DATA ARCHITECTURE
TALENT SOLUTIONS
The builders don’t know what to build without the architects' designs. At Harnham we understand the important role highly skilled Data Architects play in delivering successful projects.
Data Architects map out and model the vast and complex data within a modern organisation, select the tools needed to process that data, and put the plan in place so the systems can be developed. Often a very strategic role, modern businesses could not function without data architects in the background. If you’re looking to make the next step in your data career, or are looking to hire the best Data Architecture talent around, Harnham have the network to help.
WHY
HARNHAM?
We provide comprehensive recruitment solutions for both permanent and contract positions, tailored to meet the unique demands of your data architecture projects and initiatives.
Our executive search service is specially designed to identify and recruit leaders in the field of data architecture, who can propel your strategic objectives and technological innovations forward. Leveraging our industry-specific expertise, we operate across various sectors, offering recruitment strategies finely attuned to the distinct challenges and opportunities within each, particularly in data architecture.
Contact us today to discover how our tailored talent solutions can strengthen your organization's data architecture capabilities.
OUR
SERVICES
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Permanent and Contract Recruitment: We provide both permanent and contract recruitment solutions, ensuring flexibility to meet the evolving needs of your data architecture projects.
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Executive Search: Our executive search service is tailored to identify and secure leaders in the data architecture field, who can drive your business strategies and technological advancements.
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Industry-Specific Expertise: We operate across various industries, offering specialized recruitment solutions that understand and cater to the unique challenges and opportunities within data architecture in your sector.
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Contact us today to learn how our bespoke talent solutions can enhance your organization's data architecture capabilities.
JOBS
LATEST
OPPORTUNITIES
Harnham are a specialist Data & AI recruitment business with teams that only focus on niche areas.
Principal Data Architect
$201000 - $240000
+ Data Engineering
PermanentUSA
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Principal Data Architect
Location: Remote
Salary: $210,000 – $240,000 + benefits
This is a rare opportunity to shape an AI native data platform from the ground up within a scaled, well funded fintech. You will have genuine greenfield ownership, designing the foundations that enable customer facing AI products, while working in an environment that values quality, autonomy and long term impact.
The Company
They are a well established B2B fintech providing mission critical lending and decisioning software to regulated financial institutions. Backed by private equity, the business is investing heavily in R and D and is undergoing a company wide AI transformation. Operating at significant scale on highly sensitive data, they combine the stability of a mature SaaS business with the ambition and pace of a startup style AI programme.
The Role
Own the full end-to-end design of a modern, AI-native data foundation built on lakehouse principles, enabling scalable and flexible data management. This involves unifying fragmented enterprise data models into cohesive, harmonised customer and product data assets. Additionally, design and implement robust enterprise data models, along with metadata and contextual layers, ensuring that data is both accessible and interpretable for AI systems and business users alike.
- Define data layers, governance, lineage, sensitivity classification and access controls for regulated financial data.
- Build customer 360 views and master data capabilities to support analytics, AI agents and LLM driven use cases.
- Lead data ingestion and mapping strategies, including batch, streaming and CDC pipelines.
- Work as a hands on individual contributor, influencing engineering, product and leadership teams without direct authority.
- Enable AI workspaces and data products that support customer facing AI experiences.
Your Skills and Experience
- Strong commercial experience as a Data Architect or Principal Data Engineer within FinTech or SaaS.
- Deep expertise in data architecture, enterprise data modelling and AI ready data platforms.
- Hands on experience with Databricks, PySpark and Azure based lakehouse architectures.
- Proven background in data governance, metadata management and regulatory compliance.
- Experience designing dimensional models and modern data layers for analytical and operational use.
- Exposure to Informatica or similar enterprise ingestion and integration tooling.
- Confidence working with complex, sensitive financial data in regulated environments.
- Must have eligibility to work in the U
What They Offer
- Greenfield ownership of a strategic AI native data platform.
- Direct access to senior leadership and influence over long term data and AI strategy.
- The chance to build data products that directly power next generation AI capabilities.
How to Apply
If you are excited by the challenge of building an AI first data foundation within a scaled fintech, apply now by emailing resumes if interested or pass on if you know someone who’d be a great fit.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Senior Data Architect (8-month FTC)
Manchester
£90000 - £101000
+ Data Engineering
ContractManchester, Greater Manchester
To Apply for this Job Click Here
I’m hiring a Senior BI Data Architect to join a global SaaS organisation and take ownership of a large‑scale data platform transformation.
