Senior Data Architect

FSP; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

FSP is seeking a Data Architect to join its Data and AI practice in a role focused on defining, designing and governing data architectures across complex client environments. You will translate business challenges into scalable data solutions and lead cloud-native platform design with strong governance and collaboration across teams.

You will work with engineers and principal consultants to shape data strategy, leverage platforms like Databricks and AWS, and drive best practices in data

Qualifications

• Extensive experience defining and delivering data architectures in large-scale programmes.
• Proven expertise designing cloud-native data platforms (Databricks, AWS, MS Fabric).
• Strong data modelling and governance knowledge plus metadata management.

Responsibilities

• Define, own and evolve enterprise-grade data architectures for clients.
• Lead design of cloud-based data platforms, semantic layers, and data models.
• Establish governance standards and guiding principles for engineers.
• Partner with clients to shape data strategy and communicate architecture decisions.
• Create reusable components and reference architectures for delivery teams.
• Stay current with data platform tech and cloud-native capabilities.
• Share insights and drive innovation across the engineering team.

Skills

Data architecture

Cloud platforms

Data modelling

Governance

DevOps

Medallion architecture

Data catalog

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Databricks

MS Fabric

AWS

Azure Purview

Collibra

Job description

Role Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for aData Architectto 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)
• Relevant architecture certifications
• 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.

Why work for FSP?

At FSP, we are committed to providing:

• 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
• 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.