Lead Solution Architect (Data) Leeds | Permanent | Hybrid An influential UK Financial Services organisation is seeking a Lead Solution Architect (Data) to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its enterprise data, analytics and AI capabilities. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced architect who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to influence strategy, lead teams and drive large-scale transformation. You'll help define the target architecture for modern data platforms, guide technology investment decisions, and ensure data capabilities support long-term business objectives. Working across architecture, engineering and senior business stakeholders, you'll provide leadership throughout the full lifecycle of major data and analytics initiatives, from strategic roadmap development through to delivery and governance. The Opportunity You'll be responsible for: * Defining and evolving target architectures, roadmaps and blueprints for enterprise data, analytics and AI platforms. * Translating business strategy into scalable, secure and commercially effective technology solutions. * Leading architectural design, governance and assurance activities across multiple initiatives. * Driving simplification, rationalisation and modernisation of existing data estates. * Providing leadership and people management for a small team of architects, supporting capability development and best practice adoption. * Influencing senior stakeholders and representing architecture within governance and decision-making forums. * Championing innovation and helping shape the organisation's future data strategy. Essential Experience We're particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate: * Significant experience in Data Architecture, Solution Architecture or Enterprise Architecture within complex organisations. * A strong understanding of modern data, analytics and AI platforms and the wider technology landscape. * Experience designing and leading large-scale cloud-based data solutions from concept through implementation. * Deep expertise across data modelling, governance, master data, data quality, integration, security and lifecycle management. * Proven experience developing architectural artefacts including blueprints, standards, patterns, high-level designs and target architectures. * Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate and influence at executive level. * Experience building, mentoring and leading architecture teams. * Strategic thinking skills with the ability to balance long-term vision against delivery priorities. * Understanding of architecture governance, risk management and enterprise technology standards. Microsoft Technology Experience You'll have strong hands-on knowledge of modern Microsoft data technologies, including a number of the following: * Azure Data Lake * Azure Data Factory * Azure Databricks * Unity Catalog * Microsoft Purview * Microsoft Fabric * Power BI Desirable Experience Any of the following would be advantageous: * Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF. * Knowledge of architecture and modelling tools such as Sparx Enterprise Architect. * Experience designing enterprise-scale data platforms, lakehouse environments and modern analytics ecosystems. * Exposure to data mesh, data products or federated ownership models. * Knowledge of industry data standards and models. * Experience evaluating vendors, selecting technologies and defining strategic technology direction. * Background working within Financial Services, FTSE-listed organisations or other large-scale enterprise environments. What's on Offer? * High-profile architecture leadership role within a major UK financial services environment. * Opportunity to shape data, analytics and AI strategy at enterprise scale. * People leadership responsibility with a team of architects. * Flexible hybrid working with a strong focus on work-life balance. * Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression. * Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. If you're passionate about modern data platforms, cloud architecture, AI-enabled solutions and leading architectural teams through transformational change, we'd love to hear from you.

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