A&I - Senior Data Architect

Kindred (London) Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

FDJ UNITED in London is seeking a Senior Data Architect to modernise the A&I data platform, design lakehouse architectures and enable self-service analytics across the business. You will own end-to-end data solutions, implementing scalable Spark pipelines on AWS/Azure, while ensuring governance, security and cost control.

You will drive AI readiness with an emphasis on performance and governance, collaborating with stakeholders to translate complex concepts into actionable architectural plans.

Qualifications

• Proven experience architecting data solutions at enterprise scale (lakehouse, big data).
• TOGAF certified with focus on data governance and cost/performance trade-offs.
• Hands-on with Java/Python, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, and DevOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Architect Advanced Data Solutions for enterprise-scale needs.
• Shape end-to-end data architectures for lakes and warehouses (AWS/Azure).
• Embed automation and monitoring to maximise uptime and security compliance.
• Modernise data pipelines with Spark-based frameworks and scalable tools.
• Accelerate delivery with automated testing and standardized processes.
• Drive AI/ML initiatives (LLMOps/MLOps) and real-time personalization.
• Ensure governance, metadata management and data quality controls.

Skills

Data architecture

TOGAF

Java/Spring

Python

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

DevOps

Spark

Iceberg

Parquet

LLMOps/MLOps

Real-time analytics

Stakeholder communication

Education

TOGAF Certification

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Spark

Parquet

Iceberg

Job description

At FDJ UNITED, we don't just follow the game, we reinvent it. FDJ UNITED is one of Europe’s leading betting and gaming operators, with a vast portfolio of iconic brands and a reputation for technological excellence. With more than 5,000 employees and a presence in around fifteen regulated markets, the Group offers a diversified, responsible range of games, both under exclusive rights and open to competition. We set new standards, proving that entertainment and safety can go hand in hand. Here, you’ll work alongside a team of passionate individuals dedicated to delivering the best and safest entertaining experiences for our customers every day. We’re looking for bold people who are eager to succeed and ready to level-up the game.

If you thrive on innovation, embrace challenges, and want to make a real impact at all levels, FDJ UNITED is your playing field. Join us in shaping the future of gaming. Are you ready to LEVEL-UP THE GAME?

As a Senior Data Architect, you will be at the forefront of modernising our A&I (Automation & Insights) data platform architecture and driving operational excellence through automation. You will design cloud-based solutions with both functional (e.g., real-time personalisation) and non-functional (e.g., performance, security, cost control) requirements in mind, ensuring FDJ United remains a leader in the data-driven online gambling industry. Your work will involve shaping lakehouse and data-lake paradigms, leveraging Parquet and Iceberg for high-performance data storage, and adopting scalable Spark frameworks for large-scale processing. Ultimately, you will enable self-service analytics, personalised user experiences, and an AI-first approach to data-driven decision-making.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Architecting Advanced Data Solutions
• Shape End-to-End Data Architectures: Define conceptual and logical models for data lakes, warehouses, and hybrid deployments (AWS, Azure/Fabric), aligning with key performance and cost objectives.
• Embed Automation & Monitor: Reduce complexity and maximise uptime through DevOps practices, ensuring compliance with FDJ United’s security and regulatory standards.
• Modernising Data Pipelines & Workflows: Implement Scalable Frameworks, orchestrate large-scale pipelines using Spark, Docker, Kubernetes, and other DevOps tools.
• Accelerate Delivery: Apply standardised processes and automated testing to streamline development and reduce time-to-market while managing terabytes of data daily.
• Driving AI & ML Initiatives: Champion LLMOps & MLOps Strategy, set the architectural framework for building, training, and deploying AI/ML models with automation and regulatory compliance in mind. Enhance Operational Efficiency by overseeing end-to-end workflows (model improvement, versioning, monitoring) to support real-time personalisation and advanced analytics, focusing on architectural integrity rather than hands‑on coding.
• Ensuring Governance & Quality: Establish Strong Data Governance, partner with the Data Governance Manager to define schema management, metadata frameworks (e.g., OpenMetadata), and data quality controls, promoting data democratisation and self-service. Adhere to Security & Compliance by integrating information security standards and FDJ United’s compliance framework into every data process, safeguarding internal and customer data across all stages.
• Collaborative Design & Leadership: Lead Technical Workshops, host whiteboard sessions and design reviews, driving shared expertise and open dialogue. Influence Stakeholders by translating complex architectural concepts into actionable strategies, aligning with the PAM Enterprise Architect team and TOGAF principles.
• Continuous Innovation & Exploration: Stay Ahead of Trends by tracking emerging data technologies in cloud, DevOps, and AI to maintain a cutting‑edge platform. Evaluate & Implement New Solutions: prototype and integrate innovations—such as vector databases or advanced real-time analytics—that bring tangible business impact.

What We’re Looking For

• Deep Data Architecture Expertise: Proven experience architecting data solutions at enterprise scale (lakehouse concepts, big data platforms, real‑time pipelines). TOGAF Certified. Successful track record of optimising cost, performance, and business outcomes under strict compliance requirements.
• Technical Mastery & Hands‑On Skills: Advanced knowledge of Java/Spring, Python, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS and DevOps methodologies. Familiarity with Spark, Iceberg, Parquet, and other solutions for large‑scale data processing.
• AI/ML & Analytics Background: Competent in ML & analytics, with exposure to LLMOps and MLOps practices (pipeline automation, model governance). Comfortable leading the architecture of AI solutions rather than day‑to‑day model development.
• Governance, Security & Compliance Mindset: Skilled in defining and enforcing data governance standards while upholding regulatory and information security best practices. Ability to navigate a tough regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance without compromising innovation.
• Excellent Communication & Collaboration: Adept at workshop facilitation and bridging technical and non‑technical perspectives.
• Self‑driven, with a passion for continuous improvement, developer productivity, and accelerating time‑to‑market.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and evaluate each candidate based on merit, regardless of personal characteristics as the age, gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or disability.