Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect

Sector: Asset Management / Investment Management Technologies

Location: Greater London

Compensation: Up to £125k + £30k Bonus + comprehensive benefits package (pension, health, 35 days holiday, hybrid work culture, etc.)

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Data Architect to join a major global Investment Management Technologies team. This role is crucial in shaping our strategic data architecture, ensuring alignment with business goals, and driving innovation in investment data infrastructure. The Lead Data Architect will address data architecture needs across various investment strategies, including equities, fixed income, private assets, multi-asset solutions, and ESG investments.

The Lead Data Architect will address data architecture needs across various investment strategies, including equity trading, portfolio management, and analytics for equities; designing data systems for bonds, derivatives, and compliance in fixed income; managing data architecture for private equity and real estate with a focus on valuation, reporting, and transparency in private assets; creating data frameworks for multi-asset solutions to support diversified investment strategies with seamless integration and consistency; and incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into the data architecture to support sustainable and responsible investment initiatives.

About You

• Industry Experience: Significant experience in the asset management industry, demonstrating leadership and data architecture skills.
• Skills:
• Strong background in data modeling, data architecture, and data governance.
• Technical expertise in various data technologies and vendor offerings.
• Ability to lead both technical and functional teams, aligning with a vision and supporting organizational goals.
• Proficient in solving complex functional, technical, and architectural data issues.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience: Extensive experience in data architecture within financial services, particularly in investment/asset management.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to manage and mentor teams.

Technical Expertise

• Data Technologies: Proficiency in Finbourne LUSID, Snowflake, Hadoop, Spark.
• Cloud Platforms: Experience with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.
• Financial Products: Deep understanding of data requirements for equities, fixed income, private assets, multi-asset solutions, and ESG investments.
• Additional Skills: Cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, data governance, and data modeling.

Key Responsibilities️

• Strategy Development: Lead the development and execution of the data architecture strategy for the Investment Management Technologies division.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Align data solutions with business strategies and objectives in collaboration with C-suite stakeholders and product owners.
• Platform Architecture: Oversee the architecture and implementation of critical data platforms, including Finbourne LUSID and Snowflake.
• Team Management: Mentor and manage a team of Senior Data Architects, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain architecture documentation, including data flows, integration architecture, and data governance frameworks.
• Governance: Present data architectural solutions to governance bodies, including the Technical Design Authority and Architecture Review Board.

Major Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and drive the strategic roadmap for the division's data architecture.
• Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing team of senior data architects.
• Technology Innovation: Implement emerging data technologies to enhance operational efficiency and data integrity.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Provide insights and recommendations on data investments and architectural strategies to C-suite executives.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure adherence to corporate standards, governance processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Project Oversight: Manage the end-to-end delivery of complex data projects.

Key Technologies and Innovations⚙️

• Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud for scalable data solutions.
• API Strategy: Robust APIs for seamless data integration.
• Data Architecture: Finbourne LUSID, Hadoop, Spark, Snowflake for managing large volumes of investment data.
• Cybersecurity: Strong data security measures, including encryption and IAM.
• AI and Machine Learning: Predictive analytics, risk management, and personalized investment strategies.
• Data Governance: Frameworks to ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance.
• Data Applications: Supporting investment management processes like portfolio analysis and risk management.

Data Strategy and Delivery Roadmap️

The ideal candidate will be a data-focused Agile technologist bringing experience from the FinTech sector and global asset management firms. The Lead Data Architect will provide a collaborative approach to road-mapping, process design, governance, technology, and data strategy.

• Data Architecture Strategy & Framework: Establish a Technology function responsible for strategy development and delivery across Data & Application Engineering, BI Analytics, and Reporting.
• Strategic Roadmaps: Develop and present Data and Systems Strategy to senior management,
• Data Standards & Governance: Create Technology Steering & Data Governance Committees to manage data standards, project prioritization, and vendor management.
• Data Security & Privacy: Establish a “Well-Architected” Cloud Data Platform integrating DevSecOps and FinOps practices, cyber-insurance, etc...
• Data Capabilities Roadmap & Delivery: Lead an Investment Data project to establish a “Data Culture,” reducing data breaks and inconsistencies.
• Horizon Scanning & Innovation: Drive AI and GenAI adoption, securing funding for proof-of-concepts and supporting AI solution rollouts.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build strong relationships to deliver Capability Models, Change Roadmaps, and Projects across various business lines.
• Team Leadership & Development: Foster a high-performing, cross-functional technology team through collaborative and adaptive coaching principles.