Senior Data Architect - SC cleared

Are you an experienced Data Architect ready to make a difference in a mission-critical Defence environment? Evodia is partnered with a leading organisation supporting national security, and we're seeking a skilled Senior Data Architect to join their team on a contract basis. If you hold an SC security clearance and are willing to progress to DV, this could be a great opportunity for you.
What's on offer?

• Location: Bristol, with a flexible hybrid working model (2 days onsite per week)
• Duration: ASAP until 31 March 2027, with potential for extension
• Day Rate: Up to £805 per day (inside IR35)
• Security Clearance: SC minimum, willing to undergo DV clearance
• Working Hours: 7.5 hours per day

About the role

You will be at the forefront of designing and delivering the enterprise data architecture across secure digital platforms that support defence capabilities. Your expertise will implement and optimise data models (conceptual, logical, and physical) driving data governance, metadata management, and standards in a complex, evolving environment. This role requires translating operational needs into coherent data solutions while ensuring resilience, security, and scalability. You will lead architecture assurance, manage technical risks, and provide guidance to multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead technical architecture and design across data systems, solutions, and services.
• Apply enterprise data architecture principles, standards, and reusable patterns in a secure environment.
• Assure solution quality, resilience, security, and performance throughout project lifecycle.
• Identify and manage technical risks, complexity, and technical debt.
• Provide expert guidance and leadership in data modelling, data governance, and metadata management.
• Communicate complex architectural options clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

What we're looking for

• Extensive experience in data architecture, data modelling, and enterprise data solutions within complex environments.
• Deep knowledge of conceptual, logical, and physical data models, data dictionaries, data lineage, and governance.
• Proficiency in applying data architecture frameworks, standards, and patterns.
• Experience providing technical leadership and assurance to teams and senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of security, resilience, interoperability, and lifecycle trade-offs.
• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field; recognised professional memberships such as BCS Practitioner Award or CDMP Practitioner are desirable.

Desirable skills

• Experience working within Crown, military, or other secure, regulated environments.
• Contributions to architecture governance, design authorities, and investment decisions.
• Familiarity with Agile, SAFe, data catalogues, data fabric, or modern data management approaches.

Why apply?

This is your chance to work on impactful projects in a recognised secure environment, contributing to national defence through innovative data architecture. If you're ready to bring your expertise to a significant and dynamic organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is here to support you through the application process and ensure you find a role that matches your skills and aspirations. Evodia Limited acts as an employment business for this vacancy.