Data Architect (Grade 3)

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(Revised for SFIA-8 Alignment)

Overview

As a Data Architect (Grade 3), you design and evolve data architectures that underpin reliable, scalable, and secure data systems. Working across data domains, you shape how data is structured, integrated, and governed across platforms and applications.

You collaborate with engineers, analysts, scientists, and governance teams to ensure that enterprise data assets are accessible, traceable, and fit for purpose. You play a key role in defining data standards, designing models, and enabling data interoperability through cloud-first practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Data Architect with a passion for designing meaningful and sustainable data solutions.

See Digital and Data Solutions Career Map

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Architecture Design & Modelling

(SFIA: Data Management – DATM Level 4/5)

  • Design conceptual, logical, and physical data models aligned to business needs.
  • Define modelling standards (e.g., dimensional, Data Vault, or 3NF).
  • Apply architectural patterns across structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data.

Module 1: Data Architecture & Modelling Principles

2. Data Platform & Integration Architecture

(SFIA: Solution Architecture – ARCH Level 4/5)

  • Design end-to-end data integration flows across systems and domains.
  • Define platform standards for storage, processing, metadata, and access control.
  • Select appropriate Azure components (Synapse, Data Lake, Databricks, Purview).

Module 2: Platform Design & Interoperability

3. Metadata Management & Lineage

(SFIA: Information Management – IRMG Level 4/5)

  • Define metadata standards and naming conventions.
  • Enable data lineage across layers using automation or tagging.
  • Support cataloguing practices for discoverability and auditability.

Module 3: Metadata, Taxonomy & Data Lineage

4. Data Governance & Policy Design

(SFIA: Governance – GOVN Level 4/5)

  • Collaborate with Governance teams to embed policy in design.
  • Align architecture with GDPR, ISO 27001, and organisational standards.
  • Implement data ownership, quality, and retention structures.

Module 4: Policy-Aligned Architecture & Governance

5. Modelling for Analytics & BI

(SFIA: Analytics – INAN Level 4)

  • Create semantic layers and models optimised for reporting tools (e.g., Power BI).
  • Define and publish datasets with clear business definitions.
  • Support self-service BI with certified datasets and data dictionaries.

Module 5: Analytics Modelling & Reporting Enablement

6. Cloud Strategy & DataOps Collaboration

(SFIA: Method & Tools – METL Level 4/5)

  • Support CI/CD design for metadata and modelling artefacts.
  • Collaborate with Engineers to automate schema and data provisioning.
  • Contribute to IaC for data assets (e.g., ARM, Terraform, Bicep).

Module 6: DataOps-Ready Architecture & Automation

7. Solution Review & Technical Assurance

(SFIA: Technical Strategy – TECH Level 4)

  • Review solution designs for adherence to architectural principles.
  • Participate in technical assurance and design governance forums.
  • Maintain architecture documentation and artefacts.

Module 7: Review, Assurance & Documentation

8. Agile Working & Enterprise Collaboration

(SFIA: Stakeholder Engagement – RLMT Level 4)

  • Participate in cross-team planning and architecture sprints.
  • Align platform roadmaps with data strategy and stakeholder needs.
  • Engage with business architects, SMEs, and product owners.

Module 8: Agile Collaboration & Architecture Planning

What You Bring

✅ Architectural Skills

  • Experience in designing data models and architecture patterns.
  • Knowledge of reference architecture frameworks (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK, TOGAF).
  • Proficiency in data modelling tools (e.g., dbt, ER/Studio, SQL-based modelling).
  • Understanding of metadata and master data management principles.

✅ Cloud & Integration Expertise

  • Experience with Azure data platform components (Synapse, ADF, Purview, Data Lake).
  • Familiarity with ETL/ELT patterns, APIs, and event-driven architectures.
  • Awareness of Data Mesh and domain-oriented design concepts.

✅ Governance & Policy Awareness

  • Knowledge of data protection regulations and enterprise data policies.
  • Ability to embed governance and traceability in design.

✅ Collaboration & Planning

  • Confident working across technical and business teams.
  • Skilled at turning requirements into pragmatic architectural solutions.
  • Experience with Agile delivery and architectural backlogs.

✅ Desirable Experience

  • Experience with Microsoft Purview, dbt Cloud, or semantic layer tools.
  • Understanding of SCD, historical tracking, and versioned data structures.
  • Contribution to data catalogues or federated architecture planning.

Why With Us?

🏗 Help shape how data is structured, governed, and consumed across our enterprise.
💡 Influence modern data platforms and standards.
🤝 Collaborate with Engineers, Analysts, and Business Architects to enable data excellence.
🔁 Be part of a hybrid, forward-thinking, and quality-focused team.

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