This is a hands‑on architecture role sitting at the intersection of data engineering and BI – where your work will directly shape how the business uses data to make decisions.
The company
A global technology business operating in the data and insights / research space, serving major clients worldwide and processing hundreds of millions of data points annually.
They are investing heavily in modernising their data platform and analytics capabilities, with a strong focus on performance, scalability, and self‑serve analytics.
The role
You’ll take full ownership of the Databricks Lakehouse and BI architecture, leading the migration away from legacy systems while building a clean, governed and scalable platform.
This is not just a design role – you’ll be deep in the detail, refactoring SQL, building pipelines, and optimising performance.
What you’ll be doing
- Design and implement a governed Databricks Lakehouse architecture (Unity Catalog, schemas, volumes)
- Lead migration of complex legacy SQL logic into modular, scalable pipelines
- Build and optimise data transformation frameworks using Spark / Python / SQL pipelines
- Act as the go‑to expert for query performance optimisation (Spark execution plans, data skew, joins)
- Design and implement dimensional data models (star / snowflake schemas)
- Architect the semantic layer for BI (Omni or similar tools like Looker)
- Build CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment
- Work with stakeholders across Product, Finance, and Commercial teams to deliver scalable solutions
What you bring
Must‑haves
- 8+ years in data engineering / data architecture
- Deep experience with Databricks (Lakehouse, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog)
- Expert SQL and distributed computing knowledge
- Strong experience with data modelling (star / snowflake schemas)
- Proven experience migrating legacy data platforms
- Ability to optimise performance across large datasets
- Experience with modern BI semantic layers (e.g. Looker, Omni, Superset)
- Experience with CI/CD and version control (Git)
Nice to have
- Experience with dbt or similar transformation frameworks
- Exposure to AI/BI or natural language querying tools
- Experience in multi‑tenant or embedded analytics environments
Why this role
- Own and shape a modern data platform at scale
- High‑impact project with visible business outcomes
- Combination of architecture + hands‑on engineering
- Work on performance, scalability, and governance challenges
- Flexible, remote‑friendly working
What success looks like
- A clean, governed Lakehouse architecture
- Improved performance and reduced cost across the platform
- Scalable, reusable data pipelines
- A robust semantic layer enabling self‑serve analytics across the business
To Apply for this Job Click Here
BI Data Architect (FTC)
Birmingham
£80000 - £100000
+ Data Engineering
PermanentBirmingham, West Midlands
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Senior BI Data Architect (FTC)
Remote UK
up to £100,000
Senior BI Data Architect
This is a great opportunity to join a high‑growth organisation where you can take ownership of building the data and BI foundations for a modern analytics platform, including the implementation of dbt and a governed semantic layer.
THE COMPANY:
This client’s platform enables organisations to make smarter, faster decisions using real‑time consumer insight at scale.
With continued international growth and a modern cloud‑first data strategy, they are investing heavily in analytics and BI foundations to support self‑service decision‑making across the business.
THE ROLE:
You will take ownership of the architecture and implementation of the BI and data foundations, working hands‑on to evolve their Databricks Lakehouse and analytics stack. This is a senior, autonomous role where you’ll be expected to proactively identify problems, propose solutions, and deliver with minimal hand‑holding.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing the Databricks Lakehouse architecture, including governed data models and structures
- Leading the implementation of dbt and shaping best‑practice transformation workflows
- Building and owning the semantic layer to enable scalable, self‑service analytics
- Developing and optimising Python / SQL Spark pipelines for performance and reliability
- Acting as a senior technical partner to stakeholders, translating business needs into robust data solutions
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
You will bring strong capability in:
- Semantic layer design
- Python and SQL Spark pipelines within Databricks
- Data architecture and modelling, with a focus on scalability and performance
- Working autonomously in senior environments, proactively solving problems and driving outcomes
- Experience implementing dbt Core or similar transformation frameworks
THE BENEFITS:
You will receive a salary up to £100,000 depending on experience, along with the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a global data platform within a highly respected technology business.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please register your interest by sending your CV to Molly Bird via the apply link on this page.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
BI Data Architect (FTC)
Manchester
£80000 - £100000
+ Data Engineering
PermanentManchester, Greater Manchester
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Senior BI Data Architect (FTC)
Remote UK
up to £100,000
Senior BI Data Architect
This is a great opportunity to join a high‑growth organisation where you can take ownership of building the data and BI foundations for a modern analytics platform, including the implementation of dbt and a governed semantic layer.
