Lead Technical Data Architect

Your new company
You will be working for a well-known organisation who are based in Telford. The requirement will be to be on-site 2 days a week. The role is a 6 month contract and active SC Clearance is required for this role. This role is inside scope of IR35.

Lead Technical Data Architect - AWS Transformation

Role Purpose

The Lead Architect provides technical leadership for the discovery, analysis, transformation and decommissioning of legacy data feeds and services as part of DWIT's migration to AWS.

The role leads architecture teams in documenting the current estate, defining AWS target-state solutions, and developing safe, structured decommissioning plans. It ensures architecture outputs are consistent, delivery-focused and aligned to programme objectives.

Context

DWIT is transforming a complex landscape of data feeds and legacy services into AWS. Success depends on robust discovery, clear documentation, sound architectural decision-making and well-governed migration and decommissioning plans.

The Lead Architect will bring structure and clarity to legacy environments where documentation may be incomplete, while working closely with engineers, delivery teams, clients and suppliers to support successful transformation outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architecture teams responsible for discovering, documenting and analysing data feeds, interfaces, dependencies and operational constraints.
• Define standards, templates and quality controls for architecture and discovery deliverables.
• Design AWS target-state solutions covering integration, data movement, security, resilience, observability and support.
• Develop decommissioning strategies including dependency analysis, migration sequencing, cutover planning and risk management.
• Use AI-enabled tools to accelerate discovery, analysis, documentation and architecture artefact production, ensuring appropriate governance and review.
• Own architectural decisions, risks, assumptions and issues throughout the transformation lifecycle.
• Collaborate with delivery, engineering, operations, client and supplier teams to ensure plans are achievable and aligned to programme priorities.
• Provide architecture assurance across discovery, design, migration and decommissioning activities.
• Build stakeholder confidence through clear communication, technical leadership and practical advice on risk, complexity and delivery trade-offs.

Expected Outcomes

• An assured catalogue of feeds, interfaces, dependencies, ownership and operational requirements.
• Clear AWS transformation options and recommended target architectures supported by documented risks and rationale.
• Robust decommissioning plans with defined controls, dependencies and retirement criteria.
• High-quality architecture artefacts that support delivery, governance and operational readiness.
• Effective use of AI and automation to improve speed and consistency without compromising quality or governance.

Skills & Experience

Essential experience includes:

• Leading architecture teams and delivering complex transformation programmes.
• Analysing and documenting legacy data feeds, integrations, business rules, dependencies and operational processes.
• Designing AWS-based data and integration solutions.
• Developing migration and decommissioning strategies for legacy platforms and services.
• Architecture governance within large, complex, multi-supplier environments.
• Applying AI and automation tools to improve discovery, analysis and documentation activities.
• Delivering across on-premise, cloud and hybrid environments.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and facilitation skills.

Ways of Working

• Provide clear direction, standards and priorities for architecture teams.
• Work collaboratively across architecture, engineering, operations, delivery and client teams.
• Challenge assumptions and incomplete analysis using evidence-based decision-making.
• Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible way.
• Maintain momentum and delivery focus in ambiguous or rapidly changing environments.

AI & Automation

The role should actively leverage AI and automation to improve the speed, quality and consistency of architecture delivery while maintaining accountability and governance.

This includes:

• Analysing legacy code, metadata, schemas, configurations and documentation.
• Supporting feed discovery, dependency mapping, option development and risk assessment.
• Creating reusable prompts, templates, patterns and review frameworks.
• Ensuring all AI-generated outputs are validated and governed before use in architectural decisions or client deliverables.

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