Freelance Data Architect (Client Hire)

Flexing It is a freelance consulting marketplace that connects freelancers and independent consultants with organisations seeking independent talent.

Flexing It has partnered with Our Client a leading consulting firm are looking to engage with a Enterprise/Data Architect.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Enterprise Architecture Analysis:

a. Assess current enterprise architecture across infrastructure, data, applications, and

analytics layers.

b. Apply TOGAF, MACH or equivalent frameworks to evaluate and redesign

architecture for scalability, agility, and compliance.

c. Assess legacy systems and define modernization roadmaps aligned with digital

transformation goals.

2. Data Architecture & Governance:

a. Analyze current data management practices including ingestion, storage, processing,

and governance.

b. Design a robust, scalable, and compliant target data architecture with a clear

classification hierarchy and lifecycle governance.

c. Define metadata management, data lineage, and master data management (MDM)

strategies.

3. IT-OT Integration:

a. Evaluate integration mechanisms between IT and OT systems (e.g., SAP, SDMS,

SCADA, DCS).

b. Recommend frameworks for secure, real-time data exchange and analytics

enablement.

c. Ensure alignment with OT cybersecurity standards.

4. TOGAF-Based Analysis:

a. Use TOGAF principles to benchmark and align architecture with global best practices.

b. Identify gaps and improvement opportunities in the current architecture.

5. Design of “To-Be” Architecture:

a. Develop a future-ready architecture blueprint

b. Ensure compatibility with cloud adoption strategies, cybersecurity frameworks,

and business objectives.

c. Incorporate MACH architecture principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native,

Headless) for modular, scalable, and composable enterprise systems.

6. Stakeholder Engagement:

a. Collaborate with divisional IT teams, data center teams, and business units to gather

requirements and validate architectural decisions.

b. Lead and participate in workshops and whiteboarding sessions to co-create

solutions.

Skills Required

1. Architecture & Frameworks:

a. Strong understanding of TOGAF, Zachman, or FEAF frameworks.

b. Experience designing MACH-based architectures (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-

native, Headless).

c. Familiarity with event-driven architecture (EDA) and domain-driven design

(DDD).

2. Cloud & Infrastructure:

a. Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid hosting models.

b. Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines,

and DevSecOps practices.

c. Infrastructure modernization including edge computing and IoT integration.

3. Data & Integration:

a. Expertise in data architecture, data lakes, data mesh, and data fabric concepts.

b. Proficiency in ETL/ELT tools, data virtualization, and real-time streaming

platforms (Kafka, MQTT).

c. Strong understanding of data governance, privacy laws (e.g., DPDP Act, GDPR),

and compliance frameworks.

4. Security & Compliance:

a. Familiarity with cybersecurity standards (ISO/IEC 27001, NIST, IEC 62443).

b. Experience implementing zero trust architecture and identity & access

management (IAM).

5. Tools & Platforms:

a. Experience with enterprise architecture tools (e.g., ArchiMate, Sparx EA, LeanIX).

b. Familiarity with integration platforms (MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, Apache Camel).

c. Exposure to ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), CRM systems (Oracle, Salesforce, etc.) OT

platforms, and industrial protocols.

6. Soft Skills:

a. Ability to translate business needs into technical architecture.

b. Strong documentation skills.