An innovative technology consultancy is seeking a Principal Data & AI Architect to drive the design, development, and delivery of modern data and AI solutions for high-profile clients across the UK. This is a strategic leadership position at the forefront of digital transformation, ideal for a visionary technologist who thrives in dynamic, client-facing environments. As a senior authority in data and AI architecture, the successful candidate will shape technical direction, define solution strategies, and lead multi-disciplinary teams across complex digital programmes. This role demands a blend of deep technical acumen, thought leadership, and strong stakeholder engagement to influence decision-makers and deliver transformative outcomes. Key Responsibilities: Lead the architecture and delivery of innovative data and AI solutions across multiple client engagements. Act as a trusted advisor to C-level stakeholders, providing strategic direction on emerging technologies such as IoT, machine learning, event-driven architectures, and cognitive services. Design scalable, resilient systems using modern cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), leveraging IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions. Provide technical assurance and mentorship to agile delivery teams, ensuring architectural coherence and successful delivery. Guide other architects and engineers in their professional growth, managing capability development and fostering a culture of learning and inclusion. Champion best practices in cloud data platforms, data integration (e.g., messaging, queuing, CDC), and non-functional design principles. Collaborate closely with clients to understand business goals, ensuring technical designs are aligned with commercial and strategic priorities. Influence internal policies, technology standards, and account strategies, while keeping pace with industry innovation. Share insights through blogs, talks, or internal forums—helping shape the company’s presence in the data and AI space. Required experience: A broad understanding of modern and emerging data/AI technologies across architecture patterns, data platforms, analytics, and machine learning. Demonstrated experience designing, building, and deploying enterprise-scale, data-intensive applications—preferably across distributed systems. Proven ability to lead architecture for cloud-native solutions, using at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, GCP). Experience integrating data using messaging systems, event streams, CDC techniques, or virtualisation approaches. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior, non-technical stakeholders with confidence and clarity. Strong commercial awareness, with a track record of aligning technical decisions to business value. Effective time and priority management across multiple concurrent projects and deadlines. A collaborative leadership style with a focus on team wellbeing, psychological safety, and continuous development. Desirable Qualities Prior experience managing or mentoring team members, including setting objectives and delivering performance feedback. Passion for sharing knowledge and actively contributing to the wider data and AI community.