Databricks Architect – Data Practice Lead

About the role

Our client, a leading AI and Data Analytics consulting firm in Auckland, is seeking a highly skilled Databricks Architect to lead their Data Practice. The role involves driving sales, consulting, and delivery of Databricks projects while mentoring teams and shaping the company’s market presence.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with data leaders to drive sales, recruiting, account management, consulting and operational excellence across the practice.
• Contribute to the Databricks Center of Excellence and lead delivery of Databricks projects.
• Act as a Databricks subject‑matter expert, supporting business development and guiding clients on architecture, data engineering and scalable analytics.
• Drive innovation and performance through a team‑based approach that values output, ownership and employee wellbeing.
• Lead and manage project risk, including planning, budgeting, deliverables and executive alignment.
• Develop proposals, statements of work and strategies to expand the firm’s footprint within existing accounts.
• Provide technical and architectural guidance on Databricks, modern data platforms and cloud‑native solutions to clients and team members.
• Mentor engineers, recommend emerging technologies and align solutions with clients’ future‑state data strategies.
• Apply a business‑first lens to conversations, delivering tech‑enabled outcomes that enhance clients’ competitive edge.

Required profile

• 8+ years of experience in data architecture, engineering and consulting.
• Proven expertise designing and implementing scalable data solutions on Databricks.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
• Excellent client‑facing skills with a focus on translating business challenges into technical solutions.
• Ability to develop proposals, SOWs and go‑to‑market strategies.

Required skills

• Databricks
• Delta Lake
• Delta Live Tables
• Unity Catalog
• Iceberg (Uniform)
• Data Lakehouse platforms
• Cloud‑native data solutions