Data & AI Architect (London)

Job Description

An innovative technology consultancy is seeking a Principal Data & AI Architect to drive the design, development, and delivery of modern data and AI solutions for high-profile clients across the UK. This is a strategic leadership position at the forefront of digital transformation, ideal for a visionary technologist who thrives in dynamic, client-facing environments.

As a senior authority in data and AI architecture, the successful candidate will shape technical direction, define solution strategies, and lead multi-disciplinary teams across complex digital programmes. This role demands a blend of deep technical acumen, thought leadership, and strong stakeholder engagement to influence decision-makers and deliver transformative outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture and delivery of innovative data and AI solutions across multiple client engagements.
• Act as a trusted advisor to C-level stakeholders, providing strategic direction on emerging technologies such as IoT, machine learning, event-driven architectures, and cognitive services.
• Design scalable, resilient systems using modern cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), leveraging IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions.
• Provide technical assurance and mentorship to agile delivery teams, ensuring architectural coherence and successful delivery.
• Guide other architects and engineers in their professional growth, managing capability development and fostering a culture of learning and .
• Champion best practices in cloud data platforms, data integration (e.g., messaging, queuing, CDC), and non-functional design principles.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand business goals, ensuring technical designs are aligned with commercial and strategic priorities.
• Influence internal policies, technology standards, and account strategies, while keeping pace with industry innovation.
• Share insights through blogs, talks, or internal forums—helping shape the company’s presence in the data and AI space.

Required experience:

• A broad understanding of modern and emerging data/AI technologies across architecture patterns, data platforms, analytics, and machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and deploying enterprise-scale, data-intensive applications—preferably across distributed systems.
• Proven ability to lead architecture for cloud- solutions, using at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience integrating data using messaging systems, event streams, CDC techniques, or virtualisation approaches.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior, non-technical stakeholders with confidence and clarity.
• Strong commercial awareness, with a track record of aligning technical decisions to business value.
• Effective time and priority management across multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
• A collaborative leadership style with a focus on team wellbeing, psychological safety, and continuous development.

Desirable Qualities

• Prior experience managing or mentoring team members, including setting objectives and delivering performance feedback.
• Passion for sharing knowledge and actively contributing to the wider data and AI community.