Tom Parker
Principal Consultant
Senior Enterprise Data Architect - Azure
United Kingdom (Britain / UK)
Apply by 27 Apr 2026
540.0 - Per Day
Job Ref.: 56647
Job Type: Contract
Job Description
Location: London, 3 days/week
Contract type: 3 month initial contract
Rate: TBC inside IR35
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Enterprise Data Architect with deep expertise in Microsoft Azure, strong capability in enterprise?scale data architecture, and proven excellence in client stakeholder management. This role requires hands-on architectural leadership, the ability to guide distributed (onshore/offshore) teams, and a strategic mindset to define and deliver robust, scalable, and secure data platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Data Architecture & Strategy
· Define and own the end-to-end enterprise data architecture across cloud and hybrid ecosystems on Microsoft Azure.
- Develop and maintain data models, data flows, reference architectures, and integration patterns for large, complex organizations.
- Lead the design of data lakes, data warehouses, real-time processing solutions, and metadata-driven data platformsleveraging Azure-native services.
- Ensure architectural alignment with business goals, technology roadmaps, and compliance standards (GDPR, security, governance).
· Architect highly scalable solutions using:
o Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS)
o Azure Synapse Analytics
o Azure Databricks
o Azure Data Factory / Synapse Pipelines
o Azure SQL / Cosmos DB
o Azure Event Hub / IoT / Stream Analytics
- Oversee performance optimization, cost management, and operational best practices across Azure workloads.
· Act as the primary architectural advisor to senior client stakeholders, business sponsors, and technical leaders.
- Drive architecture workshops, roadmap sessions, and solution design reviews with C?level or director-level stakeholders.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, business-oriented narratives.
- Influence decisions by presenting architectural trade-offs, risks, and value propositions.
· Provide strong leadership to offshore data engineering and architecture teams, ensuring clear guidance, quality, and alignment to design standards.
- Establish and enforce architecture governance, coding standards, design patterns, and review frameworks.
- Mentor offshore leads and architects to uplift capability and ensure full lifecycle alignment.
· Oversee solution blueprints, HLD/LLD documentation, and design approvals.
- Support estimation, resource planning, and delivery planning for complex multi-region programs.
- Conduct architecture assurance across sprints, releases, and production rollouts.
- Collaborate with DevOps, security, and infrastructure teams to ensure secure and compliant deployments.
Required Skills & Experience
Technical Expertise
- 10+ years of experience in data architecture, including at least 5+ years on Azure-based data platforms.
- Deep experience across:
- Enterprise data modeling and architecture
- Batch and real?time data integration
- Data lakehouse design and ELT/ETL patterns
- Master data management, metadata management, lineage, and governance
- Cloud security, identity, and compliance for data workloads
- Strong command of data engineering best practices and distributed computing.
- Education sector background specifically with examination/certification service provider (i.e., Peason, Cambridge Assessment, IELTS etc.)
· Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
- Experience engaging with CIO/CTO/CDO organizations and driving strategic conversations.
- Ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and navigate complex client environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Microsoft Azure certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, DP-203, DP-900).
- Experience with industry-standard architecture frameworks: TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent.
- Background in consulting or global delivery models (onsite–offshore).