> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4651503-principal-data-solution-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4651503-principal-data-solution-architect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Data Solution Architect - **Company:** Methods Business - **Location:** Derby, United Kingdom - **Salary:** £76,092 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics Applications, Architectural Patterns, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Database, Data as a Services, Data Architecture, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Data Transformation, Data Migration, Data Systems, Data Warehousing, Relational Databases, DevOps, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Azure, Power BI, Data Mesh, Unstructured Data, Azure Service Bus, Parquet, Feature Store, Data Processing, Data Storage Technologies, Azure Data Factory, Togaf, Event Driven Architecture, Data Lakes, Low Latency, Star Schema, Apache Kafka, Cosmos DB, Data Management, Machine Learning Operations, Stream Processing, GXP, Legacy Systems, Databricks - **Published:** November 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5959346046 ## About the Role You Will Demonstrate: * Deep knowledge of Fabric architecture, governance, OneLake, Real-Time Intelligence, Data Engineering, Warehousing and Power BI integration * Capability to influence senior stakeholders, programme sponsors and project boards. * Ability to communicate technical decisions to non-technical executives and secure agreement on technical direction. * Deep knowledge of the Azure data stack (Azure SQL Server, CosmosDB, Azure Data Factory, Purview, Synapse, Event Hub, Azure Databricks/Fabric) * Extensive data modelling experience: both normalised relational models and de-normalised Star Schema/dimensional models * Excellent relational database design skills with expertise in diagnosing and optimising performance across SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and cloud databases * Proven track record with complex data migration projects (terabyte+ datasets, multiple legacy source systems, structures and unstructured data) * Proficiency with Parquet/Delta Lake or other modern data storage formats * Experience with streaming architectures using Kafka, Event Hubs, or Kinesis for real-time data processing * Knowledge of data architectures supporting AI/ML workloads, including vector databases, feature stores and MLOps pipelines * Experience processing and managing unstructured data types (text, images, logs, sensor data) * Understanding of Lambda and Kappa architectural patterns and when to apply each You May Also Have: * Exposure to high-performing, low latency or large volume data systems * Knowledge of and/or experience with Government Digital Service practices across Discovery/Alpha/Beta/Live phases * Understanding of vector databases and similarity search for AI applications * Experience with Infrastructure as Code and modern DevOps practices * Knowledge of how to design and analyse operational logs for data processing, and triage incidents * Awareness of advances in AI technologies, data services, and architectural practices * Industry specialisation in specific sectors (Engineering, Manufacturing, Healthcare etc.) * Public sector or defence experience * Understanding of data mesh or data fabric architectural approaches * Relevant industry certifications such as TOGAF 9, CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional), or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) Security Clearance: UKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting) clearance is required for this role, with Security Check (SC) as the minimum standard, either already held or with a willingness to undergo the process. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS); details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website GOV.UK - Government baseline personnel security standard. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview. ## Description Methods is recruiting for a Principal Data Solution Architect to join our team a permanent basis. This role will be mainly remote but require flexibility to travel to client sites (Manchester, Yorkshire or Derby). What You'll Be Doing as a Principal Data Solution Architect: * Be the senior technical authority for the programme, responsible for defining technical direction, priorities, standards and decision-making. * Be accountable for creating and maintaining the Data Transformation Programme roadmap and ensuring all workstreams align to the target architecture and business objectives. * Setting priorities * Guiding technical workstreams * Identifying incorrect or low-value activities * Redirecting effort towards programme outcomes * Uplift the capability of the existing team * Mentor architects and engineers * Establish good engineering practices * Develop Fabric knowledge within both Methods and the customer team * Chair or lead: Architecture reviews. Design authorities, Technical governance forums and Data platform standards reviews * Advocate the business benefit of data standards, championing and governing those standards across projects and the organisation * Demonstrate an overall perspective on business issues and activities, determining patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements * Make and guide effective decisions, explaining clearly how decisions have been reached and resolving technical disputes across varying levels of complexity and risk * Communicate effectively across organisational, technical and political boundaries, making complex technical information accessible for non-technical audiences * Design how to expose data from systems (APIs, real-time streams), link data from multiple systems, and deliver modern data services * Ensure that risks associated with deployment are adequately understood and documented * Design end-to-end data solutions from requirements through implementation, including technical documentation and architecture blueprints * Lead complex data migration projects from legacy systems to modern cloud-native platforms * Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies across the modern data stack to meet specific client needs Your Impact: * Enable transformative business decisions through robust, scalable data architectures * Drive adoption of modern data platforms and AI-enabled analytics solutions * Establish technical standards and architectural patterns that ensure quality, security, and maintainability * Help cultivate a data-driven culture within client organisations and internally * Deliver architectures that seamlessly integrate traditional and modern data systems