Lead Architect - Azure Data Engineering

Fractal; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A strategic AI partner in the UK is looking for a Lead Architect in Azure Data Engineering to oversee the design and delivery of complex data architectures. The candidate will lead data engineering teams, optimize data pipelines, and engage with senior stakeholders to influence decisions. Proficiency in Azure and experience with ETL frameworks are essential. The role promises an enriching work environment focused on growth and innovation.

Benefits

Great work culture

Opportunity for career growth

Qualifications

• Experience leading and mentoring teams of 10+ members in data engineering roles.
• Ability to design, build, and scale complex data products.
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of enterprise-grade data architectures.
• Drive end-to-end delivery from discovery to execution.
• Simplify technical narratives into executive-ready presentations.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in PySpark

Experience with Azure Data Platform

Strong hands-on experience with ETL frameworks

Deep understanding of data engineering pipelines

Experience in cloud-native architectures

Proven track record in team leadership

Strong stakeholder management

Collaboration and communication skills

Tools

Databricks

Azure Data Lake

Synapse

Job description

**Beware of Fraudulent Recruiters**It has come to our notice that Fractal Analytics’ name and logo are being misused by certain unscrupulous persons masquerading as Fractal’s authorized representatives to approach job seekers to part with sensitive personal information and/or money in exchange of promise of lucrative job offers in Fractal. Please exercise caution and verify that the person approaching you is a genuine representative of Fractal Analytics, or an authorized consultant, before you provide any personal details or other non-public information. If in doubt, please write to [e-mail] to seek clarification or report any abuse..Lead Architect - Azure Data Engineering page is loaded## Lead Architect - Azure Data Engineeringlocations: Londontime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: March 31, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: SR-35789It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they are doing!*We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.***Lead Architect -Azure Data Engineering**Fractal is a strategic AI partner to Fortune 500 companies with a vision to power every human decision in the enterprise. Fractal is building a world where individual choices, freedom, and diversity are the greatest assets. An ecosystem where human imagination is at the heart of every decision. Where no possibility is written off, only challenged to get better. We believe that a true Fractalite is the one who empowers imagination with intelligence. Fractal has been featured as a Great Place to Work by The Economic Times in partnership with the Great Place to Work Institute and recognized as a ‘Cool Vendor’ and a ‘Vendor to Watch’ by Gartner.Please visit for more information about Fractal**Location:** London**Core Technical Expertise*** Advanced proficiency in PySpark, Databricks, and Azure Data Platform (ADF, Azure Data Lake, Synapse, etc.).* Strong hands-on experience with proprietary ETL frameworks (e.g., Mars’ Simpel) and ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and extend such platforms.* Deep understanding of data engineering pipelines (batch & real-time), orchestration, and performance tuning.* Experience in data mesh principles and building federated data product journeys (domain-driven design, ownership models, contracts, discoverability).* Demonstrated ability to design, build, and scale data products across the enterprise value chain (Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, Digital Commerce, etc.).**Architecture & Solutioning*** Expertise in designing enterprise-grade data architectures (ingestion, processing, storage, governance, access).* Knowledge of data governance frameworks including metadata management, lineage, cataloguing, quality, and compliance.* Experience in cloud-native data architectures and hybrid data ecosystems (on-prem to cloud migration, modernization).* Ability to evaluate build vs. buy trade-offs and incorporate accelerators/frameworks (e.g., Morpheus).**Leadership & Delivery*** Proven track record of leading and mentoring 10+ member data teams (engineers, analysts, architects).* Strong stakeholder management – ability to engage senior business/technology leaders and influence decision-making.* Experience in large-scale transformation programs within multi-vendor ecosystems.* Ability to drive end-to-end delivery from discovery, design, estimation, execution, and handover.**Consulting & Business Orientation*** Exposure to data monetization and value realization frameworks – linking architecture choices to business outcomes.* Skilled in preparing technical proposals, solution approaches, and estimations for RFPs/RFIs.* Ability to simplify technical narratives into executive-ready presentations for CDOs/VPs.**Good to Have Skills*** Understanding of AI/ML workflows (feature store, model serving, MLOps).* Awareness of Agentic AI and next-gen AI/LLM architectures.* Familiarity with other cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, etc.).* Experience in multi-cloud interoperability and cost optimization.* Exposure to domain-specific data products in CPG/Retail/Energy verticals.* Familiarity with modern data contract tools (NextData, DataHub, Collibra, dbt, etc.).* Soft Skills & Leadership Traits* Strong problem-solving and systems thinking – ability to untangle complex technical and business challenges.* Excellent communication skills – equally comfortable in deep technical discussions and executive-level strategy conversations.* Collaborative leadership style – enabling cross-functional, multi-vendor teams to deliver at speed.* Demonstrated ability to build credibility quickly with global stakeholders (US, EU, UK, APAC).* Change agent mindset – driving modernization while respecting legacy complexities.If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!*Introduce Yourself* in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!