Data Architect

Can you architect a large-scale data vision (specifically leading the move to Microsoft Fabric) while still actively writing Python and advanced SQL code to deliver the core components? Are you a true "player-coach" who can simultaneously drive AI/LLM innovation in Fabric and own the cost modeling and optimization of every cloud service you design? If yes, our Data Architect position might be the right next move for you

What's it all about?

This is an extremely high-impact role where the Data Architect serves as the division's sole authority, driving the complete technical and strategic vision for all data platforms. You will lead the critical transformation to modern platforms, with a specific focus on unifying data to enable a move from Microsoft Azure to Fabric. This responsibility goes far beyond design, requiring occasional hands-on prototyping to set the standards for our offshore teams to deliver to; you'll be actively building reusable frameworks, prototyping core components, and owning the full data stack from end-to-end to ensure the vision is delivered effectively.

An important part of this position is to lead AI innovation and drive high-impact business value. This involves identifying key opportunities for AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) and personally leading their technical delivery and execution. This entire operation must be grounded in the Fabric environment, demanding expertise in cloud-native data and AI services to transform theoretical concepts into production-ready solutions that directly benefit the business.

Finally, this role carries significant leadership and mentorship responsibility for the global data engineering team. You are expected to lead by example, providing technical direction and elevated standards for development quality. This includes translating the architectural vision into clear, detailed design artefacts that guide the offshore data engineering teams throughout the systems delivery lifecycle, ensuring cohesive, high-quality, and compliant delivery across the entire data estate.

Why Travelodge?

We believe in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their true self and belong. We work hard to improve the diversity of our teams and celebrate our differences. And we care about our colleagues' wellbeing, so we ensure there are plenty of resources available so everyone can look after their emotional, physical, financial and work wellbeing. We call this "Better Me".

Who will this appeal to?

This role explicitly requires extensive, hands-on Microsoft Azure and Fabric experience, proving that the platform is central to the division's future. Beyond Fabric, deep expertise in the Azure Synapse ecosystem is essential, specifically: ADLS Gen2 (for data lake storage), Synapse SQL (for warehousing), Spark Pools (for big data processing), and Azure Data Factory (ADF) (for orchestration). The architect must possess robust coding and scripting skills in languages like Python and advanced SQL, confirming this is a highly technical, implementation-heavy position. In addition, competency in implementing Production-grade DevOps is critical for ensuring reliable, automated, and scalable deployment pipelines.

A key differentiator for this senior role is commercial acumen, specifically in overseeing cost modeling and optimisation of services. This means the architect is not just focused on technical performance but also on financial efficiency, actively managing cloud spend. This responsibility underscores the required "player-coach" mentality-the proven ability to fluidly operate at both the 10,000-foot strategic level (architecture, vision, cost management) and the ground-level (coding, scripting, and configuration).

The architect is expected to possess strong technical and illustration skills to be the primary creator and custodian of the technical documentation. This documentation is vital as it defines the overall data ecosystem and serves as the primary guidance for the offshore engineering teams. This requirement emphasizes that complex technical mastery must be paired with excellent communication and visualization abilities to effectively translate sophisticated designs into clear, actionable artifacts.

Do you have experience in Spark?

• Up to £100-120,000 +Annual bonus
• Car Allowance
• Contributory pension scheme
• Hybrid working - a minimum of 60% of your time should be spent in the office and or visiting suppliers
• 50% personal discount for hotel bookings and great friends and family discounts too!
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• A focus on learning and career development