Databricks Solution Architect

Salt; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 369,000 - 590,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt Digital Recruitment is sourcing a Senior Solutions Architect for a six-month remote contract with a leading financial services client. The role centers on Databricks architecture as the foundation for the client’s AI strategy, guiding an established data engineering team rather than building from scratch.

You will provide senior technical direction, define standards, oversee migrations from SQL Server to Databricks, and communicate with C-suite stakeholders to align the platform with

Qualifications

• Senior Databricks architecture experience with hands-on and strategic focus.
• Proven track record leading data platform migrations (MS SQL to Databricks).
• Ability to be the most senior technical voice while collaborating with an established engineering team.
• Strong communication with C-suite and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior architectural oversight across the Databricks implementation.
• Guide the internal data engineering team on best practices, frameworks, and design patterns.
• Define and enforce implementation standards to ensure cost efficiency and optimal platform performance.
• Lead the migration strategy from SQL Server and Microsoft stack to Databricks.
• Align the Databricks architecture to the client’s broader AI strategy.
• Communicate progress, risks, and recommendations at C-suite level.
• Manage project outcomes and delivery milestones.

Skills

Databricks architecture

Migration leadership

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Financial services

Tools

Databricks

Job description

Senior Solutions Architect – Databricks | Contract | 6 Months | Remote

About the Role

A financial services client is migrating from a SQL Server/Microsoft stack to Databricks as the foundation of their future AI strategy. They have a mature internal data engineering team in place – they don’t need someone to build from scratch. They need a senior architect to come in above the team, set the standard, and ensure the implementation is done right.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior architectural oversight across the Databricks implementation
• Guide the internal data engineering team on best practices, frameworks, and design patterns
• Define and enforce implementation standards to ensure cost efficiency and optimal platform performance
• Lead the migration strategy from SQL Server and Microsoft stack to Databricks
• Align the Databricks architecture to the client’s broader AI strategy
• Communicate progress, risks, and recommendations at C-suite level
• Manage project outcomes and delivery milestones

Requirements

• Senior-level Databricks architecture experience – hands-on and strategic
• Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing data platform migrations (Microsoft/SQL Server to Databricks preferred)
• Ability to operate as the most senior technical voice in the room while working alongside an established engineering team
• Strong C-suite communication and stakeholder management skills
• Financial services experience advantageous

Contract Details

Duration: 6 months

Location: Remote

Start: Immediate