Senior Solutions Architect (Databricks Specialist)

Category: IT Services Location: We are seeking an experienced Senior Solutions Architect specializing in Databricks to provide strategic leadership and architectural oversight for a large-scale data modernization program within a leading Financial Services organization. The client is currently transitioning from a traditional SQL Server and Microsoft-centric data ecosystem to a modern Databricks-based platform to support its long-term data, analytics, and AI strategy. While the client has an established and capable Data Engineering team, they require a senior-level architect to provide strategic direction, implementation frameworks, architectural governance, and best-practice guidance to ensure a successful and cost-effective transformation. This role will focus on defining the target-state architecture, establishing standards and governance, optimizing platform design, and ensuring alignment between technology investments and business objectives. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic architectural leadership for the organisation's Databricks implementation and data modernization initiatives. Design and define enterprise-scale data and analytics architectures aligned to business and AI objectives. Develop and implement architectural frameworks, standards, patterns, and best practices for Databricks adoption. Guide the Data Engineering team on solution design, scalability, performance optimization, security, and governance. Assess current SQL Server and Microsoft-based enviro