Data Architect

Ofwat; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) or London (E14 4HD) based with hybrid working

Join Ofwat’s Sector Performance Directorate as a Data Architect

About Us

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Our work has genuine significance – no other organisation does the work we do. It’s unique and meaningful: keeping our water flowing; ensuring water bills don’t cost a penny more than needed; holding water companies to account. Come and work at the source of everyday life.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Data Architect to join our expanding Data Strategy team as part of our plans to upgrade and modernise our data platform through our dedicated programme – Programme Ocean. This is a great opportunity to work with leading cloud technology and help change the way data is used in the public sector. We have embarked on an ambitious data modernisation programme using modern and evolving technology, to maximise the value of data and insights to Ofwat. The successful candidate will also work alongside our Head of Data Engineering and support recently appointed Data Engineers to build efficient and automated solutions and processes.

Why Join Us

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute to our purpose to drive water companies to deliver more for customers and the environment.
• Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile working and a culture of trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with meaningful collaboration in our London or Birmingham offices.

Other Benefits

• Excellent employer pension contribution of over 28%
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.

About You

Experience, skills and knowledge

• Technical Expertise: 5 years' experience working with cloud platforms like AWS, GCP and a minimum of 2 years' experience with Azure/Microsoft-centric data ecosystems, such as Synapse, Fabric, Power BI, MS SQL server, Azure Data Lake.
• 3 years' proficiency in data modelling, database technologies and designs, building data pipelines, with strong knowledge of SQL, NoSQL, big data technologies, and Azure cloud-based data solutions.
• Experience as a Data Architect, or in a similar role, preferably within a complex organisational or data environment.
• Ability to take ownership of technical design decisions, confidently advocate for chosen solutions and design and deliver to business requirements.
• Ability to analyse complex data requirements, map data relationships and recommend appropriate tools or platforms for integration with an awareness of the commercial implications of design choices.
• Experience in defining data integration designs to source, cleanse, and transform data, ensuring data quality, performance, and reliability.
• Ability to communicate effectively and produce clear advice on complex data architecture issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working within agile delivery teams and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• A working knowledge of defining data governance and quality principles and experience in metadata management.
• Knowledge of computing frameworks for distributed scalability, reliability and virtualisation.

Attributes

• Promotes Collaboration
• Creates Clarity
• Champion and Leader of Change

Attributes as per Ofwat’s Framework for Success for Director Grade. You can read more about our attributes here.

To read more about the role and selection process, please follow the link to apply.

Applications Deadline: 23.55 21 April 2025