Data Architect - Home-Based in Altrincham

2-month contract (initially) Remote Working Outside IR35 Market Rates (c£550 per day)

The Opportunity: Our client is supporting a major UK Government Department on a strategically important Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance initiative and is seeking an experienced Data Architect (SFIA Level 5) to help define the organisation's new Enterprise AI Data Principles. This engagement will play a critical role in shaping the future governance of AI across the organisation by establishing enterprise-wide data principles that support the safe, secure and responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence; these principles will ultimately underpin the organisation's AI governance framework and associated controls.

Working closely with stakeholders across Data, Security, Privacy and AI Governance, you will review existing enterprise architecture artefacts, identify gaps and define AI-specific data principles that address emerging risks such as data quality, privacy, security, provenance, lineage and bias. Although initially a 2-month engagement, there is a strong possibility of extension as the programme progresses.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong background in enterprise data architecture, data governance, standards development and architecture principles.
• Experience contributing to AI, Generative AI (GenAI) or AI Governance programmes.
• Strong understanding of AI-related data risks, including: Data Quality / Privacy / Security / Provenance / Data Lineage / Bias / Accountability / Responsible AI.
• Experience reviewing existing architecture artefacts and developing enterprise-level recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to build consensus across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience translating architectural principles into practical governance controls, policies and operational standards.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable:

• Experience working with recognised governance and architecture frameworks, including: DAMA / NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) ISO 42001 / ISO 27001 / UK GDPR / GDPR Responsible AI frameworks / Enterprise Data Governance frameworks.
• Experience delivering architecture or governance work within UK Government or other highly regulated environments would be highly advantageous.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Define the organisation's Enterprise AI Data Principles aligned with its wider enterprise architecture and governance strategy.
• Review existing Data Design & Architecture Principles, Agentic AI Principles and related governance artefacts to identify opportunities for enhancement.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across Data, Security, Privacy, Risk, Compliance and AI Governance to build consensus around enterprise data principles.
• Identify and assess AI-specific data risks, including data quality, privacy, security, provenance, lineage, bias, accountability and regulatory considerations.
• Develop practical recommendations that support the safe, ethical and responsible use of AI across the organisation.
• Translate architectural principles into effective governance controls, policies and standards.
• Update and map AI controls to ensure alignment with enterprise governance frameworks and organisational objectives.
• Support the development of a consistent enterprise approach to AI data governance and assurance.
• Produce high-quality architecture documentation, principles and supporting governance artefacts.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and senior business stakeholders.

NB: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic level of security clearance before undertaking the assignment (around one weeks’ lead-time).