> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/724966-director-ai-innovation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/724966-director-ai-innovation). 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). --- # Director - AI & Innovation - **Company:** UST - **Location:** London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Software as a Service, Cloud Engineering, Software Quality, Continuous Integration, Software Design Patterns, DevOps, Distributed Systems, Release Management, Azure Machine Learning, Management of Software Versions, System Availability, Large Language Models, Event Driven Architecture, AI Platforms, Kubernetes, Api Design, Microservices - **Published:** June 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=f05dca363c8a4743 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Test automation?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * Extensive experience of leading innovation and AI initiatives across services and platforms. * Proven experience operating at an influential level within enterprise services, platform, or product engineering environments * Demonstrated success in innovation, building and scaling complex platforms, SaaS solutions, or reusable engineering ecosystems * Strong track record of leading large, cross-functional engineering teams, balancing strategy, delivery, and technical depth (ideally within a Centre of Excellence) * Ability to operate seamlessly across architecture, hands-on engineering, and executive stakeholder engagement Technical Expertise * Deep experience with AI/GenAI ecosystems, including LLM-based applications, RAG architectures, orchestration frameworks, and ML platforms * Strong expertise in cloud-native architecture (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and distributed systems design * Advanced knowledge of microservices, APIs, event-driven architectures, and integration patterns * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, release engineering, and DevOps best practices * Proven ability to scale platforms from proof-of-concept to enterprise production environments Client & Commercial Exposure * Experience engaging directly with enterprise clients, including solution shaping, technical advisory, and delivery governance * Ability to influence technical and commercial decision-making at senior stakeholder levels ## Description UST is seeking a Director of AI & Innovation to define and lead the engineering strategy for our enterprise AI across both services and platforms, enabling scalable, secure, and commercially viable AI adoption across client engagements. This is a hands-on, strategic leadership role at the intersection of engineering, architecture, and AI innovation, with accountability for translating emerging AI capabilities into enterprise-grade, reusable services and solutions. You will drive the evolution of our AI services from innovation-led initiatives into a mature, production-ready offerings that deliver measurable client value. While operating at a director level, this role remains intellectually hands-on, requiring deep technical engagement in architectural decision-making, design validation, and engineering execution where required., Enterprise AI Strategy & Leadership * Define and execute the end-to-end engineering vision and roadmap for UST's AI services and platforms, aligned to enterprise, client, and market needs * Establish architecture principles, engineering standards, and governance frameworks to ensure scalability, security, and sustainability * Act as a senior technical authority, influencing direction and long-term investment decisions Productisation & Commercialisation of AI * Lead the transition of AI capabilities from experimentation and PoC into scalable, enterprise-grade products * Drive the creation of reusable, modular, API-first components supporting multi-client adoption * Embed engineering thinking, ensuring the services/products are client-ready, configurable, and commercially scalable Scalable, Secure & Cloud-Native Architecture * Ensure the services are engineered for multi-tenant environments, high availability, resilience, and performance at scale * Champion cloud-native, secure-by-design, and observable architectures across Azure, AWS, or GCP * Oversee AI service/platform maturity, including release management, versioning, and lifecycle governance Engineering Excellence & Delivery Leadership * Embed best-in-class engineering practices, including design patterns, code quality standards, and DevOps maturity * Provide leadership across AI/ML, GenAI, engineering, and full-stack development, ensuring robust and consistent delivery * Remain hands-on where required, reviewing architecture, validating designs, and unblocking complex engineering challenges Client Engagement & Solution Leadership * Partner with Sales, Solutions, and Delivery teams to position the AI platform in strategic client engagements * Lead or contribute to executive-level solution discussions, technical workshops, and architecture reviews * Ensure that all capabilities directly translate into business outcomes and client value realisation Thought Leadership & Talent Development * Build, scale, and lead a high-performing, cross-functional engineering organisation * Foster a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, and accountability * Represent UST in industry forums, events, and executive briefings as a thought leader in AI and innovation. * Contribute to innovation via proposal support, client workshops, and innovation-led pursuits. ## Related Videos - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [API Design - Getting Started](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/33-api-design-getting-started) - [Understanding Kubernetes in a visual way](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100085-understanding-kubernetes-in-a-visual-way) - [User 1st! Technology 2nd! Stop building AI nobody uses - start delivering real business outcomes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100337-user-1st-technology-2nd-stop-building-ai-nobody-uses-start-delivering-real-business-outcomes) - [DevOps Maturity Check – a way to balance autonomy and alignment](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/58-devops-maturity-check-a-way-to-balance-autonomy-and-alignment) - [AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100340-ai-driven-development) ## Related Articles - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [Got AI ideas but no money? Here are 10 free ways to level up your AI skills with Google Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/600-got-ai-ideas-but-no-money-here-are-10-free-ways-to-level-up-your-ai-skills-with-google-cloud) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts)