> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1925377-lead-ai-security-architect-azure-open-ai-ai-foundry-vertex-ai](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1925377-lead-ai-security-architect-azure-open-ai-ai-foundry-vertex-ai). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead AI Security Architect - Azure Open AI / AI Foundry / Vertex AI - **Company:** Hays plc - **Location:** London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing Security, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, Open Web Application Security, Scrum Methodology, Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture, Large Language Models, Togaf, Data Management - **Published:** August 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.hays.co.uk/job-detail/lead-ai-security-architect-%E2%80%93-azure-open-ai-ai-foundry-vertex-ai-london_4816125 ## About the Role My client is hiring a Lead AI Security Architect with specific commercial experience in AI to drive the secure adoption of AI technologies across their regulated enterprise organisation. This is a highly technical role suited to someone from a Security Engineering / Cloud Security / AI Security background who understands how AI solutions are built, deployed and secured in practice. Please note - Governance knowledge is useful, but this is NOT a GRC or audit-focused position. Key Requirements: * Proven experience as a Lead Security Architect / Lead Cloud Security Architect (or equivalent) in a large, complex organisation * Demonstrable experience in AI Security, with Azure OpenAI, AI Foundry and ideally GCP Vertex AI * Strong AI Security, Cloud Security or Security Architecture background * Hands-on experience securing LLMs, GenAI, RAG solutions and AI agents * AI threat modelling, red teaming, prompt injection testing and security control design * Engineering-led mindset with a strong understanding of AI, machine learning and data platforms * Experience implementing AI security controls including AI gateways, prompt filtering and output sanitisation * Ability to engage senior stakeholders whilst remaining technically hands-on * Experience of integrating Security into both Agile delivery (user stories, sprint planning, retrospectives) and traditional project methodologies (requirements, phase gates, lessons learned) Nice to Have: * Previous Insurance / Financial Services / Healthcare industry (or other regulated sector) experience * Exposure to Data Science or Machine Learning (ML) environments * Experience with Palo Alto AI Security or similar AI security tooling * Knowledge of NIST AI RMF, OWASP LLM Top 10 and ISO 42001 * Awareness of sensitive AI risk topics * Advanced security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP, SABSA, TOGAF, or AI specific certifications (ISC2 Certified in AI or Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals) ## Description Lead AI Security Architect - Azure Open AI / AI Foundry / Vertex AI Up to £800 per day (Inside IR35) London / Hybrid (1 day per week onsite) 6 months initially My client is hiring a Lead AI Security Architect with specific commercial experience in AI to drive the secure adoption of AI technologies across their regulated enterprise organisation. This is a highly technical role suited to someone from a Security Engineering / Cloud Security / AI Security background who understands how AI solutions are built, deployed and secured in practice. Please note - Governance knowledge is useful, but this is NOT a GRC or audit-focused position. Key Requirements: * Proven experience as a Lead Security Architect / Lead Cloud Security Architect (or equivalent) in a large, complex organisation * Demonstrable experience in AI Security, with Azure OpenAI, AI Foundry and ideally GCP Vertex AI * Strong AI Security, Cloud Security or Security Architecture background * Hands-on experience securing LLMs, GenAI, RAG solutions and AI agents * AI threat modelling, red teaming, prompt injection testing and security control design * Engineering-led mindset with a strong understanding of AI, machine learning and data platforms * Experience implementing AI security controls including AI gateways, prompt filtering and output sanitisation * Ability to engage senior stakeholders whilst remaining technically hands-on * Experience of integrating Security into both Agile delivery (user stories, sprint planning, retrospectives) and traditional project methodologies (requirements, phase gates, lessons learned) Nice to Have: * Previous Insurance / Financial Services / Healthcare industry (or other regulated sector) experience * Exposure to Data Science or Machine Learning (ML) environments * Experience with Palo Alto AI Security or similar AI security tooling * Knowledge of NIST AI RMF, OWASP LLM Top 10 and ISO 42001 * Awareness of sensitive AI risk topics * Advanced security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP, SABSA, TOGAF, or AI specific certifications (ISC2 Certified in AI or Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals) #4816125 - Lauren ## Related Videos - [Building Sovereign AI: Lessons from Deploying Secure RAG Systems using Confidential Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100108-building-sovereign-ai-lessons-from-deploying-secure-rag-systems-using-confidential-computing) - [Developer Tools for Microsoft Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/450-developer-tools-for-microsoft-azure) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [AI for Enterprise Developers - Dr. Damir Dobric](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1831-ai-for-enterprise-developers-dr-damir-dobric) - [The New AI Security Stack: Observe, Detect, Protect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100302-the-new-ai-security-stack-observe-detect-protect) - [Develop enterprise-ready applications for Microsoft Teams with Azure resources on modern web technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/187-develop-enterprise-ready-applications-for-microsoft-teams-with-azure-resources-on-modern-web-technologies) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Got AI ideas but no money? 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