Enterprise Data & AI Architect

Job description

Enterprise Data & AI Architect - Contract - £900 - £1000 Per day - Inside IR35 - RemoteAbout the role A global manufacturing and retail business is hiring a Lead Enterprise Architect for Data & AI to own its enterprise-wide data and AI architecture strategy. This is a senior, internal-facing role replacing a vendor-held position - we need someone who will represent the organisation strongly in the room with major platform partners (Microsoft, Databricks, Informatica, Collibra and others), not defer to them. You'll define the target-state architecture across the data platforms (Azure Synapse, Databricks, Power BI, Informatica), set the standards for governance, MDM, metadata and lineage, and shape how AI and advanced analytics scale across Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, Product and Regulatory. What you'll doDefine and drive the enterprise data and AI architecture strategy, aligned to business priorities and regulatory obligationsLead architectural decisions across major data and AI programmes - lakehouse vs warehouse, centralised vs federated ownership, GenAI adoptionHold the line with platform vendors and SIs - challenge, push back, and make sure decisions serve the business firstEstablish enterprise standards for data access, security, quality and lifecycleEngage C-suite and business function leaders to translate strategy into deliveryCoach domain architects and embed architectural thinking across the organisationWhat we're looking forExtensive enterprise architecture experience with a data, information or AI specialismIdeally a background in Consulting (Big 4 preferable, but not essential)Proven track record delivering AI strategies sponsored at C-suite level in recent rolesA clear, current point of view on where the AI industry is heading and what it means for large enterprisesExperience in a multinational environmentDeep expertise across Azure data platforms, Databricks, Power BI, and modern patterns (data mesh, lakehouse, GenAI)Strong grounding in data governance, MDM, GDPR/CCPAThe presence and diplomacy to challenge vendors and senior stakeholders constructivelyTOGAF or equivalent EA certification desirable; familiarity with LeanIX a plusWhy this role A genuinely global business going through serious digital and data transformation, with the scale and complexity to make this role meaningful. You'll set direction, not follow it.