Data Solution Architect

Data Solution Architect

Location: Reading or Dublin - hybrid (2 days a week)Travel: Occasional travel between sitesSalary & Package: CompetitiveA global retail organisation is seeking an experienced Solution Architect - Data & Databricks to join its Technology Architecture function. This is a permanent role within a growing architecture practice, supporting large-scale transformation across data, technology and digital platforms.This position will play a key role in shaping and delivering a modern Databricks Lakehouse data architecture, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, governed, cost-effective and aligned to the organisation's wider technology strategy.What You'll DoDesign and deliver enterprise-scale data solutions across platforms, products and business domainsDefine and evolve Databricks Lakehouse architectures, including environments, workspaces, governance and Unity CatalogApply medallion architecture and modern end-to-end data engineering patterns across ingestion, quality, enrichment and consumptionDefine appropriate data models for different business and technical use casesShape approaches to data products, data contracts, governance and data discoverabilityDevelop and maintain solution architectures, architectural principles, standards and technical documentationWork closely with engineering teams to embed CI/CD, automation and infrastructure-as-codeEnsure solutions meet requirements for security, compliance, resilience, performance and operational supportIdentify opportunities for Databricks and cloud cost optimisation, including DBU consumptionContribute to architectural governance, design decisions and technology standardsAnalyse complex requirements and translate them into pragmatic, scalable technical solutionsCommunicate architectural decisions, technical concepts and trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersProvide technical leadership and guidance throughout the solution development lifecycleSupport engineering and delivery teams through implementation and ensure architectural integrity is maintainedWhat You'll BringDeep understanding of solution architecture principles, frameworks and best practices, including TOGAF or equivalentProven experience designing Databricks Lakehouse architectures, including workspaces, environments and Unity Catalog governanceStrong understanding of medallion architecture and end-to-end data engineering patternsSolid data modelling expertise, with the ability to select appropriate approaches for different use casesExperience with data products, data contracts, governance and data discoverabilityStrong engineering mindset with practical experience of CI/CD, automation and infrastructure-as-codeGood understanding of performance tuning, operational resilience and cost optimisationStrong knowledge of data security, compliance and technology riskDemonstrable experience optimising cloud and Databricks DBU costsExcellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to a broad stakeholder audienceSuccessful Candidates Will Have8+ years' experience working in technology5+ years' experience designing and delivering enterprise-scale technology solutions across platforms, products or domainsExperience working across the systems development lifecycle, with a strong understanding of delivery best practicesExperience working within architectural governance frameworks and contributing to standards and technology decision-makingKnowledge of other enterprise data platforms, such as Snowflake and AWS Data LakehousePrevious experience in retail, ideally within a leading and innovative retailerFamiliarity with retail or fashion technology landscapes and industry trendsExperience providing technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to junior colleagues and peersStrong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across technology and business teamsA proactive, pragmatic and curious mindset, with a passion for modern data architecture and continuous improvementThe ability to balance strategic architecture with practical engineering considerations in complex enterprise environments
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