Data and AI Architect

Data and AI Architect
Location: Hybrid, Edinburgh
Duration: November 2026 to end of March 2027
Rate Outside IR35


We're looking for an experienced Data and AI Architect to assess the AI readiness of a Scottish public body and set the direction for its data and AI initiatives. This role will establish a clear baseline of data assets, data models and information structures, data flows, integration patterns, platforms and capabilities, taking into account information governance processes, standards and constraints, and advise on the strategic direction of its wider data management landscape.

You'll bring strong data architecture expertise across platforms such as Managed File Transfer, databases, SAS, R/Posit, Power BI and Databricks, along with a practical understanding of what it takes to adopt AI safely and effectively in the public sector. Working closely with technical teams and stakeholders, you'll make sure architecture artefacts reflect the current state and support change through architecture governance.

The role also involves identifying target states and priorities, maturing data and AI governance, and setting out a transition roadmap linked to the organisation's corporate and data strategies.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake an AI readiness assessment, establishing a baseline of data assets, data models, schemas and information structures, data flows, integration patterns, dependencies, platforms and capabilities
• Assess the current data management landscape and advise on strategic direction and roadmap
• Undertake a data discovery exercise to assess and catalogue data holdings and establish metadata standards
• Assess data quality and lifecycles, including lineage, classification, ownership and retention
• Work with operational teams to validate the current (as-is) state
• Take account of information governance processes, standards and constraints throughout the assessment
• Assess and update artefacts for current and legacy solutions (e.g. Managed File Transfer, databases, SAS, R/Posit, Power BI, Databricks) so that they accurately reflect the current state, in collaboration with operational teams to assist transformation initiatives
• Work with teams to clarify details and assist with architecture changes via architecture governance
• Identify target states and priorities for data and AI initiatives
• Develop strategic, enterprise target solutions using established options and design artefacts that take account of the complete solution (business, application/platform, data, infrastructure/cloud, security and operational model)
• Align recommendations and designs with the organisation's architecture principles
• Set out a transition roadmap linked to strategic goals in the corporate and data strategies
• Deliver against, align with and contribute to the organisation's data strategy
• Contribute to and help shape data and AI standards and good practice
• Collaborate with colleagues from information governance and cyber security, including to mature data and AI governance
• Attend regular architecture office sessions to provide updates and build consensus
• Present findings, recommendations and artefacts in architecture governance forums
• Peer review similar work from other architects to ensure consistency and broader alignment across initiatives