Data Architect

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Data Architect to join our Group Technology team in Milton Keynes. You will help realise the value of the immense Connells Group dataset for the benefit of customers, colleagues and the overall business. You will use your expertise to define, evolve and communicate the existing enterprise data architecture, to democratise safe access to data to help engineering teams create personal, relevant and timely customer experiences. The data architecture will also support colleagues in accessing data, getting insights and providing next best actions for faster and aligned decision making, both tactically and strategically – but always aligned to customer and business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Enterprise Data Architecture Ownership: Define and maintain the organisation’s data architecture strategy across cloud and on-premises environments. Ensure alignment with business goals, scalability, and futureproofing of data platforms.

Cloud and Hybrid Integration Design: Lead the design and implementation of data solutions that integrate Azure cloud-native services with legacy SQL Server systems and third-party APIs and data feeds.

Data Modelling and Standards: Develop and enforce data modelling standards (conceptual, logical, physical) across platforms. Promote reuse, consistency, and quality in data structures.

Collaboration with Engineering and BI Teams: Work closely with data engineers, BI developers, and analysts to ensure architectural decisions support efficient data ingestion, transformation, and reporting.

Third-Party Data Integration: Architect secure and reliable data flows from external providers, ensuring compliance with data governance and contractual obligations.

Governance and Compliance: Ensure data architecture complies with internal governance policies and external regulations (e.g., GDPR). Support data stewardship and metadata management initiatives.

Performance and Optimization: Monitor and optimize data architecture for performance, cost-efficiency, and reliability across cloud and on-premises systems.

Documentation and Communication: Maintain clear documentation of data architecture, standards, and decisions.

Experience and Skills Required:

Experience with Data Architecture and governance, public-cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) , SQL Server, data integration with third-party systems, ideally Microsoft Fabric

Experience with data modelling and metadata management

Relevant degree or post-graduate qualification, ideally certification in Cloud Architecture and Data Management

Strong data modelling and data architecture, cloud-native data services, on-premises systems and migration strategies, ideally with GitHub CI/CD for data pipelines

Data-informed decision making, ideally in an OKR framework

Proactive and collaborative problem-solver and used to managing pressure, ideally at a scale relevant to Connells

Connells Group UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

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