ACTIVE SC - Lead Data Architect - £650pd Inside IR35

SC Cleared Lead Data Architect

£650 per day Inside IR35 | Active SC Clearance Required | Hybrid (Croydon) | Contract Until February 2027

A leading consultancy is seeking an experienced SC Cleared Lead Data Architect to join a large-scale government programme delivering complex data and integration capabilities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Data Architect who can combine strong technical expertise with leadership skills, managing a team of architects whilst remaining hands-on with architectural design and governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of approximately 10 architects.
• Provide technical leadership across data and integration architecture workstreams.
• Design and govern large-scale data solutions within complex enterprise environments.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure architectural solutions support successful delivery.
• Engage with business stakeholders, suppliers and technical teams to drive outcomes.
• Collaborate with fellow Lead Architects and senior delivery stakeholders.
• Promote architectural best practice, standards and engineering patterns.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Active SC Clearance.
• Proven experience as a Lead Data Architect, Principal Data Architect or similar senior architecture role.
• Strong background in Data Architecture and Integration Architecture.
• Experience leading and mentoring architecture teams.
• Experience working with big data platforms and large-scale integrations/interfaces.
• Strong understanding of architecture frameworks, design principles and engineering patterns.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Technical Experience

Strong AWS experience including:

• Amazon S3
• Apache Kafka
• Amazon MSK (Managed Streaming for Apache Kafka)
• Other commonly used AWS services and integration technologies

Contract Details

• Rate: £650 per day Inside IR35
• Location: Hybrid, Croydon (ad hoc attendance required, not expected to be regular)
• Start: ASAP (allowing for 4-6 weeks onboarding)
• Duration: Until 26th February 2027
• Clearance: Active SC Clearance required

This role will suit an experienced architecture leader who is comfortable operating in a complex, fast-moving environment and can provide both strategic direction and hands-on technical guidance.

Apply with your latest CV for immediate consideration.