Summary: The Senior Data Architect is responsible for defining and implementing data architecture solutions that align with client governance and standards, focusing on data processing, modeling, integrations, and lifecycle management. This role involves collaboration with business and technology teams to design scalable and compliant data solutions while developing best practices for data management. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial services and strong expertise in cloud technologies, data modeling, and governance. The position requires a proactive approach and the ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with business and technology teams to understand their data needs, prioritize requirements, and provide expert recommendations on data solutions.
• Define and maintain data architecture frameworks, standards, principles, and roadmaps, ensuring consistency across multiple execution venues.
• Develop transformation roadmaps to enhance data architecture, focusing on integrity, scalability, performance, and flexibility across the data lifecycle (ingestion, storage, and consumption).
• Design end-to-end data solutions, covering conceptual data models, integration strategies, security measures, and governance policies.
• Establish best practices for data migration, integration, extraction, and destruction while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct research and recommend emerging data technologies, tools, and methodologies to drive innovation and operational efficiency.
• Maintain Enterprise Architecture artefacts, including Entity Relationship Models, Data Dictionaries, and Taxonomies to enhance data traceability.
• Define and document data flows, mapping data movement across systems while addressing integration and transformation challenges.
• Ensure all data solutions adhere to corporate policies and align with enterprise-wide data models and principles.
• Engage with governance bodies such as the Design Integrity Forum, Architecture Committee, and Security & Privacy teams to secure approvals.
• Share data architecture best practices and frameworks across the organization to drive standardization and optimization.

Key Skills:

• Minimum 10 years of experience as a Data Architect, with at least 3 years in the Financial Services sector.
• Strong expertise in data architecture frameworks, standards, and data integration patterns.
• Data modelling, software development, database management, and data integration skills.
• ETL, Business Intelligence, and data governance technologies knowledge.
• Hands-on experience with data cataloguing tools such as Collibra, Solidatus, data.world, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years experience with AWS and Azure cloud data services.
• Strong SQL, PL/SQL, or T-SQL skills.
• Expertise in data modelling using tools like Erwin, Power Designer, SQLDBM, or Sparx EA.
• Experience working with databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, Snowflake, or other OLTP/OLAP solutions.
• Minimum 5 years' experience with reporting tools such as Power BI, Business Objects, Tableau, or OBI.
• Strong understanding of Master Data Management (MDM) principles and experience with Informatica MDM or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with columnar and NoSQL databases, predictive analytics, and data visualization.
• Knowledge of GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Exposure to Machine Learning, NLP, text analytics, and predictive modelling.
• Python programming skills highly desirable.
• TOGAF or ISEB certification (preferred).
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Self-starter with a proactive mindset and ability to prioritize complex work.
• Adaptability to a fast-moving environment with evolving priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality standards.
• Passionate about technology and data-driven decision-making.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: London

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: IT