At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of scalable data solutions on Microsoft Azure and guide teams.
- Company: Dynamic tech firm in London focused on innovative data architecture.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rate, flexible work environment, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data architecture while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data architecture with strong Azure expertise and stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to mentor and lead diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: London, 3 days/week
Contract type: 3 month initial contract
Rate: TBC inside IR35
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Enterprise Data Architect with deep expertise in Microsoft Azure, strong capability in enterprise-scale data architecture, and proven excellence in client stakeholder management. This role requires hands-on architectural leadership, the ability to guide distributed (onshore/offshore) teams, and a strategic mindset to define and deliver robust, scalable, and secure data platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Enterprise Data Architecture & Strategy
- Define and own the end-to-end enterprise data architecture across cloud and hybrid ecosystems on Microsoft Azure.
- Develop and maintain data models, data flows, reference architectures, and integration patterns for large, complex organizations.
- Lead the design of data lakes, data warehouses, real-time processing solutions, and metadata-driven data platforms leveraging Azure-native services.
- Ensure architectural alignment with business goals, technology roadmaps, and compliance standards (GDPR, security, governance).
- Azure Data Platform Leadership
- Architect highly scalable solutions using Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS), Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory / Synapse Pipelines, Azure SQL / Cosmos DB, Azure Event Hub / IoT / Stream Analytics.
- Oversee performance optimization, cost management, and operational best practices across Azure workloads.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary architectural advisor to senior client stakeholders, business sponsors, and technical leaders.
- Drive architecture workshops, roadmap sessions, and solution design reviews with C‑level or director-level stakeholders.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, business-oriented narratives.
- Influence decisions by presenting architectural trade-offs, risks, and value propositions.
- Offshore Team Leadership
- Provide strong leadership to offshore data engineering and architecture teams, ensuring clear guidance, quality, and alignment to design standards.
- Establish and enforce architecture governance, coding standards, design patterns, and review frameworks.
- Mentor offshore leads and architects to uplift capability and ensure full lifecycle alignment.
- Solution Delivery & Assurance
- Oversee solution blueprints, HLD/LLD documentation, and design approvals.
- Support estimation, resource planning, and delivery planning for complex multi-region programs.
- Conduct architecture assurance across sprints, releases, and production rollouts.
- Collaborate with DevOps, security, and infrastructure teams to ensure secure and compliant deployments.
Required Skills & Experience
- Technical Expertise
- 10+ years of experience in data architecture, including at least 5+ years on Azure-based data platforms.
- Deep experience across enterprise data modeling and architecture, batch and real-time data integration, data lakehouse design and ELT/ETL patterns, master data management, metadata management, lineage, and governance, cloud security, identity, and compliance for data workloads.
- Strong command of data engineering best practices and distributed computing.
- Education sector background specifically with examination/certification service provider (i.e., Pearson, Cambridge Assessment, IELTS etc.).
- Stakeholder & Consulting Skills
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
- Experience engaging with CIO/CTO/CDO organizations and driving strategic conversations.
- Ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and navigate complex client environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Microsoft Azure certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, DP-203, DP-900).
- Experience with industry-standard architecture frameworks: TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent.
- Background in consulting or global delivery models (onsite–offshore).
Senior Enterprise Data Architect - Azure employer: SGI
Contact Detail:
SGI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Enterprise Data Architect - Azure
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the role you want. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements in data architecture. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in Azure and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to enterprise data architecture. Think about how you can articulate your experience with Azure and stakeholder management clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Enterprise Data Architect - Azure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Enterprise Data Architect role. Highlight your Azure experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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. Share specific examples of your architectural leadership and stakeholder management skills. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills in data architecture and Azure platforms. Mention any certifications you have, as they can really set you apart. We’re keen to see your depth of knowledge!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at SGI
✨Know Your Azure Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Azure services, especially those mentioned in the job description like Azure Data Lake Storage and Azure Synapse Analytics. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they can be leveraged for enterprise data architecture.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing client relationships and influencing decisions at a senior level. Think about times when you translated complex technical concepts into business-friendly language, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading offshore teams, come prepared with stories that showcase your leadership style. Discuss how you've guided teams through challenges, enforced coding standards, or mentored junior architects to uplift their capabilities.
✨Align with Business Goals
Be ready to talk about how you've ensured architectural alignment with business objectives in previous roles. This could involve discussing your approach to developing data models or integration patterns that support organisational goals while adhering to compliance standards.