Data Architect - ICO - G7

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.

As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.

Job description

This role will set the architecture vision for the ICO’s use of data, through data design, to ensure that data is managed properly and meets the organisation’s needs. The Data Architect will also help the Director of Architecture and Director of Data to interpret the organisation’s needs for data and ensure these are reflected in our wider architecture and data strategies

The role will design data standards, models and guardrails and ensure teams are working to them so data can be cultivated and used as a strategic enterprise asset. You will collaborate and consult with stakeholders to ensure data decisions are aligned with Enterprise Architecture strategy. There will also be requirements to carry out horizon scanning across the industry and wider technological landscape, identifying emerging trends in data and their potential impact and opportunity for the ICO, and incorporating these into plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering the ICO’s Data Architecture vision, strategy and roadmaps
• Establishing data architectural principles, policies, guardrails and standards, and overseeing the implementation and assurance of these
• Designing multiple data models and metadata systems for the organisation as a whole, and ensuring that appropriate models are developed for projects, systems and applications
• Providing oversight and advice to data engineers / data modellers who are designing and producing data artefacts
• Designing and supporting the management of data dictionaries
• Developing appropriate graphical and documented representations of Data Architecture and data entities suitable for communication with different audiences and for different purposes
• Developing data architecture as a community of practice and competency across the ICO
• Engaging and networking with people across the ICO up to Director level to understand their data needs and ensure they are aligned with the Data Architecture and Enterprise Architecture vision

Person specification

Essential criteria assessed at application stage

• Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Strong understanding of data modelling (conceptual, logical, physical) and Proficiency in database technologies (SQL, NoSQL, cloud-based solutions)
• Knowledge of data governance frameworks and best practices and familiarity with cloud platforms (primarily Azure but knowledge of AWS/GCP beneficial) and related data services
• Understanding of data security principles and compliance requirements
• Experience in optimising data architectures for scalability and performance
• Knowledge of automation tools for data processing and management

Essential criteria assessed at interview stage

• Ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Strong presentation skills to influence decision-making
• Experience in guiding and mentoring junior data professionals
• Ability to lead data governance initiatives across the organisation
• Ability to contribute to data-driven transformation initiatives
• Track record of delivering data architecture solutions within enterprise projects