Job description : We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist Defence and National Security consultancy delivering some of the UK Governments most sensitive and strategically important digital programmes. Their work supports intelligence operations, cyber defence, data-driven automation and national infrastructure protection.
With significant programme expansion underway, they are seeking a *Principal Data Architect* to take ownership of data architecture strategy and technical direction across multiple classified environments.
You will operate at senior stakeholder level and provide architectural leadership across long-term Defence programmes.
Regular London travel required.
Governance, interoperability and compliance frameworks
Secure, scalable data models and integration architectures
Platform modernisation and cloud migration strategies
AI / ML and advanced analytics data enablement
Cross-domain secure data sharing patterns
Architecture standards, documentation and best practice
Strong enterprise architecture and data modelling background
Experience delivering modernisation or transformation programmes
Knowledge of :
Data governance, ethics and compliance
Interoperability and data standards
Analytics and visualisation platforms
Secure cross-domain data sharing
Experience across Azure, AWS or GCP ecosystems
Scripting / automation capability desirable
UK residency for the last *5 years*
Eligible for high-level UK security clearance
Hybrid working
Generous funded training & career coaching
Long-term secure Defence programmes
Highly collaborative, technically driven culture
Qualifications : You will be an experienced Data Architect with a background in secure or highly regulated environments.
Why is This a Great Opportunity : 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
Lead Data Architect • Cardiff, England, United Kingdom