Data Architect

OverviewBase pay rangeMethods Analytics (MA) is recruiting for a Data Architect to join our team on a permanent basis. This role will be mainly remote but require flexibility to travel to client sites, and our offices based in London, Sheffield, and Bristol.What You\'ll Be Doing as a Data ArchitectAdvocate the business benefit of data standards, championing and governing those standards across projects and the organisationDemonstrate an overall perspective on business issues and activities, determining patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statementsMake and guide effective decisions, explaining clearly how decisions have been reached and resolving technical disputes across varying levels of complexity and riskCommunicate effectively across organisational, technical and political boundaries, making complex technical information accessible for non-technical audiencesDesign how to expose data from systems (APIs, real-time streams), link data from multiple systems, and deliver modern data servicesEnsure that risks associated with deployment are adequately understood and documentedDesign end-to-end data solutions from requirements through implementation, including technical documentation and architecture blueprintsLead complex data migration projects from legacy systems to modern cloud-native platformsEvaluate and recommend appropriate technologies across the modern data stack to meet specific client needsMentor junior team members and collaborate with data engineers, software engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholdersYour ImpactEnable transformative business decisions through robust, scalable data architecturesDrive adoption of modern data platforms and AI-enabled analytics solutionsEstablish technical standards and architectural patterns that ensure quality, security, and maintainabilityHelp cultivate a data-driven culture within client organisations and internallyDeliver architectures that seamlessly integrate traditional and modern data systemsRequirementsYou Will DemonstrateDeep knowledge of the Azure data stack (Azure SQL Server, CosmosDB, Azure Data Factory, Purview, Synapse, Event Hub, Azure Databricks/Fabric)Extensive data modelling experience: both normalised relational models and de-normalised Star Schema/dimensional modelsExcellent relational database design skills with expertise in diagnosing and optimising performance across SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and cloud databasesProven track record with complex data migration projects (terabyte+ datasets, multiple legacy source systems, structures and unstructured data)Proficiency with Parquet/Delta Lake or other modern data storage formatsExperience with streaming architectures using Kafka, Event Hubs, or Kinesis for real-time data processingKnowledge of data architectures supporting AI/ML workloads, including vector databases, feature stores and MLOps pipelinesExperience processing and managing unstructured data types (text, images, logs, sensor data)Understanding of Lambda and Kappa architectural patterns and when to apply eachYou May Also HaveExposure to high-performing, low latency or large volume data systemsKnowledge of and/or experience with Government Digital Service practices across Discovery/Alpha/Beta/Live phasesUnderstanding of vector databases and similarity search for AI applicationsExperience with Infrastructure as Code and modern DevOps practicesKnowledge of how to design and analyse operational logs for data processing, and triage incidentsAwareness of advances in AI technologies, data services, and architectural practicesIndustry specialisation in specific sectors (Engineering, Manufacturing, Healthcare etc.)Public sector or defence experienceExperience with modern unified data platforms like Databricks or Microsoft FabricUnderstanding of data mesh or data fabric architectural approachesRelevant industry certifications such as TOGAF 9, CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional), or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)Security ClearanceUKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting) clearance is required for this role, with Security Check (SC) as the minimum standard, either already held or with a willingness to undergo the process. Some roles/projects may require Developed Vetting (DV) clearance; while not mandatory, a willingness to obtain DV clearance would be beneficial. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS); details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website GOV.UK - Government baseline personnel security standard. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.Our Hiring ProcessAt Methods Analytics, we believe in a transparent hiring process. Here\'s what you can expect:Internal Application ReviewInitial Phone ScreenTechnical InterviewCollaborative Technical ExerciseFinal InterviewOfferBenefitsWorking at MAMethods Analytics (MA) exists to improve society by helping people make better decisions with data. We value collaboration, ethics, privacy and quality, and strive for transparent, robust and transformative outputs. We are committed to developing our people and delivering high-quality data services to our customers. We offer a range of benefits and development opportunities as part of joining MA.Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experienceBe part of exciting project work that is making a difference in societyStrong, inspiring, and thought-provoking leadershipA supportive and collaborative environmentAs well as this, we offerAnnual two-day technical hackathonMonthly Engineering & Architecture Community of PracticeBi-annual whole company teambuilding eventsDevelopment access to Pluralsight and LinkedIn LearningVolunteering - 2 paid days per yearPrivate Medical Insurance for you and dependantsWorldwide Travel Insurance for you and dependantsDiscretionary Company BonusLife Assurance of 4 times base salary25 days annual leave + bank holidays (+5 days optional)Pension Salary Exchange SchemeWellness 24/7 confidential employee assistanceSocial events and charitable causesWe also welcome referrals which can increase your chances of interviewing. #J-18808-Ljbffr