Data Architect

Data Architect London | Contract | Inside IR35 | Up to £650 per day Data Architect | Financial Services Transformation Programme We are supporting a major financial services transformation programme and are seeking an experienced Data Architect to play a key role in defining and delivering a modern cloud-based data platform. This is a hands-on architecture position requiring an individual who can design target-state solutions across ingestion, modelling, governance and consumption layers, while remaining closely involved throughout delivery. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with senior stakeholders, leading architecture discussions, and defending design decisions within governance forums. The role would suit a technically strong architect with experience modernising legacy data estates and delivering enterprise-scale cloud data transformations. Key Responsibilities • Define and own the target-state data architecture. • Design end-to-end solutions across data ingestion, transformation, storage, modelling and consumption. • Establish architecture standards, design principles and best practices. • Lead architecture governance and review forums. • Work closely with engineering teams to ensure successful implementation of architectural designs. • Drive migration from legacy data platforms to modern cloud-based solutions. • Provide technical leadership across data architecture, data modelling and platform design. • Align architectural decisions with business objectives, governance requirements and strategic roadmaps. Essential Experience Data Architecture • Extensive experience designing and delivering enterprise-scale data architectures. • Strong understanding of modern cloud data platform design patterns. • Experience defining target-state architecture and transition roadmaps. • Proven ability to lead architecture discussions with senior business and technical stakeholders. Databricks • Delta Lake • Unity Catalog • Medallion Architecture Data Engineering & Cloud Technologies • dbt • AWS • S3 • Glue • Airflow Data Modelling • Data Vault • Kimball Data Modernisation Experience delivering migrations from one or more of the following legacy technologies: • Teradata • Hadoop • Oracle • SAS Preferred Experience • Financial Services, Banking, or other highly regulated environments. • Enterprise data transformation programmes. • Modern data governance and metadata management practices. • Short-notice availability. Skills & Attributes • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. • Ability to challenge and influence senior technical and business audiences. • Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. • Comfortable operating in complex, fast-paced transformation environments. • Hands-on approach with the ability to bridge architecture and delivery teams. Contract Details • Rate: Up to £650 per day • Contract Type: Inside IR35 • Duration: Initial contract through to December, with potential extension • Location: London • Start Date: ASAP / Short notice preferred Apply If you are an experienced Data Architect with strong Databricks, dbt and AWS expertise, and a proven track record delivering data platform transformations within large enterprise environments, please apply with your latest CV for immediate consideration.