Data Architect

We are seeking a forward-thinking Data Architect to lead Gateshead Council's data strategy, shaping the architecture, governance and platforms that enable data to drive better services for our communities. As part of the Business Solutions and Data team, this role will establish the enterprise data foundations that support high-quality decision making, innovation and transformation, ensuring data is trusted, accessible, secure and used ethically. Working across services and with technical teams, you will translate complex business needs into scalable data solutions, champion a data-driven culture, and maximise the value of modern data platforms to deliver measurable outcomes for residents and stakeholders.

What you'll get to do:

• Own and evolve the Council's data strategy, aligning it with priorities, transformation and national standards.
• Design secure, scalable architecture and a common data model to enable integration and insight.
• Embed data into decision-making and promote best practice across teams.
• Use data, analytics and AI to drive better services and outcomes for residents.
• Turn business challenges into high-value data products and shape the data roadmap.
• Strengthen metadata, master data and governance to improve trust and accessibility.
• Enable safe, ethical and GDPR-compliant use of data.
• Grow data literacy, skills and clear ownership across the organisation.
• Track progress and increase data maturity, adoption and value.

Do you have experience in Metadata?, * A relevant degree (Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related subject or equivalent) or professional certifications in analytics/data management.

• Proven experience of developing and delivering an organisation-wide data strategy aligned to business priorities, driving data maturity and value.
• Strong expertise in enterprise data architecture, data modelling and designing scalable, secure and integrated data solutions.
• Demonstrable experience of implementing data governance frameworks, including metadata, master data, data quality and stewardship practices.
• Experience of working with modern cloud-based data platforms (e.g. Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks) and data integration approaches (ETL/ELT).
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex business needs into practical data solutions.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale data or digital transformation initiatives, driving a data-driven culture and embedding standards, best practice and accountability across a complex organisation.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Employee discount
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Flexible schedule
• Car scheme, * Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Shape how an entire organisation understands and uses its data. IT Services play a critical role in delivering the technology, infrastructure and digital capabilities that enable Gateshead Council, its schools and key partners to operate effectively and innovatively. The service provides strategic leadership, development, implementation and support of ICT solutions, ensuring employees are equipped with the tools and skills needed to work efficiently while safeguarding the council's data through secure, resilient systems. Covering a broad portfolio, IT Services are at the heart of enabling modern, connected and data-driven services that improve outcomes for residents and communities.