Data Solutions Architect -GCP

EXL is a global data and artificial intelligence ("AI") company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 59,000 employees spanning six continents.

Role Title: Data Solutions Architect (GCP)

Location: London, United Kingdom (Flexible hybrid working)

Employment Type: Permanent

Summary of the role: The Data Solutions Architect at EXL plays a strategic, client-facing role within our Data Management practice. This is a technical leadership position, focused on GCP, where you partner closely with senior stakeholders to modernise their data platforms, drive value from data, and accelerate cloud transformation. You will lead the technical design and delivery of complex data architectures and act as a trusted advisor on clients’ end-to-end data strategy. While this is not a hands-on implementation role, you will shape future-state architectures, develop solution strategies, guide workshops, build compelling slide decks, and oversee project execution through collaboration with delivery teams. You will also spend 40-50% of your time assisting in pre-sales activities with clients, including assisting with RFPs, RFIs by translating client requirements into solution blueprints and proposal narratives.

This role is ideal for a professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong communication and consulting skills to influence decisions at the C-suite level and drive large-scale transformation initiatives.

As part of your duties, you will be responsible for:

• Pre-Sales: Assist with the response to RFPs/RFIs/RFSs by translating client requirements into solution blueprints and proposal narratives. Collaborate with sales, solution leads, pricing teams, and delivery SMEs to shape and articulate solutions that are technically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with client expectations.
• Enterprise Solution Design: Architect and lead the delivery of large-scale data platforms (including lakes, lakehouses, and warehouses) using GCP, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, Databricks, Snowflake.
• Cloud Data Strategy: Own cloud migration and modernisation strategy, leveraging GCP, and tools such as Terraform, Azure DevOps, GitHub, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Data Modelling: Apply deep hands-on expertise in enterprise data modelling using tools like ERwin, ER/Studio, or PowerDesigner, ensuring scalability, performance, and maintainability.
• ETL/ELT Frameworks: Design and build robust data pipelines with Cloud Composer, Dataproc, Dataflow, Informatica, or IBM DataStage, supporting both batch and streaming data ingestion.
• Data Governance & Quality: Implement data governance frameworks, metadata management, and data quality controls using Unity Catalog, Profisee, Alation, DQ Pro, or similar platforms.
• Client Engagement & Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to clients’ senior leadership (CDOs, CIOs, Heads of Data), influencing strategic decisions and roadmaps through assessments and business cases.
• Technical Leadership & Team Mentoring: Lead and inspire cross-functional global teams of architects, engineers, analysts, and data scientists. Drive innovation, best practices, and knowledge sharing.
• Documentation & Architecture Artefacts: Develop and maintain technical design documents, data models, architectural blueprints, and integration diagrams to support project transparency and alignment.
• Innovation and Industry Insight: Stay up to date with emerging tech in data mesh, data products, GenAI, and open data ecosystems. Contribute to internal capability building and go-to-market initiatives.

Qualifications and experience we consider to be essential for the role:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or related field.
• Experience: 10+ years in BI/Data Warehousing and analytics, including 4+ years in technical/solution architecture roles. Banking domain experience is essential (e.g., commercial banking, investment banking, retail banking, regulatory reporting, finance transformation). Insurance knowledge is a strong advantage, particularly in general and life insurance, reinsurance, underwriting, or claims.
• Enterprise Data Modelling: Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on modelling using ERwin, ER/Studio, Power Designer, or similar tools.
• Reporting Tools: Practical knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, QlikView, or other business intelligence tools.
• Cloud & DevOps Experience: Hands-on with GCP/Azure/AWS, Terraform, Azure DevOps, GitHub, and modern data engineering approaches.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead data teams and collaborate across technology and business stakeholders.
• Certifications: Preferred – premium certification from big 3 cloud vendors i.e. GCP, Azure, AWS.

As part of a leading global data and artificial intelligence company, you can look forward to a competitive salary with a generous bonus, private healthcare, critical illness life assurance at 4 x your annual salary, income protection insurance, and a rewarding pension. EXL provides everyday financial well-being solutions, such as cash back cards, in which you can earn cashback while enjoying discounts, promotions, and offers from top retailers. We also offer a Cycle Scheme where you can save money on bikes and cycling accessories. At EXL, we are committed to providing our employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed and excel in their careers. We offer a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities. We also support a range of learning initiatives that allow our employees to build on their existing skills and knowledge. From online courses to seminars and workshops, our employees have the opportunity to enhance their skills and stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EXL is committed to diversity. Our company does not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, or disability status. EXL employees are eligible to purchase stock as part of our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. At EXL, we offer a flexible hybrid working model that allows employees to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle while strengthening our culture of collaboration. To be considered for this role, you must already be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.