Data Architect (Contract) Location: Remote / Hybrid Contract Length: 8 weeks (with potential extension) Rate: 600-700£ Per Day About the Role We are seeking an experienced Data Architect for a short-term consulting engagement focused on defining the foundations of a modern, scalable, and cost-efficient AI-ready data ecosystem. This role is suited to a senior practitioner who can operate across business, technical, and governance domains to shape future-state data architecture and operating models. You will lead structured discovery activities, evaluate architectural options, and develop clear, pragmatic recommendations that position the organisation for long-term analytics and AI enablement. Key Responsibilities Discovery & Assessment Lead interviews and working sessions with internal stakeholders and selected external data partners Assess existing data workflows, integrations, and analytical use cases Map the current and future landscape of data sources, consumption patterns, and integration needs Data Architecture & Platform Design Design and compare options for a secure, scalable, and cost-effective modern data architecture Evaluate cloud data platforms, analytics environments, and API-led data access patterns Define high-level governance, metadata, privacy, and compliance frameworks Cost & Operational Efficiency Analyse cost, performance, and operational trade-offs across architectural options Recommend strategies to optimise scalability, maintainability, and total cost of ownership Roadmap & Recommendations Produce a clear future-state data architecture and strategic blueprint Deliver a prioritised, actionable implementation roadmap Required Skills & Experience Strong experience designing and advising on enterprise data architectures Deep understanding of modern data stacks, including cloud data platforms and API-based integration Hands-on knowledge of data modelling, ETL/ELT patterns, and distributed data processing Solid grounding in data security, privacy, and compliance best practices Proven ability to lead stakeholder discovery and translate business needs into technical designs Ideal Background 6 years’ experience in data architecture, data strategy, or data platform consulting Experience working with multiple third-party, partner, or open data sources Exposure to organisations preparing for scaled analytics, automation, or AI adoption Why This Role? High-impact, short-term engagement with senior visibility Opportunity to shape a greenfield or next-generation data architecture Focus on strategy and architecture rather than delivery execution