Development Lead - AI

Role Overview

We are seeking a Development Lead to spearhead enterprise AI solutions, APIs, and AI-powered applications development at a permanent Christchurch-based position. This role offers the chance to lead AI development efforts within a well-established organization committed to significant AI investment, working with modern technologies on impactful projects while remaining hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, test, and sustain AI-enabled applications, services, and integrations.
• Create reusable AI components, orchestration frameworks, APIs, and Microservice Control Plane (MCP) services.
• Integrate AI functionalities within enterprise systems, platforms, and data sources seamlessly.
• Offer expert technical guidance across AI development teams.
• Ensure solutions prioritize security, scalability, maintainability, and production readiness.
• Collaborate closely with Architecture, Data, DevOps, and delivery teams to execute approved designs.
• Engage actively in planning, estimation, code reviews, testing protocols, and documentation processes.
• Promote ongoing enhancement of AI development methodologies and quality standards.
• Identify, articulate, and manage delivery risks, dependencies, and technical hurdles.
• Champion robust development, testing, and deployment practices across AI projects.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven software development experience with modern application platforms.
• Hands-on commercial expertise with AI technologies including large language models (LLMs), AI APIs, orchestration frameworks, and integration patterns.
• Proficiency developing APIs, integration services, and reusable software modules.
• Experience in cloud-based development environments, preferably Azure.
• Familiarity with MCP concepts and AI integration strategies is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Agile delivery frameworks.
• Strong grasp of testing, code reviews, deployment workflows, documentation, and software delivery best practices.
• Capability to provide technical leadership and guide team development practices, without direct personnel management duties.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills enabling collaboration across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional Information

This opportunity is ideal for individuals returning to New Zealand, particularly those relocating to Christchurch. The company provides a dynamic environment with a significant focus on career growth and using modern technologies in AI. The role is offered by a specialized IT recruitment agency serving New Zealand's technology sector.