Job Title: Data ArchitectClearance Required: Active SC ClearanceDuration: 6 monthsLocation: Telford - 2 days per weekJob Description:In this role, you will help to shape and deliver data and analytics solutions that directly support client priorities: improving efficiency, maximising revenues, reducing fraud and responding rapidly to policy challenges.We are looking for Data Architects with a specialism in data-related technologies who can operate across the full data lifecycle and design enterprise-level data architecture for complex programmes.These include cloud migrations, data management, data virtualisation, lakehouse deployments and the creation of modern data pipelines.You’ll put client requirements and industry best practice at the heart of delivery to help build world-class solutions that move from design into live service safely and successfully.Our Data Architects act as technical leaders from the outset. They own end-to-end solution design through delivery and implementation into live operation. The successful candidate will often support the development of commercial proposals and provide technical solution governance throughout the lifecycle.As a Data Architect, you will take ownership of the solution design and guide delivery teams through complex technical decisions ensuring solutions are robust, governable and deliverable into live service.Key responsibilities include:Designing data architectures, including cataloguing, metadata, lineage, quality, ownership and classification, to ensure data is trusted, discoverable, secure and fit for purpose from source to consumption.Taking architectural ownership of how data is designed for consumption by both humans and autonomous agents, including analytics users, applications and AI driven services.Providing architectural direction on the safe and governed adoption of AI and agent based capabilities within data and analytics platformsProducing architectures and designs for complex end-to-end data solutions, including data storage and management, ETL/ELT, reporting and analyticsAdvising clients on architecture/infrastructure, platform and engineering best practices across data warehouse / data lake solutions and modelling conceptsTaking ownership of client requirements, deliverables and accountabilities, ensuring adherence to architecture governance processes, industry best practices and alignment with the client’s architecture visionDriving solution development and documentation, ensuring good architectural practices are applied throughout the lifecycleProviding architectural oversight and direction on behalf of our clients, including governance at all stagesBuilding trusted-advisor relationships with clients through boldness, honesty and credible technical leadershipManaging relationships with vendors, third parties and key internal stakeholdersOwning technical problem management and resolution relevant to the solution developmentContributing to and actively participating Architecture practice and communitySkills and ExperienceEssentialYou bring strong, hands-on data architecture experience and the ability to lead technical delivery in complex environments. You’ll be credible with both senior client stakeholders and internal delivery leadership and comfortable making decisions that balance technical quality, risk and delivery outcomes.We’re looking for demonstrable experience in:Multiple data storage technologies used in data warehouse and data lake solutions, such as:Relational DBMSNoSQLGraph databasesCloud object storageDB as a serviceArchitecture and design concepts for ETL/ELT solutions, using a range of toolingDesigning and applying data virtualisation technologies, particularly at enterprise scaleArchitecture and design concepts for data exploitation solutions and technologies, including:Analytics (e.g., SAS, R)Reporting (e.g., Pentaho Business Analytics, Power BI)APIs (e.g., Java, Denodo)Expertise in data modelling within large, complex IT estates, implementing multiple data architectures and integrating data management / governance toolingModern ways of working such as Agile, CI/CD, DevOps and test automationDelivery across on-premise, cloud and hybrid environments, including cloud migration programmesSetting direction and technical scope, building/leading technical teams and managing technical deliverablesStrong communication, influencing and facilitation skills-especially for troubleshooting, problem-solving and decision-makingResilience, flexibility and ability to adapt to changing schedules and priorities. A drive to deliver results and exceed client expectations-bringing clear personal value to every engagementIntegrating third-party products into complex estates, managing interdependencies and leading end-to-end delivery in multi-supplier engagementsDesirableIf you have any of the following, it will help you stand out:Experience with lakehouse deployments and modern cloud-native data platformsPractical understanding of the real-world impact and usage of AI services to enhance and improve data quality, consumption and processingExperience contributing to commercial proposals, bids, or shaping technical approaches for client engagementsDemonstrated experience owning or operating architecture governance across a programme lifecycle, including design assurance and decision controPersonal AttributesWe’re looking for people who can lead, challenge and bring others with them; architects who combine deep technical credibility with a human, collaborative approach.You are likely to be:A confident technical leader who can set direction, make decisions and take accountabilityComfortable being a “critical friend”, able to challenge constructively and propose better optionsClient-centric: you listen carefully, translate needs into architecture and build trust through clarity and integrityCollaborative: you work effectively across delivery, engineering, governance and stakeholder communitiesResilient and adaptable: you remain calm under pressure and respond well to changing prioritiesCurious and continuously improving: you keep pace with evolving technologies and modern ways of working