Interim Principal Azure Data Architect Location: North London (hybrid)
Contract: Interim
Rate: £900 per day outside IR 35
A complex organisation based in North London is seeking an Interim Principal Azure Data Architect to reset, review, and re-implement its data architecture. This role is for a through-and-through data architect. It is not a solution architect or enterprise architect position.
You will take ownership of the data layer end to end, assessing the current state, defining the target data architecture, and leading the implementation across Azure.
The Role This is a senior, hands-on role combining deep technical authority with clear executive communication. You will work closely with technology leadership, engineering teams, and senior stakeholders to bring clarity, structure, and momentum to the data estate.
Key responsibilities include:
Conducting a full data architecture review and reset, including platforms, models, pipelines, and governance
Designing and implementing a robust Azure data architecture aligned to business and analytics needs
Defining data models, data domains, lineage, quality, and governance standards
Setting architectural principles for ingestion, transformation, storage, analytics, and consumption
Working hands-on with engineering teams to ensure designs are implemented correctly
Producing clear architectural documentation suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences
Acting as the single point of authority on data architecture decisions
Required Experience Proven experience as a Principal or Lead Data Architect, not solution or enterprise architecture
Deep, practical experience across the Azure data stack (for example Azure Data Factory, Synapse, Fabric, Databricks, Data Lake, SQL)
Strong background in data modelling, analytics architecture, and large-scale data platforms
Experience leading data architecture resets or remediation programmes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and bringing structure quickly
Why This Role Genuine architectural ownership, not a delivery support role
Opportunity to materially improve how data is structured, governed, and used
High-impact interim engagement with clear expectations and senior visibility
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