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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and evolve a Snowflake + AWS data platform while leading architectural direction.
- Company: High-growth, PE-backed business focused on in-house data engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £130k with progression to Head of Engineering.
- Why this job: Shape a platform and build an engineering team from day one.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in Snowflake and AWS, with strong architectural thinking.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and influence in a dynamic tech environment.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 130000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a Lead Data Architect (Snowflake / AWS) to join a high‑growth, PE‑backed business that’s bringing data engineering in‑house for the very first time. This is a rare opportunity for someone who wants true ownership, direct influence, and the chance to shape a platform and future engineering team from day one.
As the Lead Data Architect, you’ll take full control of an existing Snowflake + AWS data platform, stabilise it, evolve it, and define the technical direction that will scale the business over the next 12 months and beyond. This role is designed for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, making big architectural decisions, and working closely with a CTO who values technical leadership. And importantly if you perform well, this 12‑month FTC will transition into a Head of Engineering role. They are really looking to build this engineering team with already some roles for you to hire for.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own and evolve the Snowflake + AWS data platform end‑to‑end
- Define the 6–12 month target architecture and long‑term roadmap
- Lead architectural direction across data, cloud, DevOps and integration
- Implement best practice across AWS, CI/CD, IaC and cloud cost optimisation
- Work closely with the CTO as their go‑to architectural partner
- Lay the foundation for future engineering hires and internal capability
Tech Environment
- Snowflake
- AWS (Lambda, S3, Glue, RDS, IAM, VPC)
- Terraform
Who We’re Looking For
- A hands‑on architect or senior engineer with deep Snowflake + AWS experience
- Someone confident taking ownership of an existing platform and improving it
- Strong architectural thinking paired with practical delivery skills
- Comfortable being the first hire and operating with autonomy
- Clear communicator who enjoys influencing strategy and direction
Why This Role?
If you want a role where you can shape a platform, define standards, build engineering foundations and accelerate into leadership, then the Lead Data Architect (Snowflake / AWS) position offers exactly that.
Lead Data Architect | £130k | progression to Head Of Engineering employer: Opus Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Opus Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Architect | £130k | progression to Head Of Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data engineering space, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies using Snowflake and AWS. A personal referral can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your experience with Snowflake and AWS. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work will help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for technical interviews! Brush up on your architectural thinking and problem-solving skills. Expect to discuss how you would evolve and stabilise a data platform, as well as your approach to cloud cost optimisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you might just find the perfect role to kickstart your journey towards becoming a Head of Engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Architect | £130k | progression to Head Of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Data Architect role. Highlight your Snowflake and AWS expertise, and don’t forget to mention any architectural decisions you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your passion for data architecture and how you can bring value to our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of complex problems you've solved in the past. We want to see your thought process and how you approach challenges, especially in a data engineering context.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Snowflake and AWS, especially the specific services mentioned like Lambda, S3, and Glue. Brush up on your architectural principles and be ready to discuss how you would evolve and stabilise a data platform.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex problems you've solved in previous roles. Think about architectural decisions you've made and how they impacted the business. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to think critically.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Lead Data Architect, you'll need to influence strategy and direction. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. This will help you connect with the CTO and show that you can be a strong partner.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Since this role could lead to a Head of Engineering position, highlight any leadership experiences you have. Discuss how you would lay the foundation for future hires and build an effective engineering team from scratch.
