Data & AI Architect

UBDS Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

As a Data & AI Solution Architect at UBDS Digital, you will consult, design and deliver on advanced data and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enable clients to extract value from their data. You will provide strategic guidance on data architecture, machine learning, and cloud-based analytics, ensuring scalable, secure, and compliant implementations with a clearly articulated cost-base and value drivers. Your leadership in data strategy and technology adoption will empower organisations to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency for critical workloads that have high impact across public sector and financial services.

Key responsibilities

• Define and lead data and AI strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Design and govern end-to-end data architectures, including data lakehouses, data warehouses, data governance solutions, real-time analytics, and AI/ML pipelines, acting as the technical and SME lead on data and AI projects and guiding the approach and supporting the rest of the team on their work as it relates to data.
• Collaborate with the project Delivery manager and Client Engagement Director to ensure client satisfaction and continued growth for Data and AI engagements.
• Identify and evaluate emerging data and AI technologies, advising clients on innovative approaches and writing blogs and thought leadership, contributing to our brand awareness and reputation for Data and AI expertise.
• Ensure adherence to data governance, security, and compliance requirements, including GDPR and industry standards. Practical knowledge of how to develop and implement data quality frameworks across technical solutions.
• Collaborate with senior business and technical stakeholders to define requirements and deliver solutions that meet their needs.
• Oversee the development of scalable data platforms, including data ingestion, transformation, and storage solutions.
• Lead the development and deployment of AI/ML models, ensuring alignment with business objectives and ethical AI principles, and complying with our UBDS Group ISO42001 standards.
• Develop and deliver technical documentation, training sessions, and workshops for clients and internal teams.

Requirements

Education and experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or AI solution design, with leadership responsibilities.

Technical expertise

• Strong knowledge of data platforms, including SQL/NoSQL databases, DataOps and MLOps, and big data technologies (e.g., Apache Spark, Databricks, Fabric, Snowflake, AWS Redshift).
• Experience designing and deploying cloud-based data solutions on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Proficiency in AI/ML ecosystems such as Azure ML, Databricks, MLflow, Amazon Sagemaker and/or Bedrock with experience deploying and monitoring models in production.
• Understanding of data governance, security, and compliance frameworks, including GDPR and ISO 27001.
• Knowledge of data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Quicksight, Python visualisations) is beneficial.

Soft skills and leadership

• Ability to engage C-level stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into business value.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a consultative approach to solution design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in technical documentation and client presentations.
• Ability to coach team members, including Data and AI engineers and analysts, and ensure the quality of their outcomes on data and AI projects.
• Foster and actively contribute to our internal culture and standards as a key member of the UBDS Digital Data and AI capability hub.

Certifications (preferred but not required) in Databricks, Microsoft Azure and/or AWS

Benefits
Why people choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group
Professionals choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group for its reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that is deeply committed to both innovation and employee development. At UBDS Group, employees are given unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects across a diverse range of industries, exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities that are pivotal for professional growth. The Group's culture emphasises continuous improvement, offering ample training programs, mentorship, and the chance to gain certifications that enhance their skills and marketability.

UBDS Group fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, allowing employees to contribute ideas and solutions that have a tangible impact on the company and its clients. This combination of professional development, a culture of innovation, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions makes UBDS Group an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers and be at the forefront of technological and operational excellence.

Employee Benefits

• Training - All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies. We want you to grow with us and to help us achieve more.
• Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality.
• Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance.
• Holiday - You will receive 25 Days holiday, plus 1 day for Birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice.
• Contributed Pension Scheme.
• Death in service cover.
• Hybrid Working - UBDS Group offers a flexible working environment to help enable you to operate at your maximum regardless of your location. With offices in London & Manchester we offer a culture that is focussed on outcomes and giving you a work life balance but at that same time creating and driving a culture of inclusivity and togetherness.

About UBDS Group
At UBDS Group our mission is to support entrepreneurs who are setting new standards with technology solutions across cloud services, cybersecurity, data and AI, ensuring that every investment advances our commitment to innovation, making a difference, and creating impactful solutions for organisations and society.

With a portfolio including UBDS Digital and Rayo, UBDS Group Companies proudly offer comprehensive, end-to-end digital solutions tailored for both the public and private sectors. By harnessing the strengths of leading technology partners, we deliver innovative strategies, services and solutions that address complex challenges and drive significant value. Our services cover digital consulting, cloud platforms, data and ai, cybersecurity, managed services and delivery management.

Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.