Overview
We are working with a leading university undergoing a significant data and insights transformation programme and are looking to engage an experienced Data Architect on an initial 3-month contract.
This role will play a key part in shaping the institution's data architecture strategy, supporting multiple programmes of work, and helping establish the foundations for long-term data governance, architecture, and insight capabilities.
The successful candidate will work closely with technical and business stakeholders, providing architectural leadership, governance support, and strategic guidance across a complex technology landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead data architecture activities across multiple transformation programmes and projects.
- Produce high-quality architecture artefacts, standards, and documentation.
- Design and document data flows, integration patterns, and system mappings.
- Review and assure solution and integration designs.
- Support the development of data governance frameworks and operating models.
- Facilitate architecture workshops, design sessions, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Identify, manage, and communicate risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
- Support programme delivery planning and sequencing through governance forums including Moderation Boards and Planning Boards.
- Ensure alignment with university architecture principles, standards, and governance processes.
- Present updates and recommendations to Architecture Boards, Technical Design Authorities, and senior stakeholders.
- Provide structured knowledge transfer and handover to the permanent Data Architect.
Key Deliverables
- Data architecture artefacts and supporting documentation.
- Architecture assurance outputs for key programmes and projects.
- Reviewed solution architecture and integration design documentation.
- Documented data flows and system mappings.
- Contributions to the development of a data governance operating model.
- Data modelling standards and best practice guidance.
- Support with establishing a Data Authority function.
- Data & Insights roadmap and delivery timelines.
- Stakeholder engagement and communication plans.
- Risk, issue, dependency, and mitigation reporting.
- Updates to architecture repositories and documentation libraries.
- Knowledge transfer sessions and handover documentation.
- Regular progress reporting to programme leadership and governance boards.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience working as a Data Architect within large, complex organisations.
- Strong background developing enterprise data architecture frameworks and standards.
- Experience designing and documenting data models, data flows, and integrations.
- Knowledge of data governance, data quality, and master data management principles.
- Experience supporting architecture governance and assurance processes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience facilitating workshops and driving consensus across multiple teams.
- Ability to work independently and deliver at pace within a transformation environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within Higher Education or the public sector.
- Understanding of university governance structures and decision-making processes.
- Exposure to enterprise architecture frameworks and modern cloud-based data platforms.
- Experience supporting Data & Insights transformation programmes.
Data Architect (Contract)
Location: Remote
Duration: Initial 3-Month Contract
Day Rate: £600- £700
Start Date: Mid Sep
IR35: Outside
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