Senior Data Architect

FSP; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

FSP is recruiting a Data Architect to join its Data and AI practice in the UK. You will define, design and govern sophisticated data architectures across client environments, collaborating with engineers and principal consultants to translate business challenges into scalable data solutions.

You will lead cloud-native data platform design, establish governance standards and guide cross-functional teams, with emphasis on medallion architectures and analytics-ready data models.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience defining and delivering data architectures in large-scale, enterprise or transformation programmes.
• Proven expertise designing cloud-native data platforms, including MS Fabric, Databricks and AWS.
• Strong background in data modelling methodologies (Kimball, 3NF, Data Vault, dimensional modelling).
• Experience with modern data transformation approaches — familiarity with analytics engineering principles is beneficial.
• Deep understanding of data platforms, orchestration, metadata management, CI/CD and architectural components such as DevOps.
• Demonstrable experience architecting solutions using medallion architectures, including curated gold-layer models designed for analytics consumption.
• Strong knowledge of unity catalog (or similar), data governance, lineage, cataloguing and metadata-driven design.

Responsibilities

• Define, own and evolve enterprise grade data architectures, ensuring scalability, sustainability and alignment with client objectives.
• Lead the design of cloud based data platforms, semantic layers, integration patterns and data models.
• Establish governance standards, frameworks and principles that guide engineering teams.
• Act as a trusted technical partner to clients, shaping their data strategy, advising senior stakeholders and articulating architecture decisions with clarity and confidence.
• Create and enforce architectural guidelines, including modelling standards, reference architectures, blueprints and reusable components to ensure consistent delivery quality.
• Stay current with emerging data platform technologies, architectural patterns and cloud-native capabilities.
• Proactively share insights and drive innovation across the wider engineering team.

Skills

Data architecture

Cloud-native architectures

Data modelling

Stakeholder communication

Data governance

Analytics engineering

DevOps/CI-CD

Leadership

Cost optimisation

Enterprise architecture

Tools

Databricks

AWS

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Purview

Collibra

Power BI models

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Data Architect to join our growing Data and AI practice.

As part of this role, you will work alongside our engineers and principal consultants to define, design and govern high quality data architectures across complex client environments. You’ll bring deep architectural expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate business challenges into scalable, future proof data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Define, own and evolve enterprise grade data architectures, ensuring scalability, sustainability and alignment with client objectives.
• Lead the design of cloud based data platforms, semantic layers, integration patterns and data models.
• Establish governance standards, frameworks and principles that guide engineering teams.
• Act as a trusted technical partner to clients, shaping their data strategy, advising senior stakeholders and articulating architecture decisions with clarity and confidence.
• Create and enforce architectural guidelines, including modelling standards, reference architectures, blueprints and reusable components to ensure consistent delivery quality.
• Stay current with emerging data platform technologies, architectural patterns and cloud-native capabilities.
• Proactively share insights and drive innovation across the wider engineering team.

About you

• Extensive experience defining and delivering data architectures in large-scale, enterprise or transformation programmes.
• Proven expertise designing cloud-native data platforms, including MS Fabric, Databricks and AWS
• Strong background in data modelling methodologies (Kimball, 3NF, Data Vault, dimensional modelling).
• Experience with modern data transformation approaches — familiarity with analytics engineering principles is beneficial.
• Deep understanding of data platforms, orchestration, metadata management, CI/CD and architectural components such as DevOps.
• Demonstrable experience architecting solutions using medallion architectures, including curated gold-layer models designed for analytics consumption.
• Strong knowledge of unity catalog (or similar), data governance, lineage, cataloguing and metadata-driven design.
• Awareness of cloud economics, cost optimisation strategies and designing solutions that balance performance with value.
• Familiarity with infrastructure as code to ensure architectural consistency and deployment scalability.
• Able to inspire, guide and elevate cross-functional engineering teams.
• Extensive experience with complex data sets.

Knowledge and experience of the following would be advantageous:

• Experience working in a consultancy environment and / or industry domain expertise (financial services, telecoms, eCommerce, retail, healthcare)
• Experience designing semantic layers and BI-friendly data structures (e.g., Power BI models).
• Familiarity with enterprise data management tools such as Azure Purview or Collibra (cataloguing, lineage, data quality).

What we look for in our people

• Strong alignment with FSP values and ethos
• Commitment to teamwork, quality and mutual success
• Pro-activity with an ability to operate with pace and energy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Dedication to excellence and quality

Who are FSP?

FSP is a leading consultancy specialising in Digital, Security and AI solutions. Our success is enabled by our unwavering commitment to excellence, our people centric culture alongside best-in-class operations, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes for our clients.

As a long standing and highly accredited Microsoft Partner, with extensive solution designations, we partner with clients across a range of commercial sectors, enabling digital transformation, innovation and robust cyber security.

We navigate the complexities of data sensitivity, confidentiality, governance and compliance. We blend strategic insight, depth of technical expertise, delivery and operational excellence to meet the specific requirements outlined.

We take a collaborative, one team approach with our clients to drive sustainable change, providing outstanding client experience and delivering exceptional results that are aligned with business priorities.

Our commitment to security and quality is reinforced by our ISO27001 and ISO9001 certifications (UKAS), as well as our CREST approved penetration testing and SOC capabilities. Additionally, we are an IASME Cyber Essentials Certification Body and Cyber Essentials Plus certified.

Find out more about our accolades here: https://fsp.co/about-fsp

Why work for FSP?

• A collaborative and supportive environment in which you can grow and develop your career
• The tools and opportunity to do work you can be proud of
• A chance to work alongside some of the best people in the industry, who always seek to share their knowledge and experience
• Hybrid working – we empower you to make smart choices about when and where to work to achieve great results
• Industry leading coaching and mentoring
• Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package

Equal and Fair Opportunity

FSP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We assess applicants based on their skills, experience, and potential, without regard to age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic. Please note that visa sponsorship is available for some roles, subject to eligibility and business requirements.

Research indicates that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply where they feel they do not meet every requirement, or where there is uncertainty about who a role is intended for. If you are interested in a role with us but are concerned that you may not meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply. You may be a strong candidate for this role or for other opportunities within FSP.

We are committed to providing a fair and inclusive recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in an interview or meeting (whether virtual or in person), please let us know.