Data Architect

tombola
Sunderland
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

Ready to jump-start your career at the UK's biggest bingo site? Do you thrive on designing scalable data architecture? Then you might just be the perfect fit for the Tombola family! We’re not just any online gaming site; we’re the UK's biggest, and we pride ourselves on a culture of creativity and collaboration.


We're on the hunt for a talented and enthusiastic Data Architect to join our fantastic Data team in Sunderland. This isn't just a job; it’s a chance to make a massive impact on millions of players!


What you'll be getting up to (a glimpse into your new role!)

You’ll be a key part of shaping the future of our Data Engineering, Data Science, BI, MarTech, Game Studio and Operator Platform efforts. A typical day might look like this:



  • Defining and maintaining the brand's data architecture vision and roadmap, aligning with group strategy.
  • Designing and implementing modern, scalable architectures, including Lakehouse, event-driven, and real-time/streaming solutions.
  • Developing and maintaining enterprise data models (conceptual, logical, physical) and promoting data-as-a-product principles.
  • Providing hands‑on technical guidance on data design and integration to Data Engineering, BI, and Data Science teams.
  • Driving the adoption of tools like Alation (cataloguing) and Monte Carlo (observability) to ensure data quality and lineage.

What we're looking for in you (your superpowers!)

We're looking for someone who is a creative problem-solver and has a strong analytical mindset.


The Must-Haves

  • Proven experience as a Data Architect, Solution Architect, or Senior Data Engineer in a cloud environment (preferably AWS).
  • Expertise in data modelling (Dimensional, Data Vault, Enterprise).
  • Strong knowledge of AWS data services (S3, Redshift, Glue, Kinesis, Lambda, etc.).
  • Experience in Data Strategy and Data Governance.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

The Nice-to-Haves (bonus points if you have these!)

  • Experience with Monte Carlo, Alation, or similar metadata/observability tools.
  • Knowledge of event streaming, API integration, and MLOps.
  • Experience in regulated, high-volume industries (gaming, finance, or e-commerce).
  • Proficiency with integration/orchestration tools like Airflow and dbt.

Why this role is a game-changer for you

You’ll be making a huge impact on our products, player experience, and internal processes. This is a brilliant opportunity to help shape the direction of our team and technology stack, working alongside a team that values innovation, creativity, and a genuinely great work-life balance.


Ready to take the next step at Tombola? If you're passionate about gaming and ready to make a real impact on millions of players, we'd love to hear from you!


Apply now and let's make some magic together!


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Data Architect

Data Architect

GCP Data Architect

Data Architect – Mainframe Migration & Modernization

Data Architect

Data Architect

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Data Science Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Data Science Job?

If you’re trying to break into data science — or progress your career — it can feel like you are drowning in names: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, Spark, AWS, Scikit-learn, Jupyter, Tableau, Power BI…the list just keeps going. With every job advert listing a different combination of tools, many applicants fall into a trap: they try to learn everything. The result? Long tool lists that sound impressive — but little depth to back them up. Here’s the straight-talk version most hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 You don’t need to know every data science tool to get hired. 👉 You need to know the right ones — deeply — and know how to use them to solve real problems. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many data science tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is not “27” — it’s more like 8–12, thoughtfully chosen and well understood. This guide explains what employers really value, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your toolbox so your CV and interviews shine.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Data Science Job Applications (UK Guide)

If you’re applying for data science roles in the UK, it’s crucial to understand what hiring managers focus on before they dive into your full CV. In competitive markets, recruiters and hiring managers often make their first decisions in the first 10–20 seconds of scanning an application — and in data science, there are specific signals they look for first. Data science isn’t just about coding or statistics — it’s about producing insights, shipping models, collaborating with teams, and solving real business problems. This guide helps you understand exactly what hiring managers look for first in data science applications — and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you leap to the top of the shortlist.

The Skills Gap in Data Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Data science has become one of the most visible and sought-after careers in the UK technology market. From financial services and retail to healthcare, media, government and sport, organisations increasingly rely on data scientists to extract insight, guide decisions and build predictive models. Universities have responded quickly. Degrees in data science, analytics and artificial intelligence have expanded rapidly, and many computer science courses now include data-focused pathways. And yet, despite the volume of graduates entering the market, employers across the UK consistently report the same problem: Many data science candidates are not job-ready. Vacancies remain open. Hiring processes drag on. Candidates with impressive academic backgrounds fail interviews or struggle once hired. The issue is not intelligence or effort. It is a persistent skills gap between university education and real-world data science roles. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build successful careers in data science.