Lead Data Architect (SC Cleared)

A leading consulting organisation is seeking an experienced Lead Data Architect (SC Cleared) to drive the design and delivery of enterprise-scale data solutions across complex, high-impact programmes in government & public sector.

This is a pivotal opportunity for a data leader to shape Data & AI strategy, influence senior stakeholders, and lead the development of modern, scalable data architectures within secure and highly regulated environments.

Operating within a high-performing Data & AI practice, the successful candidate will play a central role in defining, governing, and delivering enterprise data architectures across multiple client engagements.

Projects vary in scope and complexity, offering the opportunity to work across data strategy, architecture, governance, and innovation, while leading multidisciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing Conceptual, Logical, and Physical Data Models aligned to recognised standards (ISO, UK Government, NATO)
• Defining and delivering enterprise Data & AI strategies in complex environments
• Assessing current-state data landscapes and shaping target architecture roadmaps
• Providing Data Architecture oversight to ensure scalable, secure, and resilient solutions
• Driving adoption of data best practices, standards, and governance frameworks
• Leading Data Governance initiatives, including policy, quality, and compliance (e.g. GDPR)
• Acting as an escalation point for data quality, protection, and governance challenges
• Leading proof of concepts, pilots, and innovation initiatives across Data & AI
• Mentoring and developing Data Architects, Analysts, Modellers, and AI Engineers
• Collaborating with business and technical stakeholders to improve data maturity and value realisation

The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on Data Architect with strong consulting experience in the government and public sector space with the ability to operate at both technical and executive levels.

Essential experience:

• Proven expertise in Enterprise Data Architecture and Data Modelling within large, complex organisations
• Strong consulting background, including client-facing delivery, pre-sales, and stakeholder engagement
• Deep knowledge of modern data architectures:
• Data Lakes, Lakehouse, Data Mesh
• Experience defining data design principles, architecture patterns, and governance frameworks
• Expertise in SQL-based systems, with exposure to NoSQL, unstructured data, and analytics platforms
• Strong understanding of data pipelines, ingestion, transformation, and consumption patterns
• Experience with data cataloguing, lineage, and ontology tools (e.g. Collibra, Informatica)
• Knowledge of data modelling methodologies (dimensional, Data Vault, etc.)
• Solid understanding of system development lifecycle and architecture methodologies
• Highly desirable:
• Experience in public sector, defence, or regulated industries
• Knowledge of observability and FinOps in data platforms
• Familiarity with cloud-based data ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Industry certifications such as DAMA CDMP, TOGAF, or cloud vendor certifications

Leadership & Consulting Capability

This role requires more than technical expertise. The successful candidate will:

• Build and maintain strong executive-level client relationships
• Lead and inspire teams, fostering collaboration and continuous development
• Translate complex data challenges into clear, business-aligned solutions
• Contribute to proposals, bids, and growth of the Data & AI practice

This organisation delivers mission-critical data transformation programmes that drive real-world impact across government and national security sectors.

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must hold active SC Clearance.