Lead Data Architect
Data Architect – Transformation & Product Development
Location: London (Hybrid) or New York / Chicago (Hybrid)
Compensation: £135k–£155k (UK) / Competitive US packages + Bonus (up to 25%) + Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent (Contract opportunities also available)
Our client is a global data and analytics leader undergoing a major transformation from a traditional ratings agency into a modern data product company. With an ambitious data strategy, they are investing heavily in data mesh architecture, advanced platforms, and AI-driven engineering practices to shape the next generation of products.
This is a unique opportunity to join during a period of accelerated growth and transformation, working directly with senior leaders to influence the company's data architecture strategy and execution.
About the Role
Seeking a hands-on Data Architects with a product-driven mindset to join the transformation team. You will be responsible for designing domain-driven architectures, improving data quality, and embedding best practices across engineering teams. These roles sit at the intersection of data strategy, product ownership, and technical architecture, playing a critical role in the company's evolution into a data-first organization.
You'll work closely with product owners, engineers, and senior stakeholders to ensure data assets are well-structured, scalable, and aligned with business priorities (ESG, credit, financial data domains). This is a build-focused role ideal for architects who want to roll up their sleeves and create tangible impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement domain-specific data architectures aligned with data mesh principles.
- Drive data modeling, quality, and governance standards across domains (credit, ESG, financial data).
- Partner with Product Owners and Engineers to build repeatable, scalable data products.
- Embed best practices in Snowflake, Databricks, Spark, and modern data platforms.
- Mentor and coach engineers, raising architectural standards across teams.
- Support adoption of AI-assisted engineering practices to accelerate product delivery.
- Collaborate with stakeholders globally (London, New York, Chicago) to align architecture with business objectives.
- Contribute to shaping the target operating model for the data function.
Key Requirements
- Proven experience as a Data Architect or Senior Data Engineer with architecture responsibilities.
- Expertise in:
- Snowflake, Databricks, Spark
- Logical and conceptual data modeling
- Data governance & quality frameworks
- Strong product mindset – ability to balance technical architecture with business value.
- Hands-on, build-first approach (not just strategy/deck-driven).
- Track record in domain-driven design, ideally with experience in credit, ESG, or financial data.
- Excellent stakeholder management and coaching capabilities.
- (UK roles) Eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship; (US roles) Eligible to work in the US.
Desirable / Nice-to-Have
- Familiarity with data mesh architecture in practice.
- Prior experience in financial services or analytics-driven product companies.
- Exposure to AI/ML platforms for accelerating engineering workflows.
- Experience working in matrixed global organizations.
- Ability to scale and standardize product development methods across teams.
Why Join?
- Be part of a company-wide transformation from ratings to data products.
- Work directly with senior leadership who value innovation and hands-on execution.
- Opportunity to shape product-centric data architecture with global impact.
- Competitive compensation and career growth into Chief Data Officer / Domain Leadership pathways.
- Collaborative, product-focused environment where AI and cutting-edge tools are being embedded.