Lead Data Architect

Reed Technology; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm is seeking a Lead Data Architect in Newcastle upon Tyne to provide strategic leadership in designing data solutions. This role involves leading a team of architects and engineers, setting technical standards, and ensuring scalable solutions. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in data engineering, proficiency in cloud platforms such as Azure/AWS, and excellent client-facing skills. The position offers flexible, hybrid working and comprehensive benefits, including 36 days annual leave and private health insurance.

Benefits

36 days annual leave

Flexible working conditions

Private Health Insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Sabbatical policy

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• 5+ years in data engineering or business intelligence roles.
• Experience designing cloud data platforms in Azure/AWS or significant on-premise design.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within a technical team.

Responsibilities

• Shape the approach to the design and development of data solutions using cloud technologies.
• Set standards for solutions documentation and data governance.
• Lead and mentor the team in Agile delivery methods.

Skills

Cloud data platform design

Data engineering experience

ETL and data pipeline design

Proficiency in SQL

Data visualization tools

Leadership experience

Agile project delivery

Familiarity with Jira or Azure DevOps

Tools

PowerBI

Tableau

Python

R

Spark

Job description

We are looking for a Lead Data Architect to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in the design and development of data solutions. This role involves setting technical standards, evaluating new technologies, and shaping our approach to data. You will lead a team of Data Architects, Engineers, and Analysts, defining data architecture frameworks and ensuring the development of scalable, robust, and cost-effective solutions. The ideal candidate will have a passion for data, be technology-agnostic, and possess excellent client-facing skills.

Lead Data Architect

Annual Salary: circa £85,000

Location: Flexible, hybrid working with some client travel

Day to day of the role

• Shape the approach to the design and development of data solutions using cloud technologies.
• Set standards for solutions documentation and data governance.
• Lead the promotion of Agile delivery methods.
• Manage and mentor mid-level to senior team members.
• Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in cloud and data.
• Maintain relevant certifications and build strong client relationships.
• Promote best practices and inspire continual improvement within the team.
• Analyse client technology implementations and provide recommendations.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to Data Architects and Data Engineers.
• Ensure technical deliveries meet the required standard for data quality and design.
• Provide technical expertise in pre‑sales processes to help win new business.
• Contribute to the development of training plans for junior staff.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing cloud data platforms in Azure/AWS or significant on‑premise design experience.
• 5+ years in data engineering or business intelligence roles.
• Extensive ETL and data pipeline design experience, technology agnostic.
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with data engineering coding languages such as Python, R, or Spark.
• Understanding of data warehouse and data lake principles.
• Experience with data visualisation tools such as PowerBI or Tableau.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within a technical team.
• Agile and/or DevOps project delivery experience, including peer reviews and continuous improvement practices.
• Familiarity with backlog management tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps.

Benefits

• 36 days annual leave entitlement, with incremental increase.
• Sabbatical policy and flexible, hybrid working.
• Modern office space and funded qualifications/certifications.
• Private Health Insurance with Vitality and cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced sick pay policy and EMI share options scheme.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies and a great working culture.
• Free sports tickets, monthly social events, and staff referral scheme.
• Corporate metro tickets and free parking.

To apply for the Lead Data Architect position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.