Data Platform Architect (Manchester)

Insight Investment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading asset management firm in Manchester seeks a Data Platform Architect to shape the strategic data platform. The role involves architecting scalable solutions, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating with various stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have expertise in Snowflake and Microsoft Azure, along with strong Agile practices. Insight values inclusivity and encourages diverse applicants to apply.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in architecting and scaling data platforms using Snowflake.
• Deep understanding of modern data architectures.
• Strong grasp of Agile methodologies and CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the architectural vision for the Data Platform.
• Advocate for seamless interoperability with wider applications.
• Implement Data and Master Data Management practices.

Skills

Snowflake expertise

Data governance frameworks

Infrastructure-as-Code tools

Agile methodologies

Python proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Azure

Terraform

Apache Kafka

Job description

Overview

Insight Investment is looking for a Data Platform Architect to join our growing team building our strategic data platform as we look to adopt best in class data governance and democratise data around the business. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering our data strategy, leveraging our data assets to the full, elevating our decision-making, streamlining processes, and drive innovation within our organisation.

You will be part of the long-standing Data Platform team using an Agile approach to deliver solutions on top of our Cloud Platform, starting with Snowflake as a foundational component. We will look to integrate other technologies and grow capability to meet the demands of the business. You will work closely with a variety of business areas and be involved in all aspects of the secure system development life cycle (S-SDLC).

This role contributes to shaping Insight's Enterprise Architecture. You'll work across application and data domains to ensure delivery aligns with strategic architecture principles, supports governance, and enables scalable, secure, and compliant solutions.

Role Responsibilities

• Define and continuously evolve the architectural vision for our Data Platform, ensuring it is scalable, resilient, and aligned with our enterprise-wide data strategy and long-term platform goals
• Represent the architectural perspective to integrate our Data Platform with our broader cloud estate. Advocate for seamless interoperability with wider applications and data flows and governance across the organisation
• Implement enterprise-wide Data and Master Data Management practices to ensure data integrity, quality, and compliance across the platform. Maintain consistent, trusted master data and support architectural decisions that promote data governance and regulatory standards
• Promote system and human access to data through well-governed, secure, and scalable mechanisms. Design access controls and metadata strategies that support democratised data usage while safeguarding privacy and security
• Champion cost-aware architectural strategies that optimise resource utilisation, striking an effective balance between performance and budget
• Oversee platform enhancements, integrations, and performance optimisation efforts. Ensure that all changes align with internal privacy, security, and compliance policies
• Collaborate with business and technology stakeholders to understand evolving requirements and translate them into scalable, secure, and future-proof platform capabilities
• Facilitate the onboarding of new data domains and analytical use cases. Ensure that all additions adhere to platform standards and contribute to the platform's maturity and strategic value
• Advocate for excellence in metadata management, data quality, and access control. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the technology teams and wider enterprise
• Identify and support the reduction of our legacy technology estate

Experience Required

• Proven expertise in architecting and scaling data platforms using Snowflake, seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Azure
• Deep understanding of modern data architectures, including Data Mesh, Data Fabric, Lakehouse, and ELT patterns
• Familiar with data governance frameworks such as DCAM or equivalent, ensuring compliance and data stewardship
• Can assess how architectural decisions impact business outcomes, platform performance and cost efficiency
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure-as-Code tools in Azure, particularly Terraform
• Proficient in implementing CI/CD pipelines to support automated and reliable deployments
• Strong grasp of Agile methodologies, with a track record of delivering iteratively in cross-functional teams
• Demonstrates initiative and autonomy in solving complex technical challenges
• Communicates abstract and complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Committed to software engineering best practices, with a focus on quality, maintainability, and correctness
• Collaborates effectively with stakeholders, end users, and team members, fostering a culture of shared ownership
• Actively pursues continuous learning, driving the adoption of innovative technologies and approaches
• Takes ownership of mistakes, works collaboratively to resolve issues, and implements long-term improvements based on lessons learned

Desired Skills

• Exposure to financial services or regulated environments is advantageous but not essential
• Docker / Snowpark container services
• Streaming and related technologies such as Apache Kafka, Azure Event Hub
• Integration with Collibra
• Proficiency in Python

Insight is committed to being an inclusive employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation. If you are a candidate with a disability, or are assisting a candidate with a disability, and require an accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, please email us at [e-mail]

About Insight Investment

Insight Investment is a leading asset manager focused on designing investment solutions to meet its clients' needs. Founded in 2002, Insight's collaborative approach has delivered both investment performance and growth in assets under management. Insight manages assets across its core liability-driven investment, risk management, full-spectrum fixed income, currency and absolute return capabilities.

Insight has a global network of operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, US, Japan and Australia. More information about Insight Investment can be found at: www.insightinvestment.com