Head of Data Architecture - CDDO

You will be part of CDDO and the Data Strategy and Standards (DS&S) Directorate at an exciting time as we build a new data governance and policy function and establish a Data Architecture Design Authority to sit alongside the established Data Standards Authority. 

We want to improve services for end users and improve how new policies are developed through the effective use and reuse of data.  A key part of that will be to establish a Data Architecture that is appropriate for system-wide and cross-government adoption, underpinned by agreed principles, policies and standards.

This will involve solving complex or/and complicated problems to deliver on the commitments in the National Data Strategy and DS&S’s forward plan. You’ll be working with colleagues from other government departments, as well as external partners, and challenging others to be ambitious in transforming the way data is used and shared across government to help deliver joined-up, trusted, public services that meet the needs of their users. 

You will lead, mentor and support your team by setting objectives and providing direction on current priorities relating to cross government data architecture - establishing the baseline, creating a robust governance and most importantly supporting in-flight cross cutting programmes where a whole of government approach is needed. 

You will be expected to work flexibly and collaboratively on a range of projects where your expertise and skills are needed and will support a culture of agile working across your team. You will work closely with the leads in other teams (notably data architecture) to establish task and finish squads to support new standards development.

As the Head of Data Architecture you’ll:

• champion data architecture across government, and work with the Chief Data Architect to set the strategy, standards and ways of working for the data architecture community, through the new Data Architecture Design Authority 
• apply your creativity to how our data architecture models and standards are presented so that our reform remit and our ambitious, but achievable, goals are easily understood so that we sustain support for our plans. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are critical to performing this role effectively
• develop a clear government roadmap and plan for the use of data architecture standards and frameworks. as a priority you will support work over the next 12 months to baseline data architecture principles for government (including a register of authoritative sources) and with the CTO establish an enterprise architecture for government
• provide advice to project teams and oversee the management of the full data product life cycle
• represent the programme with internal and external senior digital leaders and policy advisors.
• be part of the DS&S senior team, who you will partner with to lead the delivery of the long term vision and near term strategy for the programme so that it reflects strategic requirements of the whole of government, fits with wider public sector domains, and keeps pace with technology innovation
• ensure stakeholders across government are both informed about and consulted on DADA priorities, progress and plans, and understand the strategic importance of making effective use of data standards to meet their business goals
• lead the DS&S Data Architecture team, and further develop its structure, capability and ways of working. 

Who you'll be

As Head of Data Architecture you will have a strong track record in data architecture design and deployment - supporting data transformation, data strategy and data exploitation. 

You’ll have

• excellent communication and writing skills
• strong interpersonal skills, including relationship building, listening and influencing, with an ability to build effective relationships with senior management and operate successfully in a political or complex environment
• experience of working in data architecture development through to its application including the evaluation to ensure business requirements are being met. 
• ability to negotiate and reach mutually beneficial compromises, remaining calm when under pressure from senior stakeholders
• demonstrable awareness of the whole of government’s digital and data strategy context
• ability to balance changing priorities, deal with ambiguity, using astute judgement to make decisions in the absence of full facts
• a robust understanding and care about the value of data and technology to transform lives, and be committed to working with colleagues in all digital disciplines, as well as those in more traditional government roles.
• A track record of leading, inspiring and managing teams, setting objectives and developing skills and capabilities

Additional Information

 The standard selection process for roles at CDDO consists of:

• An application screening process - Simply, hit apply.  We only ask for a Cover letter (up to 750 words) and a CV.  Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “who you’ll be” section above.
• An interview - We will asses you against the behaviours/Technical listed above, your experience
• A presentation at Interview  

CDDO offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home/remote working and also spends some time in their local office. You will agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs. 

If we receive a high number of applications, we may decide to include an additional round (this would typically be a short telephone interview or assessment/exercise depending on the type of role).

Security level for the role; This role requires SC clearance. If further clearance is required in the future, you will be expected to complete this. Further details are outlined in Security vetting for employees.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. For further information see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prison-leavers-project-improving-outcomes-for-prison-leavers