Data Integration Architect (SQL, Reverse Engineering, MSSQL API)

Our client is seeking Data Integration Architect to take ownership of how data and systems interact across a growing and evolving organisation.

This is a highly influential role that combines investigative analysis with future-state design. You'll reverse-engineer existing and legacy systems, uncover how they truly operate, and translate that understanding into scalable, practical architectures that development teams can implement.

If you enjoy solving complex system challenges, making sense of undocumented processes, and designing clear, effective solutions, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact.

What It's Like Working Here

This is a high-performance environment where growth, innovation and continuous improvement are part of everyday life.

The pace is faster than many organisations, with constant opportunities to improve systems, processes and ways of working. Success comes from embracing change, taking ownership, and contributing ideas that drive better outcomes.

Enjoy working in a dynamic and evolving environment

Are naturally curious and investigative

Take ownership of challenges and outcomes

Are comfortable making decisions with incomplete information

Value collaboration, honesty and continuous learning

Want to be stretched professionally and make a visible impact

The culture rewards expertise, accountability and problem-solving rather than hierarchy or ego.

The Role

Discover How Systems Really Work

Reverse-engineer existing and legacy systems to establish how they truly function

Investigate databases, SQL queries, stored procedures, APIs, integrations and application code

Identify how data is created, validated, transformed, stored and transferred

Uncover undocumented business rules, dependencies and system behaviours

Map End-to-End Data Flows

Trace data throughout its lifecycle

Identify systems of record, ownership and duplication

Understand relationships between applications, integrations and data sources

Document dependencies and technical risks

Design the Future State

Create future-state systems and data architectures

Develop conceptual and logical data models

Design practical integration strategies and interfaces

Ensure solutions support business objectives and scalability

Provide Technical Direction

Translate architectural vision into technical designs developers can build

Define data structures, interfaces and integration

requirements

Resolve ambiguity and answer technical questions throughout delivery

Review implementations to ensure alignment with architectural intent

Bridge Business and Technology

Work closely with business process teams and software development teams

Translate operational

requirements into technical solutions

Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Evaluate options and explain trade-offs clearly

Support Delivery and Continuous Improvement

Remain involved throughout implementation and testing

Validate design assumptions through evidence and results

Refine solutions where necessary

Maintain clear, accurate architectural documentation and diagrams

About You

Essential Experience

Minimum 5 years' experience in Data and Systems engineering with related architecture in your rolerole

Proven experience reverse-engineering existing and legacy systems

Strong hands-on SQL and relational database expertise

Experience investigating:

Stored procedures

APIs

Interfaces

System integrations

Application code

Ability to read and interpret code to understand data processing and business logic

Experience mapping complex end-to-end data flows

Strong understanding of systems of record, dependencies and business rules

Proven experience designing:

Systems architecture

Data architecture

Conceptual and logical data models

Integrations and interfaces

Experience producing technical designs successfully delivered by development teams

Ability to make and own architecture decisions independently

Personal Attributes

Naturally analytical and inquisitive

Comfortable working with ambiguity and incomplete information

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities

Pragmatic and solutions-focused

Able to balance technical excellence with business needs

What's On Offer?

Private medical insurance

Enhanced pension contributions

Enhanced family-friendly leave and pay

Income protection

Life assurance

Time Off

Working Environment

Hybrid working model

Flexible and collaborative culture

Modern office environment

Dog-friendly workplace

Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities

All our roles are UK based. When submitting your application to Colossus, please ensure the following

Your CV has your address and postcode.

You also have your correct phone number and email address so we can contact you asap regarding your application