Data Architect - Databricks (Hybrid, UK)
Locations: London, Manchester, or Edinburgh
Hybrid: 2-3 days per week on-site
Salary: Competitive (Manager & Senior Manager grades available)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Data Architect with deep expertise in Databricks to help our clients design, build, and scale modern data platforms. You will play a pivotal role in shaping Lakehouse architectures that enable advanced analytics, AI/ML, and enterprise-wide data-driven decision-making.
Working closely with clients early in their data journey, you will assess business needs, define architectural direction, and guide the implementation of robust, secure, and scalable solutions. This is a hands-on architecture role suited to someone who has spent the last 2-3 years working directly with Databricks at an architectural level and is ready to progress towards programmes such as the Databricks DPP.
Key Responsibilities
* Architect and implement Databricks Lakehouse solutions across ingestion, processing, storage, and analytics layers.
* Recommend best practices and innovative approaches for modern data platforms.
* Build strong client relationships and confidently present architectural decisions to senior stakeholders.
* Shape client data strategies and promote governance, quality, and security standards.
* Lead architectural engagements and ensure delivery within scope, budget, and timelines.
* Optimise Databricks workloads for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
* Implement governance and compliance frameworks using Unity Catalog, Purview, and cloud-native controls.
* Develop CI/CD pipelines using Databricks Repos, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps.
* Contribute to RFI/RFP responses and deliver innovative Proofs of Concept.
* Support the internal Architecture Practice by developing reusable patterns and accelerators.
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience delivering enterprise-scale Databricks solutions end-to-end.
* Strong background in Lakehouse Architecture, including structured and unstructured data.
* Expertise in Spark, PySpark, Delta Lake, and Databricks workflows.
* Experience building scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, including Delta Live Tables.
* Strong programming skills in Python, Scala, or SQL.
* Solid understanding of data modelling (3NF, Kimball, Data Vault).
* Experience integrating Lakehouse architectures with BI tools such as Power BI and Tableau.
* Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and understanding of Databricks implications across each.
* Knowledge of Databricks security best practices (RBAC, IAM, encryption).
* Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills.
Highly Valued Certifications
* Databricks Certified Data Engineer (Associate/Professional)
* Databricks Certified Machine Learning (Associate/Professional)
* Databricks Generative AI Fundamentals
* Databricks Lakehouse Fundamentals
Why Join Us?
* Generous annual leave and private medical insurance.
* Strong focus on wellbeing and personal development.
* A culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.
* Opportunities to work on impactful client projects and drive meaningful change.
* Supportive environment with investment in certifications and career progression.
Additional Information
* This role is fully signed off and part of a growing Databricks capability.
* Candidates must be willing to travel between UK offices when required.
* Suitable for individuals with strong architectural experience rather than purely engineering backgrounds.
Please can you send me a copy of your CV if you're interested
