Description

Job Description

1. Purpose of the Job – State concisely the aim of the job .
The Data Architect at the Zone level is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the Common Data Model (CDM) across the organization, ensuring that data architecture aligns with the organization's global data strategy.
This role focuses on establishing robust data frameworks, ensuring data consistency, and enabling interoperability across various regional and global data initiatives.
The architect will lead efforts to standardize data structures, enforce best practices in data modeling, and optimize the use of data tools and platforms, particularly within cloud environments. A key responsibility is ensuring compliance with data residency regulations while facilitating seamless data integration and access across regions.
  
Characteristics
  • Volume of Data Managed : Overseeing the architecture and standardization of extensive datasets from multiple regions, supporting a global user base across the organization.
  • CDM and Data Architecture Development : Focuses on creating, deploying, and optimizing the Common Data Model and related data architecture to ensure consistency, scalability, and reliability across all data systems.
  • Data Integration Tools : Utilizes advanced data tools and platforms, including Azure Data Factory, Databricks, and Power BI, to ensure seamless data integration, transformation, and management.
  • Data Residency Compliance : Ensures all data architectures adhere to global and regional data residency regulations, particularly concerning cloud storage and processing.
  • Cross-Zone Collaboration : Works across different zones and regions to align data architectures, models, and standards with the organization's global data strategy.
  
    
    
1. Organisation chart – Indicate schematically the position of the job within the organisation. It is sufficient to indicate one hierarchical level above (including possible functional boss) and, if applicable, one below the position. In the horizontal direction, the other jobs reporting to the same superior should be indicated.

Reporting into the Zone Data Hub Lead. Director of Applications, Data & Digital
2. Context and main issues – Describe the most difficult types of problems the jobholder has to face and/or the regulations, guidelines, practices that are to be adhered to.

The Data Architect plays a critical role in designing, developing, and managing the data architecture for the Zone Data Hub on Azure. This position is essential for ensuring that data is treated as a strategic asset, enabling robust data-driven decision-making across the organization. The Architect will:

  • Complex Data Environments: Design and manage data architectures that handle substantial volumes of data from diverse sources, leveraging expertise in Azure data tools and medallion architecture (bronze, silver, gold layers) to ensure efficient data transformation, storage, and retrieval.
  • Data Residency Requirements: Ensure that data architecture complies with data residency regulations, balancing legal requirements with the need for data accessibility, security, and performance across the organization.
  • Tool Integration: Architect and oversee the integration of various data tools, including Azure Data Factory, Informatica Cloud Services, Databricks, and Dremio, to create a seamless, high-performance data environment that meets the organization's comprehensive data needs.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with stakeholders, including data engineers, analysts, and business leaders, to gather and understand data requirements, ensuring that the data architecture supports business objectives and enables effective data utilization.

In this role, the Common Data Model / Data Architect is crucial for maintaining the integrity, scalability, and performance of the Zone Data Hub, ensuring compliance with data regulations, and facilitating effective collaboration to support the organization's data-driven goals.

5. Main assignments – Indicate the main activities / duties to be conducted in the job.

Common Data Model / Data Architect:

  • CDM and Data Architecture Design : Lead the design, development, and implementation of the Common Data Model and associated data architectures across the organization, ensuring they meet global and regional data needs.
  • Data Integration & Transformation : Utilize advanced tools like Azure Data Factory, Databricks, and Power BI to integrate and transform data across multiple regions, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and scalability.
  • Data Residency Management : Ensure that all data architectures and processes comply with relevant data residency regulations, optimizing data storage and access strategies to meet legal and operational requirements.
  • Standardization of Data Models : Develop and enforce standards for data modeling across the organization, ensuring that data structures are consistent, reusable, and aligned with the CDM.
  • Collaboration & Communication : Engage with stakeholders across regions and zones to gather requirements, provide architectural guidance, and ensure that data architectures support the organization's strategic objectives.
  • Optimization of Data Tools and Platforms : Work with IT and data teams to ensure that all data tools and platforms are effectively integrated, optimized for performance, and aligned with the CDM and overall data strategy.
 
6. Accountabilities – Give the 3 to 5 key outputs of the position the organization; they should focus on end results, not duties or activities.

Accountabilities for the Common Data Model / Data Architect:

  • Robust Data Architecture : Ensure that data architectures are designed to be scalable, resilient, and aligned with the Common Data Model, supporting global and regional data needs.
  • Compliance with Data Residency : Implement and manage data solutions that comply with global and regional data residency regulations, ensuring legal compliance and data accessibility.
  • Consistent Data Modelling : Ensure that data models across the organization are standardized, consistent, and effectively integrated into the overall data architecture.
  • High-Quality Data Integration : Achieve seamless data integration and transformation, ensuring that data across regions is consistent, clean, and reliable for analytics and reporting.
  • Collaboration Across Zones : Foster strong collaboration with regional and global data teams, ensuring alignment with the organization's data strategy and architectural standards.
 
7. Person Specification – Indicate the skills, knowledge and experience that the job holder should require to conduct the role effectively

Common Data Model / Data Architect :

  1. Skills:
    • Advanced proficiency in data architecture, with a strong focus on designing and implementing Common Data Models.
    • Expertise in cloud-based data platforms and tools, particularly within the Azure ecosystem (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Power BI).
    • Strong knowledge of data integration, transformation, and management practices, with the ability to design scalable and efficient data architectures.
    • Deep understanding of data governance, compliance, and residency requirements, with experience implementing compliant data solutions.
    • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work across diverse teams and regions.
  2. Knowledge:
    • Comprehensive understanding of data architecture principles, particularly within large, global organizations.
    • Familiarity with data governance frameworks, compliance standards, and data residency regulations across multiple regions.
    • In-depth knowledge of cloud-based data tools and their role in supporting complex data architectures.
    • Awareness of current trends and best practices in data architecture, Common Data Models, and cloud computing.
  3. Experience:
    • Minimum 5+ years of experience in data architecture or a related field, with a proven track record of designing and implementing Common Data Models.
    • Experience in leading data architecture initiatives across multiple regions or zones, with a strong focus on cloud-based technologies.
    • Proven ability to manage data residency requirements and ensure compliance with global and regional regulations.
    • Experience in working with advanced data integration tools and platforms, ensuring they align with organizational data strategies.
  4. Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.
    • Relevant certifications in data architecture, cloud platforms (Azure), or data governance are advantageous.
    • Ongoing professional development in data architecture, data governance, and related technologies.
  5. Personal Attributes:
    • Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to data accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
    • Proactive and innovative, constantly seeking opportunities to improve data architectures and solutions.
    • Collaborative and approachable, with strong communication skills for working within global teams.
    • Adaptable and resilient, capable of managing multiple priorities and navigating complex challenges.
    • Passionate about leveraging data architecture to drive business success and operational efficiency.

This person specification outlines the essential skills, knowledge, and experience required to effectively perform the role of Common Data Model / Data Architect at the Zone level, ensuring successful management and enhancement of data initiatives within the organization.
 

 
  • UK Datahub in construction
  • Tech capability to build the platform
  • Enterprise architect needed
  • Code review, standards adhereing
  • Azure+Databricks, Unity catalog
  • Batch orchestration framework, recon, restartability
  • Prior experience is mandatory
  • Mentor/Support/lead the teams

Key Skills
Education

Any Graduate

Back To Jobs