Lead Data Architect

We're looking for a Lead Data Architect to shape, build and maintain modern, effective, and scalable data architecture in AWS that underpins high-quality insight across our organisation. In this pivotal role, you'll lead the development of our corporate data landscape-designing robust data models, pipelines, and systems that ensure our data is reliable, secure, and accessible. You'll work closely with business stakeholders and multidisciplinary data teams to turn information into meaningful, people-centred solutions that drive smarter decision-making. As a leader, you'll guide and mentor a team of Data Engineers, championing best practice, innovative thinking, and high standards of data quality across the organisation. What You'll Do The role involves designing and maintaining the corporate data landing zone roadmap, architecting scalable data models, and developing optimised cloud-based pipelines and ETL processes in AWS. You will ensure data quality, security and availability across the lifecycle, enhancing performance through techniques such as partitioning, compression and caching. The position provides leadership and mentoring to Data Engineers while evaluating emerging technologies, documenting data architectures, and improving analytical processes and insight generation. You will also promote self-service data tools, build strong organisational relationships, represent the Data & Insight Team, and deputise for the Head of Data & Insight when required. Your day to day tasks will include-

• Line-managing staff, overseeing recruitment, performance, wellbeing, and workload prioritisation.
• Managing metadata, data access, and data integrity processes.
• Promoting the effective use of data to drive value in decision-making and service delivery.
• Working with suppliers of third-party applications to deliver integrated technical solutions.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external data providers.
• Championing innovative approaches to data and digital services.
• Ensuring data is managed effectively and made available to services in the right way. Influence organisational strategy through robust evidence and insight.

Do you have experience in XML?, Are you an analytical thinker who puts people at the heart of every decision?, At the core, you will need a deep knowledge of data architecture principles. Some key experiences you can bring are:

• Proven experience building and maintaining cloud-based data pipelines (e.g. AWS, Azure).
• Expertise in data modelling, ETL development, and data warehousing.
• Strong experience handling structured and unstructured data
• Practical application of SQL, APIs, JSON, XML, Python, etc.
• Ability to translate complex data into meaningful insight for non-technical audiences.
• Effective communicator with strong influencing, negotiating, and relationship-building skills.
• Able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and lead through change.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and a commitment to ethical data use.
• Experience leading teams and data projects using agile methodologies.
• Passionate about data and keen to continuously learn.

Please also highlight in your application if you have experience with Power BI and training others in data or information skills. Why Join Us? In addition to your salary, we offer a range of great benefits to help you financially and make life a bit easier. These include:

• a local government pension scheme with a 18.1% employer contribution
• salary sacrifice schemes
• modern flexible working practices
• learning and development packages
• career advancement opportunities
• employee discount benefits including shopping and gym discounts
• green car and cycle schemes
• travel loans
• Health Assured - confidential help and support for your wellbeing