Architects

Senior data architect

• Grade: G7
• Download: Word document

As a senior data architect, you will be creating data flows and data models that describe both the current state of a service, and also set a target that better fulfils the strategic data needs of the service and the DfE as a whole.

You will be working with a portfolio of teams aiming to deliver changes to Services that are critical to delivering education and children social care to the citizens of England.

The role

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining an excellent relationship with your Service Owner(s) to understand their needs, looking for deeper underlying problems to solve and promoting the wider opportunities for transformation
• Create comprehensive data models (entity relationship) diagrams for each relational schema forming a part of the Service. This needs to cover each level of data modelling of Conceptual, Logical and Physical
• Reuse, or creating, common entities and attributes wherever there is a direct conceptual correspondence
• Taking responsibility for the data architecture of you portfolio of services, including how they interact with up- and downstream data systems, even as these evolve over time.
• Leading on problems that require broad architectural thinking in your service(s), while creating space for data specialists to take the initiative on the detail
• Define and maintain the data architecture, including metadata, orchestration for analytical use
• Work with Data and Service Owners to capture decisions on Data Classification at attribute level
• Provide input into data dictionaries
• Design, support and provide guidance for the upgrade, management, decommission and archive of data in compliance with data policy
• Consider Data Access Control processes and document decisions
• Playing an active role in the DfE Architecture community, where you will recognise and share successesful implementations of tools and techniques, as well as create a sense of unified purpose
• Helping to build a diverse, inclusive culture across the architecture community with a positive attitude towards feedback
• Working with your Lead Data Architect, colleagues and peers on profession-based activities (and cross-profession), such as defining standards and guidance around best practice.

Skills you need

It is essential that you can demonstrate the following experience and skills:

• Experience of the practice of data model design selecting appropriate data modelling patterns.
• Experience of creating data flow diagrams using clear notation and leading the development of data orchestration.
• Experience of delivering user-centred services through a wide variety of database technologies, including SQL and NO-SQL platforms.
• The ability to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders to achieve agreement on delivery plans.
• The ability to look beyond immediate technical problems and identify the wider implications.
• The ability to manage challenging and sensitive communications and take difficult decisions.

It is desirable if you can demonstrate the following:

• Experience using data modelling tools such as Erwin data modeller or equivalent.
• Experience of mentoring and supporting colleagues in multi-disciplinary teams, one-to-one or in groups.
• Ability to work with stakeholders to produce effective platform and workload selection to meet business needs.

Please note that desirable criteria will only be considered to make an informed decision in the event of a tie.