Lead Data Architect

NPAworldwide
Cardiff
2 months ago
Create job alert
Job Description

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.


The Role

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


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

New Data Science Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and International Companies Leading Analytics and AI Innovation

Data science has emerged as one of the most transformative forces across industries, turning raw information into actionable insights, predictive models, and AI-powered solutions. In 2026, the UK is witnessing a surge in organisations where data science is not just a support function but the core of their products and services. For professionals exploring opportunities on www.DataScience-Jobs.co.uk , identifying these employers early can provide a competitive advantage in a market with high demand for advanced analytics and machine learning expertise. This article highlights new and high-growth data science employers to watch in 2026, focusing on UK startups, scale-ups, and global firms expanding their data science operations locally. All of the companies included have recently raised investment, won high-profile contracts, or significantly scaled their analytics teams.

How Many Data Science Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Data Science Job?

If you’re trying to break into data science — or progress your career — it can feel like you are drowning in names: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, Spark, AWS, Scikit-learn, Jupyter, Tableau, Power BI…the list just keeps going. With every job advert listing a different combination of tools, many applicants fall into a trap: they try to learn everything. The result? Long tool lists that sound impressive — but little depth to back them up. Here’s the straight-talk version most hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 You don’t need to know every data science tool to get hired. 👉 You need to know the right ones — deeply — and know how to use them to solve real problems. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many data science tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is not “27” — it’s more like 8–12, thoughtfully chosen and well understood. This guide explains what employers really value, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your toolbox so your CV and interviews shine.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Data Science Job Applications (UK Guide)

If you’re applying for data science roles in the UK, it’s crucial to understand what hiring managers focus on before they dive into your full CV. In competitive markets, recruiters and hiring managers often make their first decisions in the first 10–20 seconds of scanning an application — and in data science, there are specific signals they look for first. Data science isn’t just about coding or statistics — it’s about producing insights, shipping models, collaborating with teams, and solving real business problems. This guide helps you understand exactly what hiring managers look for first in data science applications — and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you leap to the top of the shortlist.