Lead Data Architect

Data Architect – Transformation & Product Development

Location:
London (Hybrid) or New York / Chicago (Hybrid)

Compensation:
£135k–£155k (UK) / Competitive US packages + Bonus (up to 25%) + Benefits

Contract Type:
Permanent (Contract opportunities also available)

Our client is a global data and analytics leader undergoing a major transformation from a traditional ratings agency into a modern data product company. With an ambitious data strategy, they are investing heavily in data mesh architecture, advanced platforms, and AI-driven engineering practices to shape the next generation of products.

This is a unique opportunity to join during a period of accelerated growth and transformation, working directly with senior leaders to influence the company\’s data architecture strategy and execution.

About the Role

Seeking a
hands-on Data Architects
with a
product-driven mindset
to join the transformation team. You will be responsible for designing domain-driven architectures, improving data quality, and embedding best practices across engineering teams. These roles sit at the intersection of
data strategy, product ownership, and technical architecture
, playing a critical role in the company\’s evolution into a data-first organization.

You\’ll work closely with product owners, engineers, and senior stakeholders to ensure data assets are well-structured, scalable, and aligned with business priorities (ESG, credit, financial data domains). This is a
build-focused role
ideal for architects who want to roll up their sleeves and create tangible impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement
  domain-specific data architectures
  aligned with data mesh principles.
• Drive
  data modeling, quality, and governance
  standards across domains (credit, ESG, financial data).
• Partner with Product Owners and Engineers to build
  repeatable, scalable data products
  .
• Embed best practices in
  Snowflake, Databricks, Spark
  , and modern data platforms.
• Mentor and coach engineers, raising architectural standards across teams.
• Support adoption of
  AI-assisted engineering practices
  to accelerate product delivery.
• Collaborate with stakeholders globally (London, New York, Chicago) to align architecture with business objectives.
• Contribute to shaping the
  target operating model
  for the data function.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a
  Data Architect
  or
  Senior Data Engineer
  with architecture responsibilities.
• Expertise in:
• Snowflake, Databricks, Spark
• Logical and conceptual
  data modeling
• Data governance & quality frameworks
• Strong
  product mindset
  – ability to balance technical architecture with business value.
• Hands-on, build-first approach (not just strategy/deck-driven).
• Track record in
  domain-driven design
  , ideally with experience in credit, ESG, or financial data.
• Excellent stakeholder management and coaching capabilities.
• (UK roles) Eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship; (US roles) Eligible to work in the US.

Desirable / Nice-to-Have

• Familiarity with
  data mesh architecture
  in practice.
• Prior experience in
  financial services or analytics-driven product companies
  .
• Exposure to
  AI/ML platforms
  for accelerating engineering workflows.
• Experience working in
  matrixed global organizations
  .
• Ability to
  scale and standardize product development methods
  across teams.

Why Join?

• Be part of a
  company-wide transformation
  from ratings to data products.
• Work directly with
  senior leadership
  who value innovation and hands-on execution.
• Opportunity to
  shape product-centric data architecture
  with global impact.
• Competitive compensation and career growth into
  Chief Data Officer / Domain Leadership
  pathways.
• Collaborative, product-focused environment where
  AI and cutting-edge tools
  are being embedded.