Data Architect - Azure (Enterprise Data & AI Platforms)

We are seeking an experienced Azure Data Architect to lead the design and governance of a cloud-native, AI-ready enterprise data architectures, within complex digital transformation programmes.

This role is focused on building robust, scalable and secure Azure-based data platforms that enable advanced analytics and AI use cases across multiple products and services. You will define architectural standards, ensure interoperability across enterprise systems, and shape a data ecosystem that is reliable, governed and future-ready.

You will operate within a fast-paced delivery environment, acting as a design authority across Azure data services and ensuring the platform supports both current operational needs and emerging AI capabilities.

• Design and own end-to-end Azure data architecture patterns, including:
• Lakehouse and medallion architectures
• Event-driven and streaming architectures
• Hybrid batch/real-time data processing
• AI-ready patterns such as RAG and intelligent automation workflows
• Define and implement enterprise Azure landing zone data standards for storage, compute, networking and security.
• Establish and enforce data architecture guardrails, data contracts and quality standards across domains.
• Act as a design authority, providing architectural assurance and governance across the programme.
• Lead integration strategy across Azure services and enterprise platforms (e.g. Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, ServiceNow).
• Drive adoption of metadata management, lineage and governance tooling, including Microsoft Purview.
• Align data architecture with operational and analytical use cases to deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Ensure architecture meets enterprise security, compliance and performance requirements.

• Proven experience designing and governing enterprise-scale Azure data platforms.
• Strong expertise in:
• Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS Gen2)
• Azure Databricks and/or Microsoft Fabric
• Azure Synapse or equivalent analytics services
• Event-driven services (Event Hub, Service Bus, Stream Analytics)
• Deep understanding of Lakehouse and medallion models in production environments.
• Experience integrating AI and ML workloads into enterprise data platforms.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, metadata, lineage and security frameworks within Azure.
• Experience implementing role-based access control (RBAC), managed identities and secure data access patterns.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills, able to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working within structured enterprise governance environments.

• Experience delivering Azure data platforms within public sector or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with Responsible AI, MLOps and AI governance frameworks.
• Experience integrating with enterprise service platforms such as ServiceNow.
• Azure certifications (e.g., AZ-305, DP-203, AZ-400).

Why people choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group

Professionals choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group for its reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that is deeply committed to both innovation and employee development. At UBDS Group, employees are given unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects across a diverse range of industries, exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities that are pivotal for professional growth. The Group’s culture emphasises continuous improvement, offering ample training programs, mentorship, and the chance to gain certifications that enhance their skills and marketability.

UBDS Group fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, allowing employees to contribute ideas and solutions that have a tangible impact on the company and its clients. This combination of professional development, a culture of innovation, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions makes UBDS Group an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers and be at the forefront of technological and operational excellence.

Employee Benefits

• Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies. We want you to grow with us and to help us achieve more
• Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality
• Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance
• Holiday – You will receive 25 Days holiday, plus 1 day for Birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays
• Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice
• Contributed Pension Scheme
• Death in service cover

About UBDS Group

At UBDS Group our mission is to support entrepreneurs who are setting new standards with technology solutions across cloud services, cybersecurity, data and AI, ensuring that every investment advances our commitment to innovation, making a difference, and creating impactful solutions for organisations and society.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.