Lead Data Architect

Data Services and Analytics (DSA) consists of technical and non-technical professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are the hub of data expertise within the department, supporting our teams with structured learning, both formal and on-the-job, mentoring, and feedback. We embrace diversity and inclusion to ensure we represent the public we serve, and we are passionate about fair treatment and the wellbeing of our colleagues as part of our ambitions to be a brilliant Civil Service. By joining Data Services and Analytics now, you can help drive forward our aim to become recognised as the leading provider of data insight services in Government.

A Lead Data Architect delivers the data vision for the organisation as set by the Principal Data Architect. The role focuses on defining, developing, and implementing the data architecture strategy. As a Lead Data Architect, you will design, create, and manage the organisation's Data Architecture. You will design data models and metadata systems, helping the Principal Data Architect to deliver the data strategy through the design and implementation of technology systems.

You will have strong technical leadership qualities and a passion for driving value from the exploitation of data through effective management, direction, and motivation, including performance and development reviews. You will be able to build effective partnerships with diverse teams across multiple locations and technologies.

What You'll Do:

• Design data models and metadata systems and help the Principal Data Architect to interpret business needs.
• Provide oversight and advice to other data professionals who are undertaking the design of data models and support the management of data dictionaries.
• Ensure that respective teams are working in accordance with the Home Office data standards set by the Principal Data Architect and manage the governance of those standards.
• Work with Technical Architects to ensure that the organisation's systems are designed in accordance with the appropriate data architecture.
• Work with stakeholders bringing differing views together to facilitate reaching a consensus in line with data strategy.
• Provide oversight and advice in the form of coaching and mentoring to other Data Architects who are undertaking the design of data models and reference data.

Essential skills:

• Demonstrate an excellent in-depth understanding of one or more key technologies areas (e.g. Oracle, Hadoop framework - HDFS, MapReduce, Pig, Hive, HBase, MSSQL, Informatica, Ab Initio, Tibco, Spark, Kafka).
• Work with Big Data/Hadoop/NoSQL, visualization and reporting tools, data profiling analysis, and transformation.
• Perform analysis and design for Data Management and Data Driven projects, working with Cloud Data technologies, solutions, and future Cloud Data Strategies.
• Understand activities within primary disciplines such as Master Data Management (MDM), Metadata Management, and Data Governance (DG).
• Work with Conceptual, Logical, and Physical Database architectures, design patterns, best practices, and programming techniques around relational modelling, dimensional modelling, data integration, and metadata tools.
• Maintain awareness of advances in digital analytics tools and data manipulation products.

At the Home Office, your work has real-world impact, shaping the safety and security of millions. We offer:

• Meaningful Work: Contribute to critical national security and public service initiatives.
• Career Growth: Benefit from tailored development frameworks and professional communities.
• Flexible Working: Balance your professional and personal life with hybrid work options.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Join a workplace where your unique background and talents are celebrated.

Learn more about our benefits: Benefits - Home Office Careers

Additional Information:

• This role requires SC clearance. To meet national security vetting requirements, you must typically have been resident in the UK for at least five years. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas.