> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3314233-principal-data-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3314233-principal-data-architect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Data Architect

- **Company:** Co-op
- **Location:** Manchester, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £80,000.0 - £90,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Architecture, Data Systems, Meta-Data Management, AI Platforms, Databricks
- **Published:** September 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://hcnq.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/1070901/apply/email?mode=location

## About the Role

* Experience designing and delivering enterprise-scale data architecture, with expertise across data modelling, governance, integration and strategy
 * Strong architectural judgement, with the ability to balance business value, technical complexity, risk, cost and compliance considerations
 * Practical MDM and metadata management experience, specifically Databricks/Lakehouse platform
 * Experience providing technical leadership and influencing decisions across large-scale programmes, transformation initiatives and diverse stakeholder groups
 * A collaborative approach, with a passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others
 * Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, practical guidance.
 * A strategic mindset and genuine enthusiasm for shaping the future of data and driving positive change across an organisation

## Description

At Co-op, data helps us make better decisions, create better experiences and deliver more value for our members, customers and colleagues. We're looking for a Principal Data Architect to help shape the future of protect, understand, manage and exploit the value of data across our organisation, combining strategic thinking with deep technical expertise to guide our data transformation.

As a senior leader in our data community, you'll influence decisions across the business, provide architectural direction on major initiatives and help grow our capability through coaching, collaboration and the sharing of best practice. By creating strong foundations for how we manage and use data, you'll help unlock value across Co-op now and in the future.

What you'll do

 * Shape and evolve Co-op's enterprise-wide data architecture, including conceptual, logical and physical data models
 * A data architecture operating model and agentic AI enablement as a strategic driver
 * Provide data leadership and architectural guidance across strategic programmes, transformation initiatives and complex data projects
 * Partner with engineering, platform, solution architects and business teams to deliver secure, scalable and sustainable data solutions
 * Coach and mentor data architects and specialists, helping to grow capability and strengthen our data architecture community
 * Influence data platform strategy, governance and long-term investment decisions
 * Data & Ai platform solution design and hands on logical & low level design