Data Architect
Permanent, Full Time
£62,461 to £73,483 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
The Opportunity
The Data Architect plays a strategic role in shaping Essex County Council’s data landscape, ensuring that data assets are structured and optimised to support business goals. They lead the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and integrated data solutions that enable efficient data management and high‑quality reporting and analytics. By aligning data architecture with organisational strategy, the role supports digital transformation and drives value through data. This role is responsible for designing and maintaining robust data models, pipelines, and platforms that support both operational and analytical needs. The Data Architect ensures that data flows seamlessly across systems, enabling timely, accurate, and accessible information.
They apply best practices in data engineering, integration, and performance optimisation, leveraging modern technologies including cloud infrastructure and big data tools. Collaboration is central to the role, as the Data Architect works closely with data engineers, analysts, solutions architects and business architects. They translate complex business requirements into clear technical designs and provide architectural guidance throughout the data development lifecycle. The role fosters cross‑functional collaboration, ensuring that data solutions are aligned with user needs and organisational priorities.
The Data Architect also champions data governance, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations. They define and enforce standards for data quality, metadata management, and security, promoting responsible and ethical use of data. By staying informed of emerging technologies and industry trends, the role drives innovation and continuous improvement in the organisation’s data capabilities.
Accountabilities
* Expert lead of the development of enterprise‑wide data architecture and processes, networking and communicating with senior stakeholders across the council and associated organisations which ensure that the strategic application of data is embedded in the management of the organisation, ensuring the buy in of all key stakeholders.
* Lead the design and implementation of data system architectures – including databases, data warehouses, and data lakes – ensuring scalable and efficient structures. Deliver reusable data services and document cost‑saving opportunities, driving simplification and optimisation in line with organisational standards. Own the delivery of efficiency‑focused outcomes through proactive identification and resolution of architectural inefficiencies.
* Design the structure and layout of data systems, including databases, data warehouses, and data lakes. Simplify existing data architecture by delivering reusable services and identifying cost‑saving opportunities aligned with organisational standards.
* Deliver strategic plans that result in improved data integration, quality, and delivery to support business initiatives. Define and implement long‑term strategies and innovation roadmaps that produce scalable analytics solutions, robust data engineering pipelines, and future‑ready data platforms.
* Lead and implement database management systems that align with organisational needs, delivering defined schemas, optimise storage solutions, and robust access controls. Provide actionable recommendations on emerging technologies in data management, storage, and analytics to drive continuous service improvement and innovation.
* Design and implement ETL/ELT processes to ingest data from various sources into the organisation’s systems. Translate high‑level business requirements into data models, metadata structures, test data, and data quality standards, as part of end‑to‑end service delivery.
* Lead and define standards, guidelines, and processes to ensure data quality, consistency, and compliance. Lead and participate in peer reviews and quality assurance of architectural artefacts through governance forums and design and support the management of data dictionaries.
* Manage senior stakeholders to secure strong engagement and ensure alignment with strategic roadmaps, acting as a key point of accountability for data service outcomes. Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams to understand data consumer needs and deliver tailored, scalable solutions.
* Responsible for maintaining Technical Data Standards and Principles and ensuring they are correctly employed in all technical data initiatives and platforms to ensure commonality of solutions design and implementation which reduces cost and creates a more efficient and easily maintained environment.
* Lead and establish data access controls and security measures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and organisational policies and ensure these are embedded in service operations.
* Providing expert advice and guidance to the Commercial Team to ensure Suppliers and procured products adhere to the Data Architecture and principles of operation. Develop and lead a data engineer community of practice for knowledge sharing and consistency amongst data architecture specialists.
* Providing day‑to‑day task management and technical leadership to data engineers, ensuring delivery aligns with architectural standards and project timelines. Support professional development and performance feedback, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing engineering culture.
* Lead collaboration and provide expert advice and guidance to Business Relationship Managers, delivery teams and suppliers to develop and present business cases, for high‑level initiatives, approval, funding and prioritisation.
The Experience You Will Bring
* Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field), or equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced knowledge of data architecture, integration, and infrastructure design.
* Evidence of continuing professional development in data architecture, cloud technologies, or enterprise data management. Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., British Computer Society, DAMA International, or equivalent) is desirable, reflecting commitment to professional standards and technical excellence.
* Proven experience in designing and implementing enterprise‑level data architectures that support scalable, secure, and high‑performing data environments.
* Skilled in aligning architecture with business strategy, digital transformation goals, and future data needs.
* Deep understanding of data integration techniques, cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS), and modern data infrastructure including data lakes, warehouses, and real‑time streaming solutions.
* Experience in ensuring seamless data flow across systems and platforms.
* Strong knowledge of data governance frameworks, metadata management, and data quality principles.
* Demonstrated ability to work with cross‑functional teams, including IT, analytics, and business units, to translate strategic requirements into technical solutions. Skilled in influencing senior stakeholders and leading technical teams to deliver enterprise data capabilities.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We are also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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