Data Architect

The Data Architect is responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of data solutions, while also ensuring they align with business goals.

Working primarily within the Microsoft ecosystem, this role involves collaborating with stakeholders, developers, and business change to ensure solutions meet functional and non-functional requirements, while also considering cost, performance, and future growth. This role will also involve guiding teams through technical decisions and ensuring best practices are followed throughout data lineage cycles.

Although this role involves strategic oversight, it also requires being hands-on day to day to deliver proof of concepts and reinforce technical excellence. This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to enter a career defining position, shaping our data landscape whilst still retaining the autonomy to lead from the front.

This role is based in our Manchester office with a hybrid workstyle and with occasional travel to other offices.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting Isio's broader development strategy, with a particular focus on team growth, continuous delivery, and the use of data warehousing patterns. All utilising modern cloud infrastructure and DevOps processes.
• Working with the Head of Development and existing Data Solutions Architect to agree and implement ways of working processes relating to data.
• Collaborating with multiple teams consisting of internal and external members, based geographically throughout the UK and Europe, working both remotely and at our Isio UK offices.
• Supporting Isio's data migration strategies to speed up delivery and ensure data reconciliation is of a high standard.
• Refining Isio's existing DevOps and DataOps processes, ensuring they are consistently implemented across all projects.
• Working with leaders across Isio to understand and design data solutions to their requirements in the most effective manner.
• Having the responsibility to oversee data warehousing and migration strategies from initial proof of concept to production release and maintenance BAU.
• Supporting with data lineage and data architecture, in line with the wider group governance. This includes designing both structured and unstructured data storages.
• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement within the Data team by mentoring and upskilling others.
• Participating in Isio's CAB to ensure effective governance of changes being deployed to production systems.
• Consulting on Isio's adoption of AI, including designing data integrations for AI solutions
• Working in a growth culture business within a start-up like environment, but supported by the stability and resources of a corporate organisation

• Proven technical expertise and design leadership for the delivery of data solutions
• 4+ years data experience with the Microsoft Ecosystem (MSSQL, SSIS, PowerBI)
• 3+ years hands on experience with the Azure Cloud Platform (AWS and GCP are not applicable for this role), incorporating Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, Azure Databricks and Azure storage solutions
• Hands on experience with source control. Knowledge of Github Actions or Azure DevOps Pipelines strongly preferred
• Hands on experience of multiple data architecture patterns (e.g medallion architecture)
• Knowledge of wider data architecture concepts such as data masking, governance and lineage
• Experience with data integration techniques such as messaging, CDC and asynchronous architectures
• Knowledge of serverless technologies. Azure Functions preferred.
• Hands on experience working with both structured and unstructured data. MSSQL Server and Azure Cosmos preferred.
• Demonstratable experience with handling multiple internal and external stakeholders, including engaging with third party suppliers
• Demonstratable experience of priority and time management, including delivering viable solutions on time sensitive projects
• Demonstratable experience working on multi-year, multi-phase development projects involving multiple different technologies
• Ensure data processes support Isio's ISO27001 and ISO22301 certifications and are built with security considerations as a key element
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum ways of working
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.

Advantageous Requirements

• Knowledge of AI and its adoption within an enterprise environment
• Development experience with Python
• Holding professional skills certifications (Azure or similar related)
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman
• Experience with building integrations with third party software (SaaS) products such as Salesforce, HubSpot and Monday Exposure to building and testing quantitative development models
• Actuary experience and/or Pensions Administration experience
• Understanding of private equity business models

Demonstrated Commitment to our Core Purpose * Power in Partnership: We work in partnership with our clients & each other - building open and trusted relationships. Working together allows us to deliver the best for our clients. * Future Focus: We want to push our industry forward by solving problems in better ways that benefit both our clients & society. * Strength in Difference: We work with diverse perspectives to find better solutions. Working with differences makes us stronger. * People First: We recognise that pensions is a people business. People are the source of Isio's expertise and it is people's lives that we affect through our advice. What we offer you Isio is a people business, and we're committed to helping our great colleagues gain a wide variety of experience, significant development opportunities and progression through the business. The variety of work that'll be available to you will enable you to do this. You can find out more about Isio and the benefits we offer here Isio - Careers & Benefits. About Isio Isio was 'born' in 2020 from the sale of KPMG UK's Pension Practice to a private equity firm. An industry-leading challenger, we provide diverse expertise spanning Pensions, Investment, Benefits and Wealth to give clients an integrated experience. Isio is built by challengers, innovators and forward-thinkers, grounded around a vision which strives to deliver greater financial confidence for everyone. We empower and develop those who join us - valuing curious minds and giving people the freedom to outperform. Known and respected for our agility, we harness specialist experience, bold thinking and the desire to push the boundaries of what we can achieve for our clients, from small to blue chip, public to private. At Isio, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace, in which our colleagues feel they belong, regardless of background or difference. We uphold the values of respect, fairness, and inclusion in our actions and decisions. We believe that by adhering to these principles, we will create a stronger, more innovative, and supportive environment for all, as well as ensuring that the advice and support we provide to our clients is more creative, more insightful and leaves a lasting impact. We have offices across the UK and many of our roles offer a hybrid, flexible approach to work to help create a work-life balance that works for you. Isio Group is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.