Lead Data Architect – AI, ML & Data Engineering
Location: Remote (UK-based)
£125k per year
The Opportunity
We’re partnering with a fast-growing EdTech organisation embarking on a major digital transformation. They are looking for a Lead Data Architect to define and drive their modern data platform, AI and ML strategy.
This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll shape the future of data across a SaaS product ecosystem used by thousands of learners and educators.
The Role
You will own the end-to-end data architecture, helping transform a legacy estate into a scalable, AI-ready platform. You’ll work closely with engineering, product, analytics and executive stakeholders to build a modern data foundation that powers advanced analytics, personalisation and machine learning.
Key responsibilities:
* Define and deliver the enterprise data architecture and roadmap
* Lead the design of a modern cloud data platform (lakehouse / warehouse / streaming)
* Architect data solutions to support AI and ML product capabilities
* Establish best practices in data governance, modelling, quality and security
* Mentor and guide data engineers, ML engineers and analysts
* Partner with senior stakeholders to align data strategy with business outcomes
* Support vendor selection and tooling decisions
Essential experience
* Proven experience as a Data Architect or Principal Data Engineer
* Strong hands-on background in data engineering
* Experience designing AI/ML-ready data platforms
* Experience leading digital transformation or platform modernisation
* Strong experience in SaaS and/or B2B/B2C product environments
* Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills
Technical expertise
* Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP or Azure)
* Modern data stack:
* Data lakes / lakehouse / data warehouse architectures
* Batch and streaming pipelines
* Data modelling and governance
* Experience supporting ML workflows and MLOps
* Strong knowledge of SQL and at least one modern data language (Python/Scala)
Nice to have
* EdTech experience
* Experience building personalisation or recommendation systems
* Experience scaling data platforms in high-growth environments
Why this role?
* Greenfield architecture decisions
* Strategic leadership and hands-on influence
* High-growth, mission-driven EdTech business