Data Architect

Contract duration : 4 months

Location : Bristol / York

Pay rate : £650-700pd

Position : Data Architect

IR35 : Outside

Background

The Data Architecture team conducts two primary functions;

1. Data Architecture on Programmes and Projects

2. Data Domain Standards, Guidance and Roadmaps

Primary Purpose

A data architect designs and builds data models to fulfil the strategic data needs of the business as defined by chief data architects.

They undertake design, support and provide guidance for the upgrade, management, de-commission and archive of data in compliance with data policy. They also provide input into data dictionaries.

Key responsibilities

A data architect delivers data architecture artifacts for the organisation and supports senior data architects.

Data architects:

 Creates data models and metadata systems and helps senior data architects to interpret project and programme requirements.

 Supports and maintain the architecture vision and roadmaps for their domain.

 Identify opportunities for the use of existing or new data domains in delivering more effective business outcomes and services.

 Ensure that the design of end to end business and IT services and changes are consistent and conformant with strategy, architectural principles and standards and are supportable, sustainable, appropriately governed and deliverable

 Actively support and contribute to the Data Architecture Profession aspects of the team function by providing insight and hands-on experience into one or more data concerns.

Competencies

Essential competencies

Communicating between the technical and the non-technical

Is able to communicate effectively across organisational, technical and political boundaries, understanding the context. Makes complex and technical information and language simple and accessible for non-technical audiences. Is able to advocate and communicate what a team does to create trust and authenticity, and can respond to challenge.

Working

Able to effectively translate and accurately communicate across technical and non-technical stakeholders as well as facilitating discussions within a multidisciplinary team, with potentially difficult dynamics. Able to advocate for the team externally and can manage differing perspectives.

Data modelling

Produces data models and understands where to use different types of data models. Understands different tools and is able to compare between different data models. Able to reverse engineer a data model from a live system. Understands industry recognised data modelling patterns and standards.

Working

Understands the concepts and principles of data modelling and is able to produce, maintain and update relevant data models for specific business needs. Reverse engineers data models from a live system.

Data standards

Develops and sets data standards for an organisation. Communicates the business benefit of data standards, championing and governing those standards across the organisation.

Working

Develops data standards for a specific component. Analyses where data standards have been applied or breached and undertakes an impact analysis of that breach.

Metadata management

Understands a variety of metadata management tools. Designs and maintains the appropriate metadata repositories to enable the organisation to understand their data assets.

Working

Works with metadata repositories to complete complex tasks such as data and systems integration impact analysis. Maintains a repository to ensure information remains accurate and up to date.

L

Turning business problems into data design

Works with business and technology stakeholders to translate business problems into data designs. Creates optimal designs through iterative processes, aligning user needs with organisational objectives and system requirements.

Working

Designs data architecture by dealing with specific business problems and aligning it to enterprise-wide standards and principles. Works within the context of well understood architecture and identifies appropriate patterns.

Desirable competencies

Skills

Data analysis and synthesis

Translates data into valuable insights that inform decisions. Involves teams in analytics and synthesis to increase consensus and challenge assumptions. Identifies and utilises the most appropriate analytical techniques. Has an understanding of analytical tools and is numerate. Is aware of and keeps up to date with advances in digital analytics tools and data manipulation products. Collects, collates, cleanses, synthesises and interprets data to derive meaningful and actionable insights.

Working

Undertakes data profiling and source system analysis and can present clear insights to colleagues to support the end use of the data.

Data communication

Uses the most appropriate medium to visualise data to tell compelling and actionable stories relevant for business goals. Presents, communicates and disseminates data appropriately and with high impact.

Awareness

Aware that data needs to be aligned to the needs of the end user. Able to create basic visuals and presentations.

Data governance

Understands data governance and how it works in relation to other organisational governance structures. Participates in or delivers the assurance of a service.

Working

Understands what data governance is required. Capable of taking responsibility for the assurance of data solutions and making recommendations to ensure compliance.

Recognises and exploits business opportunities to ensure more efficient and effective performance of organisations. Explores new ways of conducting business and organisational processes.

Awareness

Aware of opportunities for innovation with new tools and uses of data.

Problem resolution (data)

Logs, analyses and manages problems in order to identify and implement the appropriate solution. Ensures that the problem is fixed.

Working

Responds to problems in databases, data processes, data products and services as they occur. Initiates actions, monitors services and identifies trends to resolve problems. Determines the appropriate remedy and assists with implementation of these as well as preventative measures.

Strategic thinking (data architecture)

Has an overall perspective on business issues, events and activities, and an understanding of their wider implications and long-term impact. This could include determining patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements. Focuses on outcomes rather than solutions and activities.

Awareness

Aware of the strategic context of their work and why it is important. Supports strategic planning in an administrative capacity.

Additional Information

Typically successful candidates will exhibit the following skills, experience and knowledge

Technical

 Experience of IT project architecture, design and delivery in an applications or solutions architecture capacity or in a development capacity.

 A practical understanding of architectural models of application and solution delivery and also of delivery methodologies and ways of working.

 Hands-on experience and knowledge of at least one solutions stack or product ecosystem coupled with a broad understanding of the range of application technologies which may be selected from to deliver required capabilities.

 A desire to prove, pilot and learn new data models and keep up to date with industry best-practice, external disruptors and adapt accordingly.

 Demonstrate the ability to identify areas where specialist input is required and consider their advice and input constructively in the broader context of a defined solution.

Experience and Behaviours

 Experience of designing aspects of solutions to ensure coherent designs supporting an end to end service.

 Demonstrate the ability to think pragmatically to balance architectural elegance, value for money and appropriate adoption of risk while delivering solutions