Data Architect

PA Consulting; West of England; 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

Job summary

PA Consulting in Bristol is seeking a skilled Data Architect to lead data and AI transformations. You will define the architecture for complex programmes, requiring proficiency in multi-cloud platforms and strong client-facing skills.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on data experience and the ability to thrive in collaborative environments. Enjoy benefits like 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and health perks.

Qualifications

• Hands-on data background with experience leading engineering teams.
• Clear understanding and practical application of data architecture.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Operate at a strategic and leadership-focused level.
• Handle complex client challenges and lead teams.
• Set direction for teams and create an inclusive environment.

Skills

Data architecture

Client-facing skills

Problem-solving

Collaborative work

Education

Data-related degree or equivalent

Tools

Azure

AWS

Google Cloud Platform

Databricks

Snowflake

Job description

2 Avon Street, Bristol BS2 0GR, GB

Full-time

Job description

As a Data Architect you will help drive data and AI transformations for our clients by helping our clients. You will be responsible for 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 be architecting 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.

Technical stack

• 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
• Data Visualization/BI & Analytics platforms
• Semantic models and metrics layers
• Data governance tooling

Responsibilities and expectations

• 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.
• 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.
• Hybrid working with the team on client site or in our office a minimum of two days per week; actual time and location will vary by role or assignment, including up to five days per week on a client site.
• Work on a broad variety of projects and tech stacks for clients across seven sectors – no project is ever the same.
• Join other experts within our supportive and collaborative tech community through knowledge‑sharing and peer‑level support, coaching and mentoring.
• Environment that deeply cares about its values.
• As part of our Digital team, work alongside colleagues from across PA – delivering transformative digital solutions to today’s most complex business challenges. We’re an inclusive community for the curious, generous, pragmatic and committed digital practitioner.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to thrive in problem‑solving and analytical thinking.
• Enjoy collaborating with multiple stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Certifications in appropriate methodologies and cloud technologies are advantageous.
• Experience across leading vendors including Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Databricks, Snowflake and more.

Benefits

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare for you and your family.
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy five 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).

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to 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 under‑represented groups.