THE COMPANY:
This client’s platform enables organisations to make smarter, faster decisions using real‑time consumer insight at scale.
With continued international growth and a modern cloud‑first data strategy, they are investing heavily in analytics and BI foundations to support self‑service decision‑making across the business.
THE ROLE:
You will take ownership of the architecture and implementation of the BI and data foundations, working hands‑on to evolve their Databricks Lakehouse and analytics stack. This is a senior, autonomous role where you’ll be expected to proactively identify problems, propose solutions, and deliver with minimal hand‑holding.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing the Databricks Lakehouse architecture, including governed data models and structures
- Leading the implementation of dbt and shaping best‑practice transformation workflows
- Building and owning the semantic layer to enable scalable, self‑service analytics
- Developing and optimising Python / SQL Spark pipelines for performance and reliability
- Acting as a senior technical partner to stakeholders, translating business needs into robust data solutions
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
You will bring strong capability in:
- Semantic layer design
- Python and SQL Spark pipelines within Databricks
- Data architecture and modelling, with a focus on scalability and performance
- Working autonomously in senior environments, proactively solving problems and driving outcomes
- Experience implementing dbt Core or similar transformation frameworks
THE BENEFITS:
You will receive a salary up to £100,000 depending on experience, along with the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a global data platform within a highly respected technology business.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please register your interest by sending your CV to Molly Bird via the apply link on this page.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Senior BI Data Architect (8 month FTC)
Edinburgh
£100000 - £900000
+ Data Engineering
PermanentEdinburgh
To Apply for this Job Click Here
BI Data Architect: 8 month FTC
Remote, UK
£100,000 pro rata
This is a high impact BI Data Architect role focused on shaping the foundations of a modern analytics platform during a critical migration phase. You will play a key role in setting standards, improving governance, and enabling scalable, self service BI, with the autonomy to influence design decisions rather than simply execute requirements.
The Company
They are a technology led organisation operating at scale, with data at the heart of how teams make decisions. The business is investing in its BI and analytics capability, moving towards a more governed, modular and future proof data environment. Collaboration is central to how they work, with data teams partnering closely with stakeholders across the organisation.
The Role
- Support a major data platform migration, helping to build strong architectural foundations.
- Design and implement dimensional models and a robust semantic layer to enable trusted, self service analytics.
- Introduce and embed dbt as part of the transformation and modelling layer.
- Establish effective data governance using Unity Catalog, including data quality and access controls.
- Build and maintain CI/CD processes to support reliable, repeatable deployments.
- Work hands on with Databricks, focusing on architecture, optimisation and BI engineering rather than cloud infrastructure.
- Act as a trusted partner to the business, translating requirements into scalable data solutions.
- Take ownership of problems end to end, bringing ideas and challenging assumptions where needed.
Your Skills and Experience
- Strong commercial experience as a BI Data Architect or BI Engineer in modern analytics environments.
- Proven capability in dimensional modelling and designing semantic layers for BI tools.
- Hands on experience with Databricks and lakehouse style architectures.
- Working knowledge of Unity Catalog or similar data governance frameworks.
- Experience implementing or working with dbt in a production environment.
- Confidence setting up CI/CD for analytics engineering workflows.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work autonomously and learn quickly.
What They Offer
- An 8 month fixed term contract with flexibility around working location.
- The opportunity to shape a BI platform and leave a lasting architectural impact.
- A collaborative environment that values initiative, curiosity and clear communication.
- Exposure to a broad range of stakeholders and business critical use cases.
How to Apply
Apply now to learn more about this BI Data Architect opportunity and how it could be the next step in your data career.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Principal Data Architect
London
£90000 - £117500
+ Data Engineering
PermanentLondon
To Apply for this Job Click Here
PRINCIPAL DATA ARCHITECT
£90k – £117.5k
LONDON
This is a senior, client-facing leadership role for a Principal Data Architect who combines deep technical expertise with commercial acumen. The role stands out for its focus on shaping data strategy at enterprise scale while playing a key role in pre-sales, stakeholder engagement and revenue generation within a consulting environment.
