Data Architect - Databricks£120,000-£125,000 base + benefits
London (Hybrid: 2-3 days per week onsite)
We’re looking for an experienced Data Architect who can shape and deliver large-scale analytics platforms using Databricks and modern Lakehouse principles. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with clients, influencing data strategy, and designing high-quality, scalable solutions that enable AI, advanced analytics, and enterprise reporting.
You’ll join a growing architecture team where you’ll play a key part in defining best practices, leading engagements, and supporting clients at the early stages of their data transformation journeys.
What You’ll Bring*Extensive experience designing and delivering end-to-end data platforms using Databricks, with a strong focus on Lakehouse Architecture, Delta Lake, and scalable data engineering patterns.
*A solid background in data analytics, consulting, or a similar technical discipline.
*Strong knowledge of structured and unstructured data patterns, and fluency in data modelling approaches such as 3NF, Kimball, and Data Vault.
*Hands-on experience exposing Lakehouse solutions to BI tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau).
*Proficiency in Databricks Workflows, Delta Live Tables, and Spark for batch and streaming pipelines.
*Strong programming capability in Python, Scala, and/or SQL.
*Practical experience with at least one major cloud platform (Azure, AWS, or GCP), with a good understanding of how Databricks interacts with cloud compute, storage, networking, and security.
*Familiarity with RBAC, IAM, encryption, and Databricks security best practices.
*Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to work with both technical and business stakeholders.
Useful Certifications (Not Essential)*Databricks Data Engineer Associate / Professional
*Databricks Machine Learning Associate / Professional
*Databricks Generative AI Fundamentals
*Databricks Lakehouse Fundamentals
What You’ll Do*Design and implement modern Lakehouse solutions that optimise data ingestion, transformation, processing, governance, and analytics.
*Advise clients on best practices, architecture patterns, and scalable approaches to building data platforms.
*Build strong relationships with stakeholders, clearly articulating architectural decisions and trade-offs.
*Help shape client data strategies, including governance, quality frameworks, and delivery approaches.
*Lead architectural workstreams or full engagements, ensuring delivery aligns with scope, budget, security, and performance expectations.
*Troubleshoot, tune, and optimise Databricks solutions for cost and efficiency.
*Implement governance and cataloguing through tools such as Unity Catalog or Microsoft Purview.
*Drive CI/CD adoption using GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or Databricks Repos.
*Support testing, documentation, and handover to operational teams.
*Contribute to internal architectural frameworks, reusable accelerators, and best-practice patterns.
*Support proposals, RFIs/RFPs, and develop innovative proof-of-concept solutions.
What You Can ExpectYou’ll join a supportive environment that champions professional development and continuous learning. Benefits include:
*Generous annual leave
*Private medical cover
*Wellbeing support
*Ongoing investment in training and certification
*A culture that recognises high performance and offers opportunities to shape impactful client outcomes