Data Architect - SAP (BTP, BW/4HANA, SAC) - BPSS Cleared

OUTSIDE IR35 - ASAP START - 6 MONTH INITIAL CONTRACT - BPSS CLEARANCE REQUIRED

The Data Architect is responsible for ensuring data is managed as a core organisational asset, aligning data architecture solutions with the enterprise strategy. The role will design and maintain data architecture frameworks, standards, and policies, enabling the business to leverage data effectively across its life cycle. Acting as a bridge between business and IT, the Data Architect ensures data strategy execution, supports governance, and promotes innovation in data management practices.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Influence, develop, and drive the implementation of the data strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and enterprise architecture.
• Ensure data policies, standards, and roadmaps are defined, maintained, and Embedded across programmes and business functions.
• Act as a business liaison for data governance activities, promoting ownership, stewardship, and data literacy.
• Champion adoption of new technologies and methodologies, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.

Data Architecture & Modelling

• Manage and maintain comprehensive data architecture using the TOGAF framework.
• Design, develop, and optimise conceptual, logical, and physical data models across business and product life cycles.
• Provide expertise on UML, ERD, and modelling standards, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practice.
• Lead the integration and optimisation of BTP, BW/4HANA, and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) across multiple SAP and non-SAP systems.

Governance & Compliance

• Establish and enforce data governance frameworks to ensure integrity, consistency, and compliance.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to align projects with data policies and standards.
• Ensure the design and responsible management of data throughout its life cycle, aligned with DAMA-DMBOK best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with business leaders and IT stakeholders to understand data needs and design solutions.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business language, influencing decision-making.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring, building organisational capability in data management.

Project & Budget Responsibility

• Lead data architecture projects, ensuring delivery on time, in scope, and within budget.
• Advise on architectural decisions within programme and business capability budgets (IBP, IM&T product groups).
• Maintain commercial awareness and ensure value delivery through data initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Health & Safety

• Evaluate new tools and technologies to enhance performance, scalability, and efficiency.
• Promote continuous improvement in data practices, processes, and systems.
• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety policies and procedures within your area of responsibility.

Knowledge & Experience

• Deep expertise in SAP BTP, BW/4HANA, and SAC, with end-to-end project life cycle design and implementation experience in a large divisional organisation.
• Hands-on experience integrating BW/4HANA and SAC with SAP and non-SAP source systems (predominantly on-premise).
• Strong knowledge of data management frameworks (eg, DAMA-DMBOK).
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF).
• Understanding of data governance principles and best practice.
• Proficiency in UML, entity-relationship modelling, and database design principles.

Skills

• Strong experience applying enterprise architecture frameworks to design and implement scalable data solutions.
• Proficient in data modelling tools and languages to design, create, and maintain models that meet business needs.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, able to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and manage data governance programmes, frameworks, and standards.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional collaboration, influencing stakeholders, and building data-driven cultures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Management, or a related field.
• SAP Certified BW/SAC Specialist - desirable.
• TOGAF or DAMA certification - desirable.