Lead Data Architect (Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MK7 6AA)
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About the Role
The effective use of data is paramount in achieving The Open University's strategic goals. Reporting to the Director of Data Technology as part of Digital Services, the Lead Data Architect plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our solutions and programs are purpose-fit and aligned with the broader University vision. This senior architecture position collaborates across teams to ensure consistency in data architecture, aligning it with our business strategy. In a large and complex environment, this role fosters cross-team collaboration and promotes a cohesive data ecosystem that supports the University's objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive data architecture strategy aligned with OU's long-term business objectives and technology roadmap.
- Own the design and implementation of enterprise-wide data architectures, including data models, enterprise data catalogue and all relevant data architecture artefacts.
- Provide thought leadership and guidance on emerging trends and advancements in data architecture and data design.
- Establish and own data standards, guidelines, and best practices for data architecture and data modelling.
- Lead and manage a team of enterprise data architects, senior data architects and data analysts, providing mentorship, guidance and technical expertise.
- Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and frameworks to enhance data architecture capabilities, scalability and performance.
- Work closely with business stakeholders to align data architecture initiatives with business goals, enabling effective data-driven decision making.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement in data architecture practices, leveraging emerging technologies and industry best practices.
- Participate in the Design and Architecture Community of Practice, offering insight and leadership on data design activities and conducting research on emerging data technologies and techniques in support of Digital Services goals and commitments.
About You
Essential:
- In-depth experience in conceptual and logical data modelling applied to both relational and dimensional formats covering operational and analytical applications.
- Extensive experience in leading the design and implementation of complex data architectures, including data models, data integration, and data management systems.
- Knowledge of master data management, metadata management and integration best practices and techniques.
- Ability to think strategically and align data architecture initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
- Strong knowledge of various database technologies, including both SQL and NoSQL databases, and their appropriate use cases.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead and manage a team of data architects and data engineers, providing mentorship and guidance.
- Ability to identify and solve complex data-related problems, troubleshoot issues, and optimize data architectures for performance and scalability.
- Foundation in system development, understanding of end-to-end software development lifecycle and project management approaches. Must understand what advice to give and how to influence developments towards desirable outcomes.
- Knowledge and experience in creating and applying standards and best practices in IT design and delivery regarding the experience of the software, tools and development methods including large-scale web applications and Agile development techniques.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders and collaborate across teams.
- A high degree of self-motivation, being comfortable working both as part of a team and alone.
- Ability to conceive and portray the overall data landscape; map the systems and interfaces used to manage data.
- Proven ability to work effectively within the Architecture function in a large and complex environment with an interest in the appropriate use of technology and approaches to solve business problems.
Desirable:
- Ideally, an experienced Data Architect with TOGAF certification.
- Knowledge of the Higher Education data domain would be an advantage.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether its a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. Wed expect this to be on average once per week.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
We anticipate that interviews for this role will be taking place online via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 15 June 2026.
Early closing date notification
While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.
If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit the following documents:
- CV
- A personal statement of up to 1000 words. You should set out in your statement why you are interested in the role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the criteria for this role as detailed above within the job description.
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