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 Architect 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.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
  

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

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