Data Architect

Data Architect • Contract Duration: 6 months • Location: London (Primarily remote with some travel) • Job Type: Contract We are seeking a Data Architect to take a leading role in the design and evolution of data architecture for a high-profile software solution project currently entering Phase 2 of its design stage. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in data architecture and a proven ability to bridge business requirements with technical implementation. Day-to-day of the role: • Review and enhance the existing data model, identifying gaps against new requirements. • Design and produce target ('to-be') logical data models. • Define and implement Elasticsearch data structures (indices, documents, fields). • Lead data mapping, transformation, and integration activities. • Develop artefacts including data mapping documents, data dictionaries, and data architecture definitions. • Support data lifecycle management (upgrade, archive, decommission). • Ensure alignment with data governance policies and enterprise data standards. • Provide guidance to development teams and act as the go-to expert for data queries. • Contribute to solution design decisions, including integration with IES and POLE. Required Skills & Qualifications: • Proven experience designing document-based data models in Elasticsearch (indices, documents, and fields). • Strong expertise working with large-scale datasets (terabytes); data extraction, ingestion, mapping, and transformation. • Experience working with data lake architectures alongside Elasticsearch to support scalable data storage and retrieval. • Proven ability to organise and structure data at an enterprise level, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and governance. • Hands-on experience designing and implementing data management systems. • Strong capability to design and optimise data ingestion and pipeline models. • Experience supporting and influencing technology stack decisions, aligning solutions with business requirements and strategic objectives. • Experience defining data architecture frameworks, including metadata management, integration patterns, and data warehousing or BI architectures. • Ability to create logical and physical data models, data dictionaries, and mapping documentation. • Strong understanding of data modelling best practices and standards. • Capability to translate business requirements into data solutions. • Expertise in data lifecycle management and governance. • Strong stakeholder engagement across business and technical teams. • Ability to operate effectively in Agile delivery environments. • Confident in presenting and justifying architectural decisions. • Acts as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert. • Ability to meet SC + NPPV3 vetting requirements. • Strong awareness of data compliance, governance, and security considerations. Desirable: • Experience within policing or security domains, particularly with the POLE data model. • Familiarity with UK Information Exchange Standard (IES). • Understanding of intelligence or communications data environments. How to apply: To apply for this Data Architect position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience.