We are seeking an experienced
Senior Solutions Architect specializing in Databricks
to provide strategic leadership and architectural oversight for a large-scale data modernization program within a leading Financial Services organization.

The client is currently transitioning from a traditional SQL Server and Microsoft-centric data ecosystem to a modern Databricks-based platform to support its long-term data, analytics, and AI strategy. While the client has an established and capable Data Engineering team, they require a senior-level architect to provide strategic direction, implementation frameworks, architectural governance, and best-practice guidance to ensure a successful and cost-effective transformation.

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  This role will focus on defining the target-state architecture, establishing standards and governance, optimizing platform design, and ensuring alignment between technology investments and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

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  Provide strategic architectural leadership for the organisation's Databricks implementation and data modernization initiatives.
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  Design and define enterprise-scale data and analytics architectures aligned to business and AI objectives.
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  Develop and implement architectural frameworks, standards, patterns, and best practices for Databricks adoption.
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  Guide the Data Engineering team on solution design, scalability, performance optimization, security, and governance.
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  Assess current SQL Server and Microsoft-based environments and define migration strategies to Databricks.
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  Ensure architecture decisions support future AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, and reporting requirements.
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  Evaluate and optimize platform utilization to drive cost efficiency and maximize return on investment.
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  Establish governance, architecture review processes, and implementation roadmaps.
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  Provide executive-level insights and recommendations on technology direction, risks, opportunities, and investments.
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  Collaborate with business stakeholders, technology leadership, engineering teams, and vendors to drive successful outcomes.
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  Oversee solution quality and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture principles and regulatory requirements.
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  Identify technical risks, dependencies, and potential challenges, implementing mitigation strategies where required.
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  Mentor engineering teams and promote architectural excellence across the program

Required Technical Skills

Essential

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  Deep expertise in
  Databricks architecture, implementation, and optimization
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  Strong understanding of enterprise data platforms and modern data architectures
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  Data Lakehouse architecture design and implementation
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  Data governance, security, compliance, and data management frameworks
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  Data migration strategy and execution
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  Enterprise integration patterns and cloud-based architectures
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  Analytics, Business Intelligence, and AI/ML platform enablement

Preferred

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  Experience with Microsoft Azure Data Services
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  Azure Data Factory
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  Azure Synapse Analytics
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  SQL Server
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  Delta Lake
• 
  Unity Catalog
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  DataOps and DevOps practices
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  AI and Machine Learning platform architecture

Essential Experience & Qualifications

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  10+ years of experience in Solution Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, or Data Architecture roles.
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  Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale data transformation and modernization initiatives.
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  Extensive experience designing and implementing Databricks solutions in enterprise environments.
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  Proven track record supporting cloud migration and modern data platform programs.
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  Experience within Financial Services, Banking, Insurance, or highly regulated environments.
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  Strong understanding of data governance, security, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
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  Experience developing enterprise architecture standards, frameworks, and governance models.
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  Relevant certifications in Databricks, Cloud Platforms (Azure preferred), TOGAF, or related disciplines are highly advantageous.

Key Competencies

Strategic Leadership

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  Ability to align technology architecture with long-term business strategy.
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  Strong commercial acumen and focus on value delivery.
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  Ability to influence technology direction at executive level.

Stakeholder Engagement

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  Comfortable engaging with C-suite executives and senior business leaders.
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  Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
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  Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

Architecture & Governance

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  Excellent architectural design and decision-making capabilities.
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  Strong focus on governance, standards, and best practices.
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  Ability to drive consistency across multiple teams and initiatives.

Delivery & Outcomes

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  Results-driven with a focus on business impact and measurable outcomes.
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  Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
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  Ability to work independently while guiding large technical teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced
Senior Solutions Architect with deep Databricks expertise
, capable of providing strategic oversight to an established engineering team. They will bring extensive experience in enterprise data transformation, architecture governance, and cloud-based analytics platforms. The successful individual will be comfortable operating at executive level, influencing business and technology strategy, while ensuring Databricks is implemented in a scalable, cost-effective, and future-ready manner that supports the organisation's AI and data ambitions.