Enterprise Data Architect

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.