Lead Data Architect

Job Description

We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist Defence and National Security consultancy delivering some of the UK Government's most sensitive and strategically important digital programmes. Their work supports intelligence operations, cyber defence, data‑driven automation and national infrastructure protection.

This is a rare opportunity to sit at the core of national security delivery. You will shape enterprise‑scale data ecosystems, define governance and interoperability frameworks, and influence adoption of AI/ML‑ready platforms that enable faster, smarter and more secure operational decision‑making. You will operate at senior stakeholder level and provide architectural leadership across long‑term Defence programmes. Regular London travel required.

• Enterprise data architecture strategy and roadmaps
• Governance, interoperability and compliance frameworks
• Secure, scalable data models and integration architectures
• Platform modernisation and cloud migration strategies
• AI/ML and advanced analytics data enablement
• Cross‑domain secure data sharing patterns
• Architecture standards, documentation and best practice

• Senior‑level Data Architect experience within complex, secure or regulated environments
• Strong enterprise architecture and data modelling background
• Experience delivering modernisation or transformation programmes

• Data governance, ethics and compliance
• Interoperability and data standards
• Analytics and visualisation platforms
• Secure cross‑domain data sharing
• Experience across Azure, AWS or GCP ecosystems
• Scripting / automation capability desirable

• British citizenship
• UK residency for the last 5 years
• Eligible for high‑level UK security clearance

• Premium salary & benefits
• Hybrid working
• Generous funded training & career coaching
• Long‑term secure Defence programmes
• Highly collaborative, technically driven culture

You will architect platforms that protect national security, enable advanced intelligence capability and directly shape the future of UK Defence data strategy.

You will be an experienced Data Architect with a background in secure or highly regulated environments.

• Highly competitive salary (dependent on clearance & experience)
• Hybrid & flexible working
• Generous L&D budget, career coaching & funded training
• Matched pension & healthcare
• Supportive, collaborative culture with regular team socials