Data Architect in Cheltenham

Shaping a smarter, more agile world! AtkinsRéalis is growing its Solution Design team and is looking for Data Architects who are curious and want to become part of our customers’ digital journey. We are looking to expand our multi‑disciplinary team with people from diverse backgrounds who bring data architecture expertise to the digital transformation of our stakeholders’ technology landscapes and ways of working.

You may currently be a data architect, data engineer, analytics consultant, solution architect or enterprise architect seeking a new challenge. We welcome applications from creative, adaptable systems thinkers who are passionate about designing data‑centric solutions, shaping future information capabilities, and expanding your own career potential along the way.

When it comes to living your life, we want your role with AtkinsRéalis to be a key part of your personal journey. We have a collaborative inclusive team culture where people will help, guide and mentor you to help you grow. Our flexible and remote working policies are designed to support different personal priorities and needs.

This role is within the Secure Government business unit which has an excellent record in consultancy and delivery to a wide range of clients, including some of the largest public and private sector organisations in the UK, particularly in defence, security and government markets. We are looking for Data Architects at various levels to enhance our team and technology solutions capability.

To succeed, our customers require expert advisors who listen and advise clearly demonstrating their deep experience and mature methods. You will be responsible for the definition of data architectures, data models, data flows, options and solutions to meet strategic business and information objectives.

Your role as a Data Architect will include:

• Defining enterprise and solution‑level data architectures in complex, mixed‑technology environments.
• Designing conceptual, logical and physical data models that support strategic outcomes.
• Leading data discovery, profiling and requirements analysis activities.
• Developing data standards, governance models, metadata frameworks and master data strategies.
• Designing data pipelines, integrations and data flows across systems and domains.
• Balancing technology, security and business needs to deliver effective data solutions.
• Producing data architecture artefacts in line with business strategies and appropriate frameworks.
• Supporting data‑driven digital transformation and enabling modern analytical capabilities.

About you:

• A degree in a science, computing or engineering subject, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience as a Data Architect, Data Engineer, Analytics Consultant or similar role.
• Experience with data architecture frameworks and modelling techniques (e.g., DAMA, DCAM, TOGAF).
• Strong understanding of conceptual, logical and physical data modelling and associated tools (e.g., ERwin, Sparx EA, ArchiMate, UML).
• Experience designing enterprise data flows, integrations and data pipelines.
• In‑depth understanding of data management principles including data quality, metadata, master data and reference data.
• Experience gathering and analysing data and system requirements in complex environments.
• Broad understanding of modern data technology domains, including cloud data platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), data lakes, warehouses and lakehouse architectures, ETL/ELT processes and tooling, streaming and event‑driven architectures, API‑led integration and data virtualisation.
• Understanding of data security‑by‑design, privacy, compliance and governance aligned to government and industry standards.
• Familiarity with contemporary analytical and digital services (e.g., AI/ML, BI, automation).
• Appreciation of emerging technologies such as IoT data processing, edge analytics and automation where appropriate.

Industry Experience:

• Experience working within Local Government, Regulated Industries, Defence or Security and Intelligence markets is beneficial.
• Appreciation and/or experience of different delivery methods such as Agile, SAFe, Scrum and their approaches such as scrums, backlogs.

The Individual:

• Excellent stakeholder management with focus on nurturing & developing strong relationships.
• Strong consulting skills, knowledge of a variety of techniques and methods to capture, elaborate and understand client challenges.
• Good negotiation, communication and relationship building skills; able to influence business decisions and formulate positive relationships with customers, strategic partners and colleagues.
• A high-level of self‑initiation, organisation and enthusiasm.
• Motivated to drive the design and delivery of solutions that realise the outcomes for the client’s needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence effectively across multiple media.
• Personable team player, able to work under guidance and own initiative, adding expertise and value to project deliverables.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• A strong interest and appreciation of technology trends and government IT strategy such as Cloud, Internet of Things, Cyber Security, Big Data and digital service design and delivery.

Rewards & benefits:

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Security clearance:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.