THE COMPANY
They are a global consulting organisation specialising in data, technology and transformation within complex enterprise environments. Data architecture sits at the core of their delivery, supporting modernisation, regulatory change and advanced analytics. The business has a strong internal data community and promotes progression based on performance rather than tenure.
THE ROLE
- Own and lead end-to-end data architecture across multiple client engagements.
- Define data architecture strategy, principles and roadmaps aligned to business objectives.
- Act as a senior advisor to client stakeholders, influencing data and technology decisions.
- Provide technical leadership and assurance across data platform design and delivery.
- Mentor and develop architects and engineers within project teams.
- Contribute to internal standards, best practice and the growth of the data architecture capability.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Strong experience operating as a Principal-level Data Architect in complex, enterprise environments.
- Proven track record in pre-sales, business development and shaping data-led solutions.
- Confidence presenting to senior stakeholders and influencing at C-suite and executive level.
- Deep knowledge of modern data platforms, architecture patterns and governance.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking, commercial responsibility and hands-on architectural leadership.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- Life insurance
- 25 days annual leave
- 10% Bonus
- Full Private Medical Insurance via Bupa Healthcare
- Maximum pension contribution of 8% din the first 2 years
HOW TO APPLY
Please register your interest by sending your CV to Nihal Singh through the ‘Apply’ link
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Senior Data Architect
London
£70000 - £87500
+ Data Engineering
PermanentLondon
To Apply for this Job Click Here
SENIOR DATA ARCHITECT
£87,500
LONDON
THE COMPANY
Our client is a global management and technology consultancy specialising in financial services and energy. With a strong presence in the UK and globally, they are known for delivering end-to-end transformation projects across data, cloud, and analytics.
They continue to experience high demand across their data function and are investing heavily in growing their Data Architecture capability.
THE ROLE
You will join as a Senior Data Architect, working closely with clients to design and deliver modern data platforms and architecture solutions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing scalable cloud-based data architectures
- Leading data architecture workstreams across transformation programmes
- Delivering hands-on data modelling and solution design
- Working closely with engineering and business teams across the full lifecycle
- Engaging with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions
- Supporting data migrations from legacy systems to modern cloud environments
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience as a Data Architect (not purely engineering-focused)
- Strong Financial Services experience (banking, capital markets, insurance, or wealth)
- Background in consulting or client-facing environments
- Experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred, AWS/GCP also considered)
- Strong data modelling and architecture design capability
- Experience delivering data migration or transformation programmes
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- £70,000 – £87,500 base salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Medical
- Hybrid working
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply via the link or send your CV to Harry Lack through the “Apply” link to be considered.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Principal Data Architect
London
£90000 - £117500
+ Data Engineering
PermanentLondon
To Apply for this Job Click Here
PRINCIPAL DATA ARCHITECT
£117,500
LONDON
THE COMPANY
Our client is a global management and technology consultancy specialising in financial services and energy. With a strong presence in the UK and globally, they are known for delivering end-to-end transformation across data, cloud, and digital.
Due to continued demand, they are expanding their senior Data Architecture capability, hiring experienced Principal-level consultants to lead complex engagements.
THE ROLE
You will join as a Principal Data Architect, owning architecture strategy across major client engagements and contributing to business growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning and defining data architecture strategy across client programmes
- Leading pre-sales, RFP responses, and business development activities
- Managing senior client stakeholders and driving revenue opportunities
- Providing thought leadership across data architecture and transformation
- Overseeing delivery quality and mentoring senior team members
- Leading large-scale data migration and cloud transformation programmes
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience as a Principal / Lead Data Architect within a consulting environment
- Strong Financial Services experience (banking, capital markets, insurance, or wealth)
- Demonstrated pre-sales, BD, or revenue ownership experience
- Strong expertise across cloud platforms (Azure preferred, AWS/GCP also considered)
- Experience delivering complex, large-scale data transformation programmes
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Strong understanding of modern data architecture and modelling
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- £90,000 – £117,500 base salary
- Medical
- Hybrid working
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply via the link or send your CV to Harry Lack through the “Apply” link to be considered.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Principal Data Architect
London
£90000 - £117000
+ Data Engineering
PermanentLondon
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Principal Data Architect – Hybrid – London – No Sponsorship Available
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Data Architect to join a leading consultancy in the financial services sector. This strategic role involves leading complex, high-profile data initiatives that drive innovation and transformation for major financial institutions.
