Lead Data Architect

We’re looking for a Lead Data Architect to join our digital transformation consultancy.

This is a strategic role that leads data strategy for public sector clients. Lead Data Architects look at data holistically, supporting clients to define the vision for data in their organisation.

• Guide and support clients to define data strategy in line with broader organisational strategy
• Map where and how data is used and stored across a client organisation
• Set data standards, design governance, and define ways of working for data

You will bring a user‑centered approach to data, ensuring that data meet the needs of users and stakeholders and helps the client to deliver effective services.

You'll operate as a trusted advisor, liaising with senior client stakeholders.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across design, technology, and delivery. You will lead smaller engagements or play a senior role on larger ones. You will be the source of oversight and advice on data for the wider team and for the client. The Lead level is aligned to level 6 in the SFIA framework.

You will also support the development of junior colleagues and contribute to team culture and business development.

• Analyse client data landscapes and document data systems, mapping data assets, information flows and user needs
• Create documentation, visual artefacts and architecture diagrams including data landscapes, data flows, and catalogued data products.
• Conduct Data Maturity Assessments assessing staff capabilities and data usage for decision making

• Collaborate with client stakeholders to design data strategies aligned to organisation strategy and goals
• Develop prioritised roadmaps to implement data strategy
• Conduct options appraisals
• Advise on data capabilities and operating models, providing support to build data literacy where necessary
• Advise on AI adoption, assessing AI readiness

• Develop data standards, create data catalogues, identify data owners and design governance processes to maintain data quality and usability
• Design interoperable data solutions to meet client needs, advising on selection and implementation of data products and tools
• Facilitate workshops and interviews with clients and users to understand user needs and organisational priorities
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, building trust with senior stakeholders
• Communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders
• Lead project work streams or small/medium client work in data-related engagements

• Contribute to the continual development of our technology and data practice, mentor or line manage more junior consultants and contribute to internal learning
• Contribute to bids, proposals and marketing
• Maintain a strong understanding of emerging trends and technologies in the data space

• Successful track record of designing data architecture and producing architecture artefacts, e.g. data landscapes, enterprise conceptual models, and data flow diagrams
• Proven experience of data governance and improving data quality
• Experience designing or reviewing organisation-wide data strategies
• Strong verbal and written skills and experience of presenting technical concepts and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrable knowledge of a wide range of data solutions, common data platforms, and emerging data technologies, and understanding of common constraints and considerations
• Experience in a consultancy setting, demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness to client needs and working with stakeholders at multiple levels across the organisation.
• Experience managing senior business stakeholders
• Champion of user needs and user centered design in the context of data
• Committed to personal and professional development, staying abreast of industry trends.
• A technology and platform agnostic perspective.
• Experience working in diverse, remote, and multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience with agile methodologies
• Experience leading projects or teams
• Awareness of the priorities and challenges of…