Data Architect in Manchester

At ANS, the Data Solution Architect is pivotal in shaping and delivering end-to-end data solutions that align with business objectives and technical standards. This role focuses on designing robust scalable architectures that enable seamless data integration, advanced analytics, and secure data management across diverse platforms. Working closely with engineers and stakeholders, the Data Solution Architect ensures that solutions are not only technically sound but also optimised for performance, reliability, and future growth. While hands-on implementation may occasionally be required, the primary responsibility lies in defining architectural patterns, guiding technical decisions, and translating complex requirements into actionable designs that drive value for both internal teams and customers.

What you’ll be doing...

• Act as a trusted advisor guiding customers and internal teams through complex architectural decisions with a focus on business value, scalability, and technical excellence.
• Design and document end-to-end data solutions clearly and accurately for internal and customer use ensuring alignment with ANS standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and stakeholders to align on delivery timelines, report progress, and manage risks while acting as a key point of contact for customer SMEs and technical teams to clarify requirements and solution design.
• Contribute to discovery and planning identifying areas such as governance, security, maturity adoption, and functional/non-functional requirements and provide actionable recommendations.
• Educate and enable customers and internal teams building knowledge of enterprise data platforms, architectural patterns, and best practices.
• Engage in continuous learning through certifications (e.g. DP-600, DP-700, AI-900, AI-102) and development days to stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Participate in the Data Architecture Guild sharing knowledge, influencing standards, and helping shape architectural practices across ANS.
• Ensure information security and compliance are embedded in all designs adhering to business policies and procedures.

What we need from you...

• Must-haves:
• Deep expertise in Big Data architecture and design with significant experience delivering enterprise-scale solutions.
• Design and implementation experience with at least three of the following: Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse, Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Databricks.
• Microsoft Fabric knowledge including architecture design and integration with existing data ecosystems.
• Data catalogue modelling, warehousing, and analytics experience across multiple platforms.
• Proven understanding of security and governance including cloud infrastructure, compliance frameworks, and data protection principles.
• Strong presentation and visualisation skills using a variety of customer-facing tools to present diagrams and designs.
• Cloud proficiency with Azure including Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and services across IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.
• Knowledge of Well-Architected Frameworks, security principles, and Agile/Waterfall project lifecycles.
• Database expertise in SQL and NoSQL technologies.
• Desirables:
• Programming and automation: SQL, Python, Azure DevOps.
• IoT design architecture for connected solutions.
• Master Data Management (MDM) design and implementation.
• Architecture and cloud-related certifications e.g. TOGAF, Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• Experience with emerging technologies such as real-time analytics, AI/ML integration, and data mesh principles.

Why work for ANS

At ANS, we’ve created a place where everyone can be themselves and we empower our people to get the job done. Openness, ambition, honesty, and passion are what drive us every day. We are bold, courageous, and innovative and we do it like no other. We invest in our training, development, health, and more and give you the benefits and flexibility to maintain a happy work-life balance. We’re proud of the inclusive, fun, dynamic environment we’ve created. It’s a safe space that works for anyone who doesn’t have to be a techie to work in tech. Bring your authentic self and find your dream role here.

What’s in it for you

With fantastic benefits, an inclusive culture, and a cool office space are your kind of workplace.

Company benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus you can buy up to 5 more days.
• We will give you your birthday off and an extra celebration day for whatever you want!
• 5 days additional holiday in the year you get married.
• 5 volunteer days!
• Private health insurance.
• Pension contribution match and 4 x life assurance.
• Flexible working and work from anywhere for up to 30 days per year (some exceptions).
• Maternity: 16 weeks full pay, Paternity: 3 weeks full pay, Adoption: 16 weeks full pay.
• Company social events get ready for a jam-packed calendar.
• Electric car scheme.
• 12 days of personal growth development time.

ANS is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage diversity and anyone applying for a role at our organisation can be assured that their application will be treated fairly regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, gender expression, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and sex or sexual orientation.