Principle Data Architect – Aberdeen
At Aberdeen, our ambition is to be the UK's leading Wealth & Investments group. We are focused on growing our direct and advised wealth platforms and repositioning our specialist asset management business to meet client demand. We are committed to providing excellent client service, supported by leading technology and talent.
Job Description
We are looking for an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable Principal Data Architect to deliver best‑practice data architecture for the Adviser business, and to help integrate data with our clients. The role will own the technical design and delivery of data and software architecture, while embracing the latest technology. It is a senior hands‑on technical role with senior stakeholder interaction.
This role will play a critical part in driving data‑driven decision‑making and innovation within the company. It requires someone who blends consultancy with advanced technical skills to work with C‑suite stakeholders, within Aberdeen and our clients. You will need to be a team player, collaborator, working across multi‑discipline teams and mentoring other technical specialists.
As Principal Data Architect, you will be the strategic authority on data architecture across the organisation. You will define and evolve the enterprise‑wide architecture that underpins analytics, reporting, and operational systems, ensuring it is future‑ready, resilient, and aligned with business strategy.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design and implementation of scalable data and software architectures across cloud and hybrid environments.
* Architect and optimize modern data warehousing solutions, with a preference for Microsoft Fabric and other cloud‑native platforms.
* Develop and maintain robust data models (conceptual, logical, physical) across relational, dimensional, and NoSQL paradigms.
* Write and optimize complex SQL queries and Python scripts for data processing, transformation, and analysis.
* Apply data architecture frameworks such as TOGAF and DAMA‑DMBOK to guide enterprise data strategy and governance.
* Design and implement data integration pipelines using ETL/ELT methodologies and API‑driven architectures.
* Oversee data governance initiatives including metadata management, data quality, and master data management (MDM).
* Evaluate and integrate big data technologies and streaming platforms such as Apache Kafka and Apache Spark.
* Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align data architecture with business goals and technical requirements.
Candidate Profile
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and organisational skills.
* Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving capabilities.
* Advocate for continuous learning and professional development.
* Experienced in mentoring and managing data professionals.
* Extensive track record of delivering high‑impact data architecture solutions.
* Proven success implementing robust data architectures across multiple organisations.
* Financial services experience, with domain knowledge considered desirable.
Our Benefits
We offer a competitive package including 40 days annual leave, a 16% employer pension contribution, discretionary performance‑based bonus (where applicable), private healthcare and a range of flexible benefits such as gym discounts, season ticket loans and employee discount portal. Learn more about our benefits here.
Inclusive Workplace
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you have a disability and would like to apply to one of our UK roles under the Disability Confident Scheme, please notify us in your application. We support a culture that values meritocracy, fairness and transparency and welcomes enquiries from everyone.
We have adopted a blended working approach combining face‑to‑face collaboration with flexibility to work from home. We strive to create an inclusive culture that values all forms of difference.
At Aberdeen, we’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all forms of difference are valued and which is free from any form of unfair or unlawful treatment. We support a culture that welcomes enquiries from everyone.
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