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- Tasks: Shape enterprise-scale data ecosystems and influence AI/ML-ready platforms for national security.
- Company: Specialist Defence and National Security consultancy with a focus on digital programmes.
- Benefits: Premium salary, hybrid working, generous training budget, and career coaching.
- Why this job: Directly impact UK Defence data strategy and protect national security.
- Qualifications: Senior-level Data Architect experience in secure or regulated environments.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with regular team socials and long-term secure programmes.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist Defence and National Security consultancy delivering some of the UK Government's most sensitive and strategically important digital programmes. Their work supports intelligence operations, cyber defence, data‑driven automation and national infrastructure protection.
This is a rare opportunity to sit at the core of national security delivery. You will shape enterprise‑scale data ecosystems, define governance and interoperability frameworks, and influence adoption of AI/ML‑ready platforms that enable faster, smarter and more secure operational decision‑making. You will operate at senior stakeholder level and provide architectural leadership across long‑term Defence programmes. Regular London travel required.
What You'll Own:
- Enterprise data architecture strategy and roadmaps
- 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
What We're Looking For:
- Senior‑level Data Architect experience within complex, secure or regulated environments
- 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
Security Clearance Eligibility:
- British citizenship
- UK residency for the last 5 years
- Eligible for high‑level UK security clearance
What's On Offer:
- Premium salary & benefits
- Hybrid working
- Generous funded training & career coaching
- Long‑term secure Defence programmes
- Highly collaborative, technically driven culture
Why This Role?
You will architect platforms that protect national security, enable advanced intelligence capability and directly shape the future of UK Defence data strategy.
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 in Cardiff employer: NPAworldwide
Contact Detail:
NPAworldwide Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Architect in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence and national security sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of data governance and compliance frameworks. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key concepts and examples from your past experiences. This will help you articulate how you can shape enterprise-scale data ecosystems effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you’ve worked on any relevant projects, compile them into a presentation or document. We want to see your architectural leadership in action, especially in modernisation or transformation programmes. It’s a great way to stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can contribute to our mission in national security. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Architect in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in enterprise architecture and data modelling, especially in secure environments. We want to see how your skills align with 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 passionate about national security and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Let us know what excites you about shaping data ecosystems.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in modernisation or transformation programmes. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've influenced data governance and interoperability frameworks.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at NPAworldwide
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in enterprise data architecture strategies and roadmaps. Brush up on governance, interoperability, and compliance frameworks, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss your experience with secure, scalable data models will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Modernisation
Prepare to talk about your past experiences in delivering modernisation or transformation programmes. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to influence AI/ML-ready platforms and how you've contributed to operational decision-making in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Technologies
Get comfortable discussing your experience with cloud ecosystems like Azure, AWS, or GCP. If you have scripting or automation skills, be sure to mention them, as they can set you apart from other candidates. Knowing the latest trends in analytics and visualisation platforms will also be a plus.
✨Understand the Importance of Security Clearance
Since this role requires high-level UK security clearance, be prepared to discuss your eligibility. Familiarise yourself with the security protocols and compliance standards relevant to Defence and National Security. This shows you take the role seriously and understand the stakes involved.
