Data Architect

PA Consulting; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

25 days annual leave

Generous company pension scheme

Annual performance-based bonus

PA share ownership

Job summary

PA Consulting is seeking a Data Architect to enhance AI transformations for clients by defining the data architecture for complex programs. The candidate will be responsible for delivering scalable data solutions while operating at a leadership level and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include handling client challenges and leading teams. The role supports hybrid work, requiring presence in the office or on-site a minimum of 2 days per week, and offers numerous health and lifestyle benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading data-focused engineering teams.
• Clear understanding of data architecture.
• Ability to translate business needs into data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Drive data transformations and define architecture for complex programs.
• Handle complex client challenges and lead teams through delivery.
• Set direction for teams and drive the development of thought leadership.

Skills

Hands-on data background

Leading engineering teams

Data architecture methodologies

Problem-solving

Collaborating with stakeholders

Knowledge of AI applications

Education

Certifications in relevant methodologies

Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud Platform

Databricks

Snowflake

Job description

Job Description

As a Data Architect you will help drive data and AI transformations for our clients by defining the data blueprint and architecture for our clients' most complex programmes. This role requires an understanding of both classic and latest generation platform capabilities. You will architect end‑to‑end data platforms which include ingestion, orchestration, governance, security, cost‑optimisation, and observability. You will have strong client‑facing skills to translate business needs into scalable, resilient, and secure data solutions.

While we advocate for using the right tech for the right task, you will be expected to architect solutions for some of the following technologies and capabilities to ensure scalable, high‑performance applications:

• Multi‑cloud, data warehousing and data lake platforms
• Data manipulation, integration and ingestion technologies
• Programming/scripting languages
• ML/AI frameworks
• Infrastructure & DevOps concepts and tooling
• Semantic models and metrics layers
• Data governance tooling

As a Principal Consultant, you will be expected to:

• Operate at a strategic and leadership‑focused level
• Handle complex client challenges, lead teams, and take ownership of end‑to‑end assignment delivery
• Play a role in business growth through bid leadership, identifying new opportunities, and leveraging a strong internal and external network
• Help connect and support newer team members, drive the development and sharing of thought leadership, champion best practice, and be seen as the go‑to expert in your technical area
• Set direction for teams, create an inclusive environment, and push both capability and client outcomes to a higher standard

Hybrid working – our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week.

Work to agile best practices and cross‑functionally with multiple teams and stakeholders. You’ll be using your technical skills to problem‑solve with our clients.

Collaborate closely as a core member of engineering teams, often taking a lead SME role to define vision and establish the right practical architecture.

Qualifications

Even if you don’t meet every requirement below, feel free to still apply as we are often hiring for similar roles which your background might be better suited to.

• Hands‑on data background with experience leading engineering teams to deliver applications and services
• Clear understanding and practical application of data architecture and delivery methodologies
• Operate confidently across the data domain with clear understanding of the impact of AI both in the solutions required and how those solutions are delivered
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development
• You thrive in problem‑solving and analytical thinking
• You enjoy collaborating with multiple stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment
• Certifications in relevant methodologies and cloud technologies are advantageous. We’re technology agnostic, using the right tools for the job at hand, and you’ll have access to our strong partnerships with AWS, Azure and GCP. We’re interested to hear from Data Architects with experience across the majority of leading vendors including Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Databricks, Snowflake and more.

Benefits

• Health and lifestyle perks including private healthcare for you and your family
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
• Generous company pension scheme
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives
• Annual performance‑based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax‑efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)

EEO Statement

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief veteran status, or other by any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Adjustments or accommodations – Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [emailprotected]