Principal AI & Data Architect
Location: Remote-first with occasional client travel
Sponsorship can not be provided
(Take the following with a pinch of salt, although it gives you an outline of the clients expectations, you do not need to tick every single box to be right for the role!)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced AI and Data Architect to lead the design and delivery of advanced Microsoft-based data and artificial intelligence solutions. This is a senior, client-facing position suited to someone who combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and strong commercial awareness.
You will act as a technical authority across complex engagements, shaping architecture strategy, supporting business development efforts, and ensuring high standards of solution quality, scalability, and security. Alongside hands-on design responsibilities, you will mentor colleagues and contribute to the evolution of internal best practice.
This role blends architecture leadership, client advisory work, and technical innovation.
Key Responsibilities
* Define end-to-end architecture for enterprise data platforms and AI-driven solutions within the Microsoft technology stack.
* Provide technical leadership during early engagement phases, contributing to solution strategy, client presentations, and proposal development.
* Design secure, scalable, and cost-efficient cloud and hybrid data environments.
* Lead discovery sessions and architecture workshops with senior business and technical stakeholders.
* Collaborate with delivery leads to ensure architectural integrity throughout project lifecycles.
* Develop clear and comprehensive technical and solution documentation.
* Establish and promote architectural standards, reusable frameworks, and governance principles.
* Provide guidance on infrastructure strategy for analytics, data engineering, and AI workloads.
* Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend innovation opportunities.
* Support and mentor technical teams to strengthen capability across architecture and delivery functions.
Experience & Skills
* Extensive experience designing solutions within the Azure data platform ecosystem (e.g., data integration, analytics, storage, and BI services).
* Strong background in AI solution design, including machine learning, generative AI, cognitive services, and responsible AI principles.
* Expertise in modern data architecture approaches such as lakehouse, distributed data models, ELT/ETL pipelines, master data management, and dimensional modelling.
* Experience integrating enterprise applications and low-code platforms into broader data strategies.
* Solid understanding of software delivery practices including DevOps, CI/CD, environment management, and production support models.
* Experience working within Agile delivery frameworks.
* Strong commercial acumen and understanding of end-to-end business process landscapes.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently at both technical and executive levels.
To discuss the role in more detail, apply below.