At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and improve data governance and architecture across diverse platforms.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on data excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive data innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data strategy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Data Architect and strong stakeholder management skills.
We are seeking an experienced Data Architect contractor to provide medium-term support in shaping and improving its data landscape. The role will help strengthen data governance, interpret and apply relevant regulatory and open data policy requirements, and provide practical architectural leadership across both SAP and non-SAP platforms. The contractor will work across business and technology teams to ensure data is structured, governed, and used in a way that supports operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and future change.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and improve data governance arrangements, including data ownership, standards, lineage, metadata, data quality, and control frameworks.
- Assess the impact of open data policies and related regulatory expectations, translating them into clear architectural principles, delivery implications, and practical actions.
- Review existing data policies, standards, and practices, and recommend improvements to align policy intent with operational and technical reality.
- Provide data architecture leadership across the wider estate, including SAP and non-SAP systems, integrations, reporting platforms, data flows, and third-party services.
- Develop and maintain target-state data architecture views, conceptual and logical data models, and supporting design principles.
- Identify medium-term opportunities to simplify data flows, improve consistency, reduce duplication, and strengthen control over critical data assets.
- Support programmes and projects by providing architectural input on data design, governance, migration, retention, access, and sharing requirements.
- Work closely with business, operational, security, architecture, and delivery teams to ensure data decisions are pragmatic, well-governed, and aligned to business priorities.
- Provide clear advice to senior stakeholders on data risks, options, dependencies, and recommended next steps.
Experience
- Proven experience working as a Data Architect in complex enterprise environments.
- Strong practical experience of establishing or improving data governance frameworks and controls.
- Experience interpreting policy, regulatory, or compliance requirements and translating them into architectural and operational actions.
- Good understanding of open data, data sharing, data classification, and controlled access models.
- Experience working across mixed technology estates, including both legacy and modern platforms.
- Familiarity with SAP environments and the way SAP data interacts with surrounding enterprise platforms is desirable but not essential.
- Experience of working with non-SAP applications, data and integration layers, reporting environments, and wider data consumers.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage credibly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience of producing clear architecture artefacts, position papers, roadmaps, and practical recommendations.
- Knowledge of the UK energy, utilities, or regulated services sector.
- Awareness of OFGEM policy direction, especially in relation to open data and data transparency.
- Experience with data modelling, metadata management, master data, data quality, and data lineage practices.
- Understanding of cloud-based data architecture, APIs, integration patterns, and enterprise data platforms.
- Ability to assess both strategic direction and immediate delivery realities, balancing long-term improvement with pragmatic short-term actions.
- Strong analytical and interpretation skills, with the ability to review documents, policies, and technical landscapes and draw out clear conclusions.
Data Architect employer: Investigo
Join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise as a Data Architect will directly influence the enhancement of our data landscape. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a commitment to data governance excellence. Located in a dynamic sector, you will have the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies while contributing to meaningful projects that drive operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events related to data architecture. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with data governance and architecture. Share specific examples of how you've improved data flows or implemented governance frameworks. We want to see you shine!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company has its own vibe and needs. Do a bit of research on the organisations you're interested in and tailor your conversations to show how your skills align with their goals. We’re all about making those connections that matter!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you a better chance but also keeps you in the loop about any updates or new roles that pop up. Let’s get you that Data Architect position!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Architect role. Highlight your experience with data governance, architecture, and any relevant technologies like SAP. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved data governance or led architectural projects in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical teams, make sure to highlight your stakeholder management skills. Give us examples of how you've engaged with different audiences and made data decisions that align with business priorities.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Investigo
✨Know Your Data Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on data governance frameworks and controls. Be ready to discuss how you've established or improved these in past roles, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Translate Policy into Action
Prepare examples of how you've interpreted policy and regulatory requirements in your previous work. Think about specific architectural principles you've developed and how they impacted operational effectiveness. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between compliance and practical application.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience engaging with both technical and non-technical audiences. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to communicate complex data concepts clearly and effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP and Non-SAP Environments
Even if you're not an SAP expert, having a basic understanding of how SAP data interacts with other platforms can set you apart. Research common integration patterns and be prepared to discuss how you've worked across mixed technology estates in the past.
