Overview
The Lead Data Architect will be pivotal in leading the enterprise data architecture for a significant project in the UK, reporting to the Head of Data & AI. The contractor will collaborate with key business stakeholders to define and implement data architecture strategies, ensuring alignment with both business needs and regulatory requirements while managing the transition towards the target state design.
Responsibilities
- Set principles, standards, and models for the organization’s data architecture.
- Lead the architecture of Azure-based data and analytics platforms.
- Implement governance controls for metadata, lineage, quality, and retention.
- Participate in design authorities to evaluate solutions against enterprise standards.
- Influence strategic data investment decisions in collaboration with senior stakeholders.
- Develop architecture standards, roadmaps, and governance processes.
- Provide pragmatic guidance to programs and suppliers regarding data architecture.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in senior or lead data architecture roles.
- Strong hands-on experience with modern Azure data services and Microsoft data ecosystems.
- Expertise in data modeling, warehousing, and lakehouse patterns.
- Solid understanding of API, batch, and event-driven data integration architectures.
- Experience in defining architecture standards and governance processes.
- Ability to work with executive stakeholders and delivery leaders.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and Power BI for advanced analytics.
- TOGAF familiarity or certification is preferred.