AI Technical Lead

Lead the technical evaluation of inbound AI vendors and tools. Build a repeatable assessment framework that gives the Head of AI a clear, evidence-based view of what to adopt, what to decline, and where to build instead. Ensure that tooling decisions are grounded in architecture fit, security, data governance, and commercial sense — not just functionality.

AI initiatives are running across multiple divisions, and external partners are actively involved in delivery. This role provides the technical oversight that ensures quality, protects Howden’s IP, and prevents the organisation from becoming dependent on third parties for capability it should own internally. This isn’t a hands-off review role — it requires enough depth to challenge, guide, and take accountability for outcomes.

Set and maintain technical standards for how AI is built across the business — covering areas like agent development, knowledge retrieval, prompt engineering, and evaluation. Support colleagues and divisional AI leads who are building or deploying AI, and translate technical constraints into practical guidance that people can actually use.

Provide the technical grounding that allows the Head of AI to make well-informed decisions quickly. This means flagging risks, pressure-testing proposals, and being a genuine thought partner — not just an executor. The function is small and the relationship needs to work closely.

Exposure to insurance or another regulated industry

Experience with enterprise AI platform governance

Familiarity with AI evaluation and quality assurance approaches

Experience overseeing third-party AI delivery

Previous work in an architecture review or governance context

Experience in a small, high-output team

Over the first year, success in this role means:

Architecture governance runs smoothly — new tools are assessed, documented, and reviewed without creating bottlenecks or risk

A repeatable vendor assessment process is in place and being used consistently

Technical oversight of external delivery partners is formalised and effective

AI standards and best practices are being adopted across the business, not just documented

Howden is demonstrably building internal AI capability rather than outsourcing it

The Head of AI has a technical partner who makes decision-making faster and better

The Group AI Function is deliberately small. We work directly with senior stakeholders, operate across the whole Group, and move between strategy and execution without much ceremony. The Head of AI reports to the Group CTO and works closely with divisional leadership. The pace is real and the problems are interesting.

The culture values getting things right over looking right. Direct, honest, curious — and not precious about hierarchy or process for its own sake. The role carries real scope from day one and genuine influence over how the function and the broader AI capability develops.

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.