Principal Data Architect

La Fosse Associates; London; Remote; GBP 125,000 - 150,000

Job description

Principal Data Architect - Remote or Hybrid Working - £160,000 package - FS Sector

We are looking for an experienced Principal Data Architect to lead the design, implementation, and optimisation of cloud-based database solutions. In this senior role, you will drive the strategy, architecture, and operations of database systems, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft SQL Server RDS on AWS. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with cloud databases and a strong passion for leveraging technology to support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Architecture:

1. Lead the development of scalable, reliable, and high-performance database solutions, with an initial focus on Microsoft SQL Server RDS in AWS.
2. Design and optimise database models, schemas, and performance strategies to support transactional and analytical workloads.
3. Establish robust backup and recovery processes to maintain data integrity and security in cloud environments.

Implementation and Deployment:

1. Oversee the setup and configuration of AWS RDS, DynamoDB, and other database technologies to ensure optimal performance, availability, and scalability.
2. Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting mechanisms to maintain database health and meet service-level agreements.
3. Lead and execute database migration projects, including moving MS SQL Server instances from EC2 to AWS RDS.

Optimisation and Performance Tuning:

1. Analyse and enhance database performance to ensure efficient resource utilisation and rapid response times.
2. Collaborate with application developers to optimise SQL queries, indexing strategies, and overall database architecture.

Leadership and Collaboration:

1. Provide technical leadership and guidance to database administrators and engineers, promoting best practices across database operations.
2. Work closely with cloud engineers, software developers, and IT teams to integrate database solutions within broader technology ecosystems.
3. Develop and maintain standards for database design, security protocols, and operational procedures.

Security and Compliance:

1. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and security frameworks (e.g., PCI-DSS, GDPR).
2. Implement encryption, access controls, and auditing mechanisms to protect sensitive cloud-stored data.

Required Experience:

1. 5+ years of experience in database design, implementation, and support of Microsoft SQL Server.
2. 2+ years of experience in designing, deploying, and managing RDS for SQL Server in AWS environments.
3. Strong expertise in T-SQL, including debugging and optimising complex stored procedures and functions.
4. Proven experience leading cloud database migration projects, preferably to AWS.
5. In-depth understanding of database architecture and real-world experience with various database technologies.
6. Expertise in Microsoft SQL Server technologies, including high availability (HA), disaster recovery (DR), replication, clustering, and read replicas.
7. Strong proficiency in configuring and managing RDS for SQL Server.
8. Knowledge of AWS database services such as RDS for MS SQL, RDS for Oracle, Aurora, DynamoDB, ElastiCache, S3, OpenSearch, and Athena.
9. Experience in SQL query optimisation, indexing, and performance tuning.
10. Understanding of database security best practices.
11. Familiarity with DevOps methodologies, including CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code, is a plus.