Principal AI Data Architect

Principal Data Architect Location: ~ Reading / Hybrid or Remote Long term contract or permenant The Opportunity An innovative technology business is looking for an experienced Principal AI Data Architect to take ownership of its data architecture during an important period of growth. You'll work closely with senior technology leadership and engineering teams to define a scalable data strategy and put the core architecture in place. This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who can operate independently, make decisions quickly and turn architectural requirements into practical solutions. Key Responsibilities

• Define the organisation's data architecture and technical roadmap.
• Design scalable data platforms and pipelines across cloud and on-premise environments.
• Establish robust approaches to data storage, processing, integration and accessibility.
• Develop data models supporting analytics, AI and operational systems.
• Design solutions for high-volume and real-time data.
• Establish data governance, security, quality and ownership standards.
• Define appropriate approaches to data access, isolation and sharing.
• Evaluate technologies and make architecture and build-vs-buy recommendations.
• Work closely with engineering teams to implement the architecture.
• Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance to senior stakeholders. What You'll Bring
• Significant experience as a Data Architect, Principal Data Architect or similar.
• Strong Python and SQL.
• Excellent database and data modelling experience.
• Experience designing distributed and scalable data systems.
• Strong understanding of data governance and security.
• Experience with modern cloud data platforms and data engineering practices.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work with both technical and senior business stakeholders.
• Comfortable working autonomously in a fast-moving environment. Desirable
• AWS or other major cloud platforms.
• Graph or NoSQL databases.
• Streaming and real-time data.
• Machine learning / AI environments.
• IoT, industrial or high-volume data.
• Experience in regulated or security-sensitive environments. The Opportunity A chance to take genuine ownership of the data architecture and technology direction of a rapidly growing business, with significant autonomy and direct exposure to senior technology leadership.