Enterprise Data Architect

Data Architect (Contract)

Location: Remote
Duration: Initial 3-Month Contract
Day Rate: £600- £700
Start Date: Mid Sep
IR35: Outside

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.

Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

To find out more about Real, please visit www.realstaffing.com

Real Staffing, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC387148 England and Wales