SQL Data Architect – Microsoft Stack

Zip Hustle; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is seeking an experienced SQL Data Architect to join their team for a 12-month contract. The role is primarily remote with occasional travel to Birmingham. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with the Microsoft data stack, including SQL Server and Azure technologies. Key responsibilities include autonomous delivery of data solutions, influencing stakeholders, and ensuring quality in design. Competitive daily rate offered, up to £600 inside IR35.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data engineering, DBA, or architecture focusing on Microsoft data stack.
• Proven expertise in SQL Server and T-SQL development.
• Experience with Azure services including Data Factory and Databricks.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end data solutions with minimal supervision.
• Capable of influencing stakeholders and documenting decisions.
• Design architecture ensuring simplicity, scalability, and quality.

Skills

Data engineering/DBA/architecture

SQL Server 2016 & 2022

T-SQL development

SSIS

Azure Data Factory

Azure Data Lake Storage

Databricks

DevOps

Data design principles

Clear communication

Job description

Job Title: SQL Data Architect – Azure Stack

Location: Remote with occasional travel to Birmingham

Salary/Rate: Up to £600 per day inside IR35

Start Date: 12/01/2026

Job Type: Contract – 12 months

Company Introduction:

We have an exciting opportunity now available with one of our sector‑leading consultancy clients! They are currently looking for a skilled SQL Data Architect to join their team for a twelve‑month contract.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Extensive experience in data engineering/DBA/architecture with a focus on Microsoft data stack.
• Expert in: SQL Server 2016 & 2022 (engine internals, performance, HA/DR); T‑SQL development, stored procedures, triggers, and query optimization; SSIS (package design, orchestration, deployment).
• Azure Data Factory (pipelines, triggers, integration runtimes); Azure Data Lake Storage (Gen2, security, folder structures); Microsoft Fabric (Lakehouse, OneLake, Data Engineering); Databricks (Spark SQL, notebooks, Delta Lake, integration with ADF/Fabric).
• Strong data design principles: normalization, dimensional modelling, and data architecture patterns.
• Proven track record of autonomous delivery, from discovery to production support.
• Experience with DevOps (Git/Azure DevOps), CI/CD for data solutions.
• Autonomous & accountable: Delivers end‑to‑end solutions with minimal supervision.
• Design‑first mindset: Drives simplicity, scalability, and quality in architecture.
• Clear communicator: Capable of influencing stakeholders and documenting decisions.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Azure Synapse Analytics, Power BI semantic models.
• Data governance tools (Microsoft Purview), RBAC/ABAC, and Key Vault integrations. Scripting: PowerShell, Python for automation.
• Experience with event‑driven architectures and CDC.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP‑203).
• Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate (DP‑600).

Sound like a match? Feel free to apply!