Lead Data Architect

We are looking for a Lead Data Architect to join our Technology Strategy and Architecture practice. This is a strategic role that deals with data holistically across an organization. Lead Data Architects drive digital transformation from a data perspective, supporting clients to define the vision for data in their organization. Lead Data Architects ensure that data is managed properly through data landscaping, data cataloguing, data design, and data standards.

You will bring a pragmatic and user‑centered approach to data architecture, ensuring that data architecture, governance, processes and technologies meet the needs of users and stakeholders.

• Guide and support clients to define data strategy to align with broader organisational strategy
• Discover and document client data ecosystems and design future state enterprise data architecture
• Champion, set standards, design governance, and define ways of working for data

You will operate as a trusted advisor, liaising with senior client stakeholders. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across design, data engineering, technology, and delivery. You will lead smaller engagements or play a senior role on larger ones, providing oversight and advice on data for the wider team and for the client. You will also support the development of junior colleagues while contributing to practice improvement and business development.

• Collaborate with client stakeholders to design data strategies aligned to organisation strategy and goal
• Analyse client data landscapes, document current‑state data systems, and conduct Data Maturity Assessments, mapping data assets, information flows and user needs
• Design interoperable data models and solutions to meet client needs, advising on selection and implementation of data products and tools
• Develop data standards, create data catalogues, and design governance processes to maintain data quality and usability of data
• Facilitate workshops and interviews with clients and users to understand user needs and organisational priorities
• Create documentation, visual artefacts and architecture diagrams including data landscapes, data flows, and catalogued data products
• Develop prioritised roadmaps to implement data strategy, including options appraisals and evidenced recommendations
• Advise on data capabilities and operating models, providing support to build data literacy where necessary
• Advise on AI adoption, assessing AI readiness and guidance on data to support AI implementation
• Maintain strong client relationships, building trust with senior stakeholders
• Communicate complex technical information to non‑technical stakeholders both in‑person and through a variety of media (e.g. architectural diagrams, prose documentation, and presentations)
• Lead project work streams or small/medium client work in data‑related engagements. Hold and manage uncertainty and ambiguity on behalf of clients and our teams
• Lead by example, holding responsibilities for an inclusive team culture and ensuring projects deliver maximum impact and value to our clients
• Contribute to the continual development of our technology and data practice, mentoring or line‑managing more junior consultants and contributing to internal learning
• Contribute to business development and marketing activities. Input into bids and proposals with a focus on data‑related content
• Maintain a strong understanding of emerging trends and technologies in the data space

• Successful track record of designing data architecture and data models
• Experience in developing and reviewing data architecture artefacts, e.g. data landscapes, enterprise conceptual models, and data flow diagrams
• Proven experience of implementing data governance and overseeing data life cycles
• Experience designing, implementing, or evaluating organisational data strategies
• Strong verbal and written skills and experience 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
• Und…