Databricks Architect – Lead Data Practice

About the role

Our client, a leading AI and data analytics consulting firm in Auckland, is seeking a senior Databricks Architect to lead its Data Practice. You will work closely with data leaders, drive business development, and deliver end‑to‑end Databricks solutions for clients across healthcare, finance, life sciences and government.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with data leaders to drive sales, recruiting, account management and consulting excellence.
• Lead the Databricks Center of Excellence, delivering and overseeing Databricks projects.
• Act as a Databricks SME, supporting business development and guiding clients on best‑practice architecture, data engineering and scalable analytics.
• Manage project risk, planning, budgeting, deliverables and executive alignment.
• Develop proposals, statements of work and growth strategies for existing accounts.
• Provide technical and architectural guidance on Databricks, modern data platforms and cloud‑native solutions.
• Mentor engineering teams and champion emerging technologies aligned with client data strategies.

Required profile

• 8+ years of experience in data architecture, engineering and analytics.
• Proven leadership in delivering large‑scale data platforms and managing client engagements.
• Strong business acumen with ability to translate technical solutions into business outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Required skills

• Databricks platform expertise.
• Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, Delta Live Tables, Iceberg (Uniform).
• Data Lakehouse design and implementation.
• Cloud‑native data platform architecture.
• Data engineering and performance optimisation.