better financial future inspires and directs our activities. The Group provides traditional financial services, helping people own their own home, plan and manage their finances and operate a 32-branch network across the North-East, North-West, Cumbria and Yorkshire. Our Strategic Solutions subsidiary owns the UK's leading savings management platform and provides managed technology services to new challenger banks and other established providers. As an inclusive employer and member owned mutual, we aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are, we want colleagues to feel this is a place they belong. A place to be you.