At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of a cutting-edge data architecture for market data models.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovative data solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible contract terms, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders and enjoy a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data architecture and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in data modelling and cloud platforms like Google BigQuery is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role can be filled via fixed term contract or via daily rate (Inside IR35) via umbrella company. Initially 3 months with the potential for expansion.
Role Overview
This is a focused, high-value engagement to lead the data architecture of Defaqto's redesigned market data model. We have an initial view of the logical structure we need, and we are looking for an experienced architect to test, challenge, and refine that thinking - then translate it into a signed‑off logical model and implementation recommendations for the CTO and Head of Data to act on.
What you'll do
We have developed an initial view of the logical architecture – centred on four core entities: Package, Component, Attribute, and Market – but this is a starting point, not a fixed brief. We are looking for an architect who will interrogate that thinking, validate it against real business requirements, and produce a model that genuinely fits how our data needs to work. The initial scope is the market data product estate and the primary research data platform. Technology choices for physical implementation have not been finalised. Google BigQuery is our existing lakehouse platform and the likely foundation, but decisions on the transformation layer, tooling, and overall implementation approach will be made during this engagement in collaboration with the CTO and Head of Data. The logical model itself is a technology‑agnostic deliverable; implementation recommendations are expected alongside it.
The Engagement
This contract covers the design and architecture phase of the data model project (Phase 1 of a phased delivery programme). The primary output is a signed‑off logical data model and a technology implementation recommendation, produced in close collaboration with the CTO and Head of Data. The logical model is a technology‑agnostic deliverable; the implementation recommendation should be grounded in Defaqto's existing technology landscape and make a clear case for the chosen approach. A Senior Data Engineer – permanent hire, to be recruited, will own the build and ongoing implementation once the architecture is agreed. The architect's role is to design the model, recommend the implementation approach, and provide sufficient documentation that the engineering team can execute without ongoing dependency on the contractor.
Scope & Constraints
In Scope
- Logical model design for the market data product estate – core entities, relationships, and attributes
- Technology implementation recommendation – physical implementation approach suited to the existing stack, presented to CTO and Head of Data
- Compatibility view specification for research platform continuity during transition
- Business rule formalisation for deduplication, ratings hierarchy, and attribute priority logic
- Stakeholder workshops and sign‑off facilitation
- Data dictionary and handover documentation
Out of Scope
- Transformation layer build and implementation (owned by Senior Data Engineer)
- Research platform frontend adaptation (Phase 2 workstream)
- Full estate migration beyond the initial market data scope (Phase 2+)
- Ongoing data governance or catalogue ownership
- Graph database design or implementation
What you'll need to succeed
Essential requirements
- Demonstrable experience leading logical and physical data model design for analytical data warehouses
- Strong command of entity‑relationship modelling, normalisation, and dimensional design
- Experience with cloud data warehouse platforms – Google BigQuery is the existing lakehouse technology; hands‑on experience with BigQuery or equivalent (Snowflake, Redshift, Databricks) is expected
- Ability to produce technology‑agnostic logical models and translate them into well‑reasoned implementation recommendations
- Proven ability to facilitate workshops with mixed technical and non‑technical stakeholders and produce signed‑off artefacts
- Experience producing data dictionaries and technical documentation to a standard usable by engineering teams
- Comfortable presenting architecture options and trade‑offs to senior technology leadership
- Ability to work independently and manage delivery to milestone‑based timelines
Desirable requirements
- Familiarity with dbt – sufficient to design a schema that a dbt‑based transformation layer can implement effectively
- Experience designing compatibility or migration layers for legacy platform transitions
- Exposure to data cataloguing tools (Google Dataplex, DataHub, Atlan)
- Understanding of product data or market intelligence data structures
- Experience working within a phased, non‑big‑bang migration approach
Important to know
Location: This is a hybrid working role usually with 2 days each week in the office – office base can be London or Haddenham. From time‑to‑time if there are workshops, you may need to be in the office more frequently.
Right to Work
Applicants must already hold a legal right to work in the UK without time restrictions and without the need for future sponsorship. We are unable to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Data Architect in London employer: SimplyBiz PLC
Defaqto is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Data Architect role based in London. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology and contribute to meaningful projects that shape our data landscape. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data field, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous data architecture projects. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table and how you can tackle their specific challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your approach to data modelling and how you’ve collaborated with stakeholders in the past. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with logical and physical data model design. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When detailing your experience, be specific about your familiarity with cloud data warehouse platforms like Google BigQuery. We’re keen to know how you’ve used these technologies in past roles, so give us the juicy details!
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Since this role involves working closely with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, share examples of how you've facilitated workshops or produced signed-off artefacts. We love seeing teamwork in action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SimplyBiz PLC
✨Know Your Data Models
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of logical and physical data models. Be ready to discuss your experience with entity-relationship modelling and dimensional design, as these are crucial for the role. Prepare examples of how you've led similar projects in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Google BigQuery
Since Google BigQuery is the existing lakehouse technology, it’s essential to have hands-on experience or at least a solid understanding of it. Be prepared to talk about how you've used cloud data warehouse platforms in your previous roles and how they can be applied to this position.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
This role involves facilitating workshops with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Think about how you can effectively communicate complex ideas and ensure everyone is on the same page. Have a few strategies in mind for managing diverse groups and getting sign-off on your designs.
✨Documentation is Key
You’ll need to produce clear documentation that engineering teams can use without ongoing support. Bring examples of data dictionaries or technical documents you've created before. Highlight your ability to make complex information accessible and actionable for others.