The Company
Our client is a globally recognized consultancy specializing in technology and business transformation within financial services. Known for fostering an entrepreneurial culture and championing diversity, they empower their teams to deliver impactful solutions in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead large-scale data architecture projects, providing strategic direction and expert guidance.
- Partner with senior technology leaders to develop and implement modern data strategies.
- Design and deliver innovative solutions for data management, governance, and cloud migration.
- Oversee the development of robust data platforms using cutting-edge cloud technologies.
- Manage project teams, mentor junior staff, and support business development initiatives.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Extensive experience in enterprise data architecture, strategy, and implementation.
- Strong expertise in cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP) with relevant certifications highly desirable.
- In-depth knowledge of data modeling, data lake design, and metadata management tools.
- Proven ability to design secure, scalable, and cost-effective data solutions in cloud ecosystems.
- Experience in the financial services sector, with a track record of success in complex environments.
- Outstanding leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and innovative mindset.
Why Join Us?
- Work on transformative projects with leading financial institutions.
- Join a global network of data strategists, architects, and engineers.
- Enjoy a non-hierarchical, inclusive culture that values your expertise.
- Take advantage of extensive learning and career development opportunities.
- Access competitive family-friendly benefits, including enhanced leave and wellness programs.
If you’re passionate about data innovation and ready to lead groundbreaking projects, we encourage you to apply for the Principal Data Architect role today.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
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Testimonials
Client and
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testimonials
A trusted partner of professionals
across the globe.
We understand the challenges our
customers face and offer the
recruitment solutions needed to drive
business success through Data &
AI.
Candidate – Data Analyst
I’ve had a great experience with Harnham. The recruiter provided great advice and ensured that I understood everything, and even followed up with me after I started my new role to see how I was settling in. I would recommend Harnham as a great recruitment company for anyone looking for a role in data and analytics.
Candidate /
Data Analyst
Candidate – Digital Media and Analytics
I've recently got a short-term contract role through Harnham, and things couldn't have gone better! My recruiter was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. They also provided incredible admin support so that I could focus on the actual job in hand, rather than having to spend too much time dealing with these matters.
Candidate /
Digital Media and Analytics
Client – Director of Customer Data Science – Apparel
The team at Harnham have been outstanding in helping our company build a market-leading data science team. Harnham’s communication is great, and the recruiter’s take a consultative approach that’s really focused on provided value for both their clients and their candidates. They provide strong candidates that help us fill our roles with high achievers who are also a great fit for our culture.
Client /
Director of Customer Data Science – Apparel
Candidate – Market Research Analyst
Thanks to Harnham, I am now in a role that suits me. My recruiter was able to quickly identify the skills I had to offer and match me up with his client. It was a win-win for everyone. I was given great advice throughout the process, and I also appreciated the follow-ups that I received.
Candidate /
Market Research Analyst
Client – Data Direction – Broadcast Media
I have worked with Harnham for over 2 years now as our main Analytics Recruiter partner and I am very pleased with the overall service and the people we have hired via Harnham. Harnham’s team is very good at understanding our recruitment needs and always come back with relevant and well scanned CVs, which saves me precious time.
Client /
Data Direction – Broadcast Media
Client – Director of People Operations
We’ve been collaborating with Harnham to recruit some key positions for our company, and they have been incredible partners. They team has been great and efficient. They understood our needs perfectly and provided us very talented candidates. We'll keep collaborating with them in the future. Thank you for your excellent job!
Client /
Director of People Operations
Candidate – Senior Data Engineer
I've been a Senior Data Engineer for about 4-5 years and Harnham is one of the best recruitment agencies I worked with. There was a time when my offer fell through and the recruiter I was working with at Harnham jumped in to the rescue and scheduled interviews for me within a couple of days. Really good agency and some great people.
Candidate /
Senior Data Engineer
Candidate – Chief Data Officer
It was a real treat to work with Harnham. My recruiter consistently went above and beyond to ensure that I navigated through the recruitment process as smooth as possible. I had been in contact with other professional at Harnham in the past and I can attest that the level of professionalism is always top-notch.
