Data Architect

NPAworldwide; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent technical consultancy is seeking an experienced Data Architect to support national security programmes in the UK. You will lead data architecture strategies and design secure, scalable solutions. The role demands expertise in cloud data architectures, automation, and governance. Competitive salary and flexible working options are provided. Join this opportunity to influence UK Defence strategy through your architectural expertise.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Generous learning and development budget

Matched pension and healthcare

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Data Architect in complex environments.
• Strong knowledge of relational, NoSQL and cloud data architectures.
• Experience with modernising enterprise data platforms.
• Ability to define and own enterprise data architecture strategies.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Data Architecture SME across multiple Defence programmes.
• Design scalable, secure data models and integration architectures.
• Drive data governance, ethics, and interoperability standards.
• Produce and maintain architecture artefacts and documentation.

Skills

Data Architecture expertise

Cloud data architecture (Azure, AWS, GCP)

Scripting and automation

Data governance and compliance

Data analytics and visualization

Tools

Azure

AWS

GCP

Modern data tooling

Job description

Our client is a highly respected specialist technical consultancy working at the heart of the UK Defence and National Security community. They design and deliver secure, mission‑critical data and digital solutions that directly support UK Government operations.

Due to sustained programme growth, they are now seeking an experienced Data Architect to join their high‑performing Defence practice.

The Opportunity

This is a senior, hands‑on architecture role supporting classified, high‑impact programmes where your work directly contributes to national security outcomes.

You will own data architecture strategy, standards and governance across complex environments, shaping future‑proof data platforms that enable AI, analytics, automation and advanced decision intelligence.

Regular travel to London will be required.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as the Data Architecture SME across multiple Defence programmes
• Define and own enterprise data architecture strategies and standards
• Assess existing platforms and lead modernisation roadmaps
• Design scalable, secure data models and integration architectures
• Partner with engineering, analytics and stakeholders to deliver compliant, high‑performance data solutions
• Drive data governance, ethics and interoperability standards
• Guide adoption of emerging technologies including AI/ML‑ready data platforms
• Produce and maintain architecture artefacts and documentation

What We’re Looking For

You will be an experienced Data Architect with a background in secure or highly regulated environments.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience as a Data Architect in complex environments
• Strong knowledge of relational, NoSQL and cloud data architectures
• Experience modernising enterprise data platforms
• Experience with Azure, AWS or GCP, modern data tooling, modelling and integration patterns
• Scripting and automation capability

Awareness and evidence of

• Data standards & interoperability
• Data governance, ethics & compliance
• Secure data sharing across security domains
• Data analytics & visualisation

Security Clearance

• Hold British citizenship
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 5 years
• Be able to obtain high‑level UK security clearance

What’s On Offer

• Highly competitive salary (dependent on clearance & experience)
• Hybrid & flexible working
• Generous L&D budget, career coaching & funded training
• Matched pension & healthcare
• Supportive, collaborative culture with regular team socials

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to work on classified, nationally significant programmes where your architectural decisions will directly influence UK Defence capability and future digital strategy.