Data Architect

Client: Leading UK Bank

Contract Type: 6-month contract – Inside IR35

Location: UK (Hybrid – London / Regional offices)

Start: ASAP

Role Overview Lead the architecture and design of real-time and batch data platforms for the bank’s strategic data transformation programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Design real-time data architectures using Kafka and AWS streaming services
• Define end-to-end data architecture patterns (real-time, near-real-time and batch)
• Create reference architectures, data flow diagrams and technical standards
• Work with Data Engineering, Platform and Architecture teams to ensure scalable, governed and compliant solutions
• Lead proof-of-concepts and technology evaluations
• Ensure alignment with UK banking regulatory requirements (BCBS 239, GDPR, data residency)

Essential Skills & Experience

• 8+ years as a Data Architect or Senior Data Engineer
• Deep expertise in Kafka (MSK or Confluent) and real-time data architectures
• Strong AWS data platform experience (S3, Kinesis, Glue, Redshift, Lambda, ECS/EKS)
• Experience designing both real-time and batch systems at enterprise scale
• Excellent documentation and stakeholder communication skills

Nice to Have

• Databricks, dbt or Airflow experience
• Previous UK banking or financial services architecture role