Solutions Architect (Data)

Goaco is a digital transformation and technology consultancy delivering secure, scalable and user-centred services across public sector, regulated and enterprise environments. We work across software development, cloud, cyber security, managed services, data and AI, helping clients move from strategy through to delivery.

We are looking for a Data Solutions Architect who can operate as both a hands-on technical architect and a trusted consultant. This role suits someone who can shape data strategy, design modern data platforms and stay close enough to delivery teams to make sure solutions are practical, secure and buildable.

Role description

As a Data Solutions Architect, you will work with clients, delivery teams and senior stakeholders to design and deliver modern data solutions. You will translate business needs into technical architecture, define data platform designs and support implementation across cloud, analytics, integration, governance and AI-enabled use cases.

This is not a purely theoretical architecture role. You will be expected to engage in hands-on design, technical assurance, prototyping, solution shaping and delivery support. You will also support pre-sales activity, discovery work, client workshops and proposal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of modern data solutions across cloud, analytics, integration and reporting platforms.
• Translate business requirements into clear solution designs, architecture artefacts and technical roadmaps.
• Produce high-level and low-level designs, data models, architecture diagrams, integration patterns and delivery guidance.
• Work hands-on with data engineers, developers, analysts and cloud teams to guide implementation.
• Design scalable data platforms including ingestion, transformation, storage, modelling, governance and consumption layers.
• Support the use of Azure data services, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, SQL, data lakes, APIs and integration tooling.
• Advise clients on data strategy, platform modernisation, migration, analytics maturity and AI readiness.
• Run client workshops to understand business needs, pain points, risks and future-state opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership across Agile delivery teams, ensuring architecture supports incremental delivery.
• Support pre-sales, bids and proposals by shaping credible data solutions and delivery approaches.
• Ensure solutions are secure by design, well-governed, compliant and aligned to enterprise architecture principles.
• Work with cyber security, cloud and software engineering colleagues to design end-to-end solutions.
• Assess existing data estates, identify gaps and recommend pragmatic improvements.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior client leadership.
• Mentor technical teams and raise the quality of data architecture and engineering practices.

What we are looking for:

• Strong experience as a Data Architect, Solutions Architect or Data Solutions Architect.
• Hands-on background in designing and delivering data platforms, not just producing documentation.
• Experience across cloud data architecture, preferably Microsoft Azure.
• Strong understanding of data engineering, data modelling, data integration, APIs and analytics platforms.
• Experience with tools and services such as Azure Data Factory, Synapse, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, SQL, Power BI, Data Lake, Purview or equivalent.
• Ability to create architecture artefacts including HLDs, LLDs, UML, C4 diagrams, integration views and data flows.
• Consulting experience, including client engagement, discovery, workshops, stakeholder management and solution shaping.
• Strong understanding of governance, security, privacy, quality and data management principles.
• Experience working in Agile delivery environments with product owners, delivery managers, engineers and testers.
• Ability to challenge constructively, simplify complexity and make architecture decisions clear.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable supporting pre-sales, proposals, estimation and technical assurance.

Desirable experience:

• Experience working with UK Government, public sector or regulated clients.
• Understanding of GDS service standards, Technology Code of Practice or secure public sector delivery.
• Exposure to AI, machine learning, responsible AI or data products that support AI-enabled services.
• TOGAF, DAMA, Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks or architecture-related certifications.
• Experience with enterprise architecture, data governance frameworks and operating models.
• Knowledge of event-driven architecture, APIs, domain-driven design or microservices.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across software, cloud, data and security.