Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for an AI Lead Solution Architect (Inside IR35) for a Hybrid contract based at any UK DEFRA office with regular visits to London.

Our objectives are:

To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

AI Lead Solutions Architect

The AI Lead Solution Architect will work across multiple products and projects or teams on problems that require broad architectural thinking. The role involves responsibility for the technical design of systems and services and requires the ability to justify and communicate design decisions. A strong technical or development background is required along with the ability to discuss the details of a broad range of industry-standard technologies, across both proprietary and open-source technology stacks. The role involves assuring other services and system quality, making sure the technical work fits into the broader strategy for government as well as exploring the benefits of cross-government alignment and providing mentoring within teams and provide support to other architects.

This mix of AI solution delivery and public-sector context is not present in Defra’s current digital workforce. While Defra has experienced data scientists and policy leads, no one currently bridges the design-build-operate lifecycle for AI solutions, particularly those that involve real-time data, automation, and integration with legacy systems.

This role will enable the department to accelerate adoption of transformative AI tools and ensures priority use cases can move from design to delivery with integrity, aligned to existing digital standards and measurable impact. Their absence also risks Defra falling beyond OGD’s who are already scaling strategic AI pilots to production.

This solution architect role requires a highly specialised skillset which combines:

Experience with machine learning engineering, including design of model pipelines, cloud-native infrastructure, API integration and model orchestration methods.
Understanding of AI risk controls such as fairness, auditability, model drift detection and data protection compliance rules.
Familiarity with Defra’s respective policy and regulatory domains.

Essential skills and levels from the profession are:

Architecture communication
Making architectural decisions
Strategy design
Throughout the technical design life cycle
Architecture for the whole context

Public Sector Resourcing

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AI Lead Solution Architect