Data Solution Architect

Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech consultancy in the UK is seeking a Data Solution Architect to lead pre-sales data architecture projects. You will design innovative, scalable solutions using Microsoft Azure services that include Fabric, Databricks, and AI. The ideal candidate has strong expertise in data architectures, and excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. This permanent position offers a hybrid working model while requiring SC Clearance or eligibility for it.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in Azure-based data architectures including BI, advanced analytics, machine learning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a track record in bid writing.
• Proven experience structuring deals at enterprise scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead data architecture workstream throughout the pre-sales cycle.
• Design and present architectures leveraging Azure cloud data services.
• Engage effectively with stakeholders across customer organisations.

Skills

Azure-based data architectures

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Data lakehouse design

Tools

Microsoft Azure

Power BI

Databricks

Job description

Data Solution Architect - Microsoft Azure Data Services

Microsoft Fabrics, Databricks, and Azure AI - Presales

UK (Hybrid) - Must be SC Cleared or eligible for SC Clearance - no sponsorship

Permanent

What You’ll Do

• Lead the data architecture workstream throughout the pre-sales cycle , helping customers envision innovative, scalable, value-driven solutions.
• Design and present end-to-end architectures leveraging Microsoft Azure cloud data services , including Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Power BI, Databricks, and Azure AI Foundry.
• Shape business cases, commercial models, and bid content that clearly articulate technical feasibility and measurable business outcomes.
• Work closely with sales teams to construct deals ranging from £50K to £5M , ensuring successful scoping, estimation, and value positioning.
• Engage effectively with stakeholders across customer organisations—C-level to technical teams—while coordinating internal and external delivery partners.
• Guide and influence solution direction while collaborating with engineering, consulting, and data delivery teams.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience in Azure-based data architectures , including BI, advanced analytics, machine learning, and modern data platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills , with a track record in bid writing , proposal development, and high-quality solution presentations.
• Proven commercial acumen with experience structuring deals at enterprise scale.
• Confident stakeholder management, able to navigate internal, external, and 3rd-party conversations with clarity and impact.
• Deep understanding of data lakehouse design , data analytics patterns, and modern data stack principles.
• Familiarity with managing structured and unstructured data , including ingestion, governance, storage, and modelling approaches.
• A passion for staying ahead of Microsoft data and AI innovations.