SAS Technical Architect - Viya

SAS Technical Architect - Viya
Clearance Required: Current HMRC SC
Duration: 6 months
Location: Telford - 2 days on site
IR35 Status: Mandated PAYE only

We are heading up a recruitment drive for a global consultancy that require a SAS Technical Architect to join them on a major government project that's based in Telford.

We are seeking an experienced SAS Technical Architect to lead the design and delivery of enterprise-scale analytics solutions using the SAS toolset, with a strong focus on SAS Viya 4 architecture.
The role will be responsible for defining end-to-end technical architecture, supporting migration from Legacy SAS platforms, and ensuring alignment with enterprise cloud and data strategies.
This role is critical to supporting large-scale transformation programmes involving migration of SAS 9.4/Viya 3.5 estates to Viya 4 platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Design
Define and own the end-to-end SAS architecture, ensuring alignment with programme and enterprise strategy.
Design scalable, secure, and high-performing SAS Viya 4 solutions across cloud environments (AWS/Azure).
Lead architecture reviews, governance gates, and design approvals.
SAS Viya 4 Platform
Architect and implement SAS Viya 4 environments, including:
o CAS (Cloud Analytic Services)
o SAS Studio, Visual Analytics, and Model Studio
Define deployment patterns using containerised environments (Kubernetes) for Viya 4.
Ensure alignment with platform strategies (eg DPS/Minerva).
Migration & Transformation
Lead migration of SAS 9.4/Viya 3.5 workloads to Viya 4, including:
o Data integration flows
o Analytical models and reporting
o Configuration and scheduling
Define migration approach covering:
o Code migration and refactoring
o Data validation and reconciliation
o Performance optimisation
Support transformation of Legacy solutions to modern, cloud-native patterns.
Technical Leadership
Provide technical leadership to data engineers, developers, and testers.
Support design for:
o CI/CD integration
o DevOps practices
o Automation and deployment pipelines
Collaborate with architects, engineering teams, and SMEs across suppliers.
Governance & Stakeholder Management
Present solutions to senior stakeholders (client and internal).
Ensure compliance with:
o Security and data governance standards
o Cloud architecture principles
Support commercial and delivery teams with estimation and solutioning.

Key Skills & Experience
Essential
Strong experience in SAS architecture and technical design
Proven delivery experience with SAS Viya 4 platforms
Deep knowledge of SAS toolset, including:
o SAS DI/Data Integration
o SAS Visual Analytics
o SAS Studio/Enterprise Guide
Experience designing cloud-based SAS solutions (AWS/Azure)
Experience with Kubernetes/containerised deployments for Viya 4
Experience delivering large-scale migration programmes
Desirable
Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
Experience integrating SAS with:
o Airflow or alternative schedulers
o Data platforms (eg Snowflake, Databricks)
Understanding of data security and access models
Experience in public sector/regulated environments (eg HMRC)
Qualifications
Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
SAS certifications (Viya/Advanced Analytics) preferred
Key Behaviours
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
Ability to operate at both strategic architecture level and hands-on design
Analytical mindset with a focus on quality and delivery
Collaborative approach across multi-supplier environments
Typical Deliverables
Architecture design documents (HLD/LLD)
SAS Viya 4 deployment and configuration designs
Migration strategies and runbooks
Governance artefacts and technical assurance inputs
Reporting Line
Typically reports to Programme/Delivery Architect or Engagement Manager
Works closely with:
o Technical Architects
o Data Engineers
o Platform/Cloud teams
o Client architecture teams
Context (HMRC/SAS Programmes)
Migration of Legacy SAS estates to Viya 4 cloud platforms is a key focus
Solutions align to enterprise platforms such as Minerva/DPS
Requires collaboration across Capgemini, HMRC, and other suppliers