Data Architect

Location: Leeds, UK (3 days in office) MANDATORY!

SC Requirement: SC Cleared / SC Eligible

Job Type: Full-Time

Relevant Experience: >15 Years

Job Summary

The Data Architect will be responsible for defining, designing, and governing data models, data flows, and data lifecycle processes across multiple integrated systems. The role requires strong expertise in AWS-based solutions, NoSQL data modeling, data governance, and integration between heterogeneous systems. The architect will work collaboratively with technical teams, data governance groups, and senior stakeholders to ensure that data structures, documentation, and processes support business objectives and comply with established governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Define logical and physical data models, including NoSQL data structures, to support business and technical requirements.
• Establish and maintain data structures, data flows, and end-to-end documentation across systems.
• Define and document data requirements, inputs, outputs, and lineage using approved data lineage and traceability tools.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of API documentation and data integration specifications.
• Ensure data consistency, integrity, and quality across systems, aligning with established governance frameworks and regulatory standards.
• Implement and uphold data governance processes, collaborating with central data architecture and governance teams to ensure enterprise alignment.
• Contribute to broader architecture decisions to ensure designs adhere to organisational standards and technical strategy.
• Support and oversee data-related testing activities by clarifying data models, flows, and requirements for testing teams.
• Conduct impact analysis and support lifecycle management of data assets, identifying opportunities for reuse and optimisation.
• Engage with cross-functional stakeholders—including developers, testers, product and technical architects, senior leadership, and governance forums—to communicate design decisions and secure required approvals.
• Provide guidance, oversight, and direction to data analysts and support other architects as needed.
• Ensure adherence to security, privacy, and compliance requirements, including meeting clearance requirements where applicable.

Skills Required

• Strong experience in data architecture with proven expertise in data modeling for both relational and NoSQL databases, including structured and unstructured data environments.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms—particularly AWS—and NoSQL technologies such as DynamoDB.
• Strong understanding of system integrations, including API-based workflows, data exchange patterns, and documentation of integration specifications.
• Proficiency in designing and managing data integration workflows across diverse platforms.
• Experience with data lineage, metadata, and traceability tools (e.g., Solidatus) or the ability to quickly adopt such tools.
• Solid understanding of data governance principles, data quality processes, lifecycle management, and compliance with privacy and regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into effective data designs and technical solutions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate with senior leadership, technical teams, and governance bodies.
• Experience supporting data-focused testing activities and clarifying data models and flows for testing teams.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple delivery teams in Agile environments and adapt to evolving project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications in data architecture, cloud platforms, or data governance are an advantage.
• Prior experience in a Data Architect or similar role, preferably in complex, multi-team environments.