Solution Data Architect

VIQU IT Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

VIQU IT Recruitment partners with a leading financial services organisation undergoing a major data architecture transformation. The Solution Data Architect will design robust data architectures across transformation programmes, collaborating with Enterprise Data Architects and delivery teams to ensure data models, integrations and data flows align with architectural standards.

The role focuses on modernising a complex legacy environment while supporting strategic technology initiatives and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Solution Data Architecture within large enterprise environments.
• Experience designing data architectures for transactional and operational systems in financial services.
• Strong data modelling skills using relational, normalised and dimensional approaches.
• Familiarity with data governance, security and data protection.
• Experience with Azure data technologies, Databricks or Purview is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver solution-level data architectures across transformation projects.
• Develop conceptual, logical and physical data models aligned to standards.
• Define data flows, system integrations, and API-based data exchanges.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Data Architects to ensure governance and principles.
• Support legacy system modernisation to reduce data debt.
• Act as primary data architecture contact across projects with delivery teams.
• Apply data governance and security by design throughout development.
• Engage senior stakeholders and balance architecture with delivery needs.

Skills

Data Architecture

Data Modelling

API Integration

Stakeholder Management

Delivery Collaboration

Tools

Erwin

ER/Studio

SAP PowerDesigner

Azure

Databricks

Job description

VIQU are partnering with a leading financial services organisation undergoing a significant transformation of its data architecture and technology landscape. They are seeking a Solution Data Architect to deliver robust, scalable data designs across complex business-critical systems and transformation programmes. This is a hands-on, solution-focused role, working closely with Enterprise Data Architects and delivery teams to ensure data models, integrations and transactional data flows align with wider architectural standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in modernising a complex legacy environment whilst supporting the delivery of strategic technology initiatives.

Key Responsibilities of the Solution Data Architect:

• Design and deliver solution-level data architectures across complex transformation projects and enterprise applications
• Develop and maintain conceptual, logical and physical data models, ensuring alignment with enterprise and canonical data standards
• Design transactional data flows, system integrations, data mappings and API-based data exchanges
• Collaborate with Enterprise Data Architects to ensure solution designs align with established architectural principles and governance frameworks
• Support the modernisation and integration of legacy systems, ensuring scalability and minimising technical and data debt
• Act as the primary data architecture contact across assigned projects, working closely with Solution Architects, Engineers, BAs and delivery teams
• Apply data governance, security and data protection by design principles throughout solution development
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders, balancing architectural best practice with practical delivery requirements

Key Experience Required of the Solution Data Architect:

• Proven experience in Solution Data Architecture or hands-on Data Architecture within large, complex enterprise environments
• Strong experience designing data architectures for transactional and operational systems, ideally within insurance or financial services
• Excellent data modelling skills, including relational, normalised and dimensional modelling, with experience using Erwin, ER/Studio or SAP PowerDesigner
• Strong understanding of data integration patterns, system-to-system data flows, APIs, canonical data models and enterprise data architecture principles
• Experience working with complex legacy systems, enterprise applications and large-scale technology transformation programmes
• Insurance domain knowledge, particularly policy administration, underwriting, claims or pricing systems, is highly desirable
• Working knowledge of Azure data technologies and platforms, with exposure to Databricks or Microsoft Purview advantageous
• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, security and data protection principles
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to challenge constructively and influence technical and senior business stakeholders
• Self-motivated and pragmatic, with the ability to independently manage solution architecture activities across multiple projects