Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.
Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.
Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security.
But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.
With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.
The Role
We're looking for a Microsoft Azure and Databricks Technical Champion to lead the way in shaping cutting-edge data and analytics solutions, with a strong focus on modern lakehouse architectures. As a Microsoft Azure and Databricks Technical Champion, you'll drive best practices, frameworks, and accelerators across delivery teams, ensuring consistency and excellence in every engagement. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll combine strategic technical oversight with deep technical delivery. You'll architect enterprise-scale solutions, mentor technical teams, and act as a trusted advisor to clients on their data transformation journeys.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead Solution Architecture: Lead the design and delivery of complex data and analytics platforms based on lakehouse architectures with platforms such as Databricks and Microsoft Fabric.
* Champion Engineering Excellence: Define and enforce coding standards, CI/CD, DevOps practices, and reusable patterns.
* Hands-on Expertise: Proven experience designing secure, governed lakehouse architectures with a focus on data privacy, security, and governance.
* Platform Proficiency: Hands-on experience with leading lakehouse platforms including Databricks (Delta Lake, Unity Catalog) and Microsoft Fabric.
* Technical Mentoring: Guide delivery teams, provide hands-on support for complex challenges, and foster professional growth.
* Client Advisory: Act as a strategic technical advisor, delivering workshops and supporting pre-sales with technical credibility.
* Data Architecture: Experience implementing medallion architectures (bronze, silver, gold layers) to organise and refine data for reliability, performance, and analytics readiness.
Skills and Attributes Required
* Deep expertise in modern lakehouse architectures and leading data platforms (esp. Databricks and Microsoft Fabric).
* Proven experience in solution architecture for enterprise-scale data and analytics engagements.
* Strong knowledge of data engineering, integration patterns, and API design.
* Skilled in software engineering principles, DevOps, and automation.
* Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
* Collaborative mindset with a passion for driving innovation and best practices.
Advantageous Qualifications and Skills
Experience with the following tech stack:
* Lakehouse platforms: Databricks and Microsoft Fabric
* Microsoft Azure
* Python, SQL, Spark
* CI/CD & DevOps Tools (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions)
* Modern Data Engineering Patterns (Streaming, Batch, APIs)
* Familiarity with enabling lakehouse platforms for AI/ML workloads, such as feature engineering, model training, or integration with generative AI tools.
* AI/ML integration tools (MLflow in Databricks, experiments in Fabric)