Role Title: Data Solutions Architect (GCP)

Business Unit: Data Management

Role Overview

This strategic, client-facing role sits within a growing Data Management practice and focuses on leading cloud-based data architecture initiatives, particularly on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The Data Solutions Architect will collaborate with senior stakeholders to modernise data platforms, accelerate cloud transformation, and unlock business value through data and AI.

This is a technical leadership position-not hands-on coding-but one that requires deep architectural expertise, strong consulting skills, and the ability to influence C-suite decision-making. The role also involves significant pre-sales engagement, translating client needs into solution designs and supporting proposal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Support responses to RFPs/RFIs/RFSs by translating client requirements into solution blueprints and proposal narratives. Collaborate with sales, pricing, and delivery teams to shape commercially viable and technically sound solutions.
• Architect and oversee the delivery of scalable data platforms (data lakes, lakehouses, warehouses) using GCP technologies such as BigQuery, Cloud Storage, Databricks, and Snowflake.
• Cloud Data Strategy
• Lead cloud migration and modernisation strategies using GCP and tools like Terraform, CI/CD pipelines, Azure DevOps, and GitHub.
• Apply hands-on expertise in enterprise data modelling using tools such as ERwin, ER/Studio, or PowerDesigner to ensure performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• ETL/ELT Frameworks
• Design robust data pipelines using tools like Cloud Composer, Dataflow, Dataproc, Informatica, or IBM DataStage, supporting both batch and streaming ingestion.
• Data Governance & Quality
• Implement governance frameworks, metadata management, and data quality controls using platforms such as Unity Catalog, Alation, Profisee, or DQ Pro.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders (CDOs, CIOs, Heads of Data), shaping strategic roadmaps and transformation initiatives.
• Technical Leadership
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams of architects, engineers, analysts, and data scientists. Promote innovation and best practices across global delivery teams.
• Produce and maintain architecture blueprints, technical design documents, data models, and integration diagrams to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Innovation & Thought Leadership
• Stay current with emerging trends in data mesh, data products, generative AI, and open data ecosystems. Contribute to internal capability development and go-to-market strategies.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field.
• Experience
• 10+ years in BI, data warehousing, and analytics
• 4+ years in technical or solution architecture roles
• Strong experience in the banking domain (e.g., commercial, investment, retail banking, regulatory reporting, finance transformation)
• Insurance sector knowledge is a plus (e.g., general/life insurance, reinsurance, underwriting, claims)
• Technical Skills
• 3-5 years of hands-on enterprise data modelling
• Familiarity with reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or QlikView
• Experience with GCP, Azure, or AWS
• Proficiency in DevOps tools like Terraform, GitHub, Azure DevOps
• Leadership & Communication
• Proven ability to lead teams and engage with both technical and business stakeholders.
• Certifications
• Preferred: Cloud certifications from GCP, Azure, or AWS.
• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus
• Private healthcare, life assurance, and income protection
• Pension scheme and financial wellbeing programs
• Discounts and cashback offers from major retailers
• Access to professional development resources including online courses, workshops, and seminars
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture

Please note that this is a permanent role for UK residents only. This role does not offer Sponsorship. You must have the right to work in the UK with no restrictions.