Data Architect Jobs

Design and oversee the creation of complex data systems. A critical role in shaping how organisations store, process, and utilise data.

Open roles
31
Salary range
£55k – £130k
Hiring companies
22

Data Architects are the visionaries behind an organisation's data infrastructure. They design, model, and implement the data architecture that underpins data pipelines, warehouses, and lakes. This role is crucial for ensuring that data is accessible, secure, and scalable, enabling businesses to make informed decisions. Data Architects work closely with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to align technical solutions with strategic goals.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Data Architect

A typical week for a Data Architect is a mix of strategic planning, technical design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and optimise data models and schemas.
  2. 02
    Collaborate with data engineers to implement data pipelines.
  3. 03
    Review and approve data architecture designs.
  4. 04
    Conduct data governance and compliance checks.
  5. 05
    Engage with business stakeholders to understand data needs.
  6. 06
    Document and communicate data architecture decisions.
Salary on the board

£55k – £130k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 20 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
55
120
11 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 13 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Azure
62%
Data Architecture
54%
Data Governance
54%
AWS
38%
Databricks
38%
Python
23%
AI
23%
Data Management
23%
SQL
23%
Snowflake
23%
Data Engineering
15%
GCP
15%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for data architects. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Data Architect

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in designing and documenting data architecture components under supervision.

  2. Level 2

    Data Architect

    3–5 yrs

    Leads the design and implementation of data architecture for specific projects or domains.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Data Architect

    6–8 yrs

    Oversees the entire data architecture strategy and ensures alignment with business objectives.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Data Architect

    9+ yrs

    Provides strategic direction for the organisation's data architecture and mentors junior architects.

Pathway

How to become a Data Architect

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn Data Fundamentals

    Gain a solid understanding of data structures, databases, and data management principles.

  2. 2

    Specialise in Data Architecture

    Focus on data architecture concepts, tools, and best practices. Consider certifications like Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP).

  3. 3

    Gain Practical Experience

    Work on real-world projects to design and implement data solutions. Collaborate with data engineers and scientists.

  4. 4

    Lead Data Projects

    Take ownership of data architecture projects, ensuring they meet business requirements and technical standards.

  5. 5

    Strategic Role

    Move into a strategic role, shaping the organisation's data architecture strategy and leading a team of data professionals.

  6. 6

    Mentor and Innovate

    Mentor junior architects and drive innovation in data architecture practices and technologies.

Live jobs

31 live roles

See all 31 roles
Experis logo

Data Architect

As a Data Architect, you will lead the strategic integration of agentic AI and large language models across the enterprise, defining governance frameworks and advising senior stakeholders. You will collaborate with external AI providers, mentor senior architects, and ensure compliance with enterprise standards.

Experis Croydon, London, United Kingdom £700 – £750 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Architect

As a Data Architect, you will lead the design and implementation of enterprise-wide data architecture, ensuring data is treated as a strategic asset. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions, focusing on data quality, security, and governance. This role involves leading the design of data platforms, including cloud solutions and data warehouses, and mentoring data professionals.

Hays Technology Wakefield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent Flexible

Data Architect

As a Data Architect, you will shape the data strategy and architecture of the organisation, working across various business domains to ensure data solutions align with enterprise standards. You'll collaborate with technical architects, agile teams, and stakeholders to deliver robust, scalable, and compliant data architectures, supporting strategic goals and fostering knowledge sharing within the data architecture community.

Triad Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £75,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible Clearance Required

Data Architect

This role involves owning the architecture and design of enterprise-scale SAS solutions, including legacy SAS and modern SAS Viya environments. You will define integration patterns, provide architectural governance, and shape migration strategies, acting as the technical authority for SAS-related decisions.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Telford, Shropshire, SY2 5TN, United Kingdom £600 – £640 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Architect

The Data Architect will play a key advisory and architectural role in a major transformation programme for a leading Housing Association. Responsibilities include shaping enterprise data architecture, defining data standards, and supporting integration, analytics, and governance initiatives. The role requires strong experience in data governance, data modelling, and transformation within the Housing Association sector.

itecopeople London, United Kingdom £545 – £600 pd
Hybrid Contract

Data Architect

Data ArchitectNcounter is supporting a specialist consultancy delivering into highly sensitive National Security and Defence programmes, now seeking a DV Cleared Data Architect to join a high-impact transformation initiative. This contract requires 3 days per week onsite on the South...

Ncounter Dorset, United Kingdom £750 – £850 pd
Hybrid Contract Part-time Clearance Required

Data Architect

As a Data Architect, you will lead the transformation of the company's data landscape by defining and implementing enterprise data models, consolidating systems, and supporting AI adoption. You will work closely with EA, DQ teams, and other stakeholders to ensure data architecture aligns with business goals and modern cloud-based systems.

The Associates Global Chaucer, London, United Kingdom £85,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Architect

The Role: Data ArchitectLocation: Birmingham (once a week on site)Salary: Up to £85,000 + bonus + generous pensionVIQU have partnered with a leading organisation undergoing a large scale brownfield transformation, replacing an existing data platform with a modern, scalable solution...

VIQU IT Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £80,000 – £85,000 pa
FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include a strong understanding of data models, database design, ETL processes, and data governance. Proficiency in SQL and data warehousing tools is also crucial.

  • Data Architects collaborate with data engineers to ensure that the designed data architecture is implemented correctly. They provide technical guidance and review the implementation to align with strategic goals.

  • A Data Architect focuses on designing the overall data infrastructure, while a Data Engineer builds and maintains the data pipelines and systems based on the architect's designs.

  • A Senior Data Architect oversees the entire data architecture strategy, ensures alignment with business objectives, and mentors junior architects. They also engage with business stakeholders to understand and meet data needs.

  • For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page, which is updated with live job listings.

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