Senior Data Architect

Job summary

Across government, data architecture has become a critical capability in enabling organisations to unlock the value of their data, support informed decision making and deliver high-quality, joined-up services. As data ecosystems grow in scale and complexity, there is an increasing need for strong architectural leadership to ensure that data is structured, governed and integrated effectively. Modern data architecture is central to ensuring interoperability, enabling analytics and innovation, and supporting secure, resilient digital services.

At Ofgem, data is fundamental to delivering our mission to protect energy consumers and support the transition to a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system. As we continue to strengthen our Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are investing in our data architecture capability to ensure that data is consistent, accessible and aligned with organisational strategy. This will enable better insight, improved decision making and more effective delivery of regulatory and operational services.

As a Senior Data Architect, you will lead the design and implementation of data architectures across projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with Ofgem’s enterprise data strategy and standards. You will work closely with architects, engineers and business stakeholders to design scalable, interoperable and secure data solutions that meet both operational and analytical needs.

This is a highly collaborative and influential role, combining strong technical expertise with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across the organisation. You will play a key role in shaping Ofgem’s data landscape, driving best practice and helping to build a more mature, consistent and effective approach to data architecture.

Job description

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the design of conceptual, logical and physical data models, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture principles and business needs
• Defining and promoting data standards, frameworks and best practices to ensure consistency, quality and compliance across data initiatives
• Designing data integration patterns that enable effective sharing, reuse and interoperability of data across systems and services
• Ensuring that data solutions meet security, privacy and quality requirements throughout the full data lifecycle
• Providing technical assurance for data solutions, ensuring alignment with governance, regulatory and architectural standards
• Collaborating with data architects, engineers, analysts and wider stakeholders to deliver effective and scalable data solutions
• Supporting the development of Ofgem’s data governance approach, including metadata management and master data practices
• Driving continuous improvement in data architecture, contributing to the development of standards, tools and ways of working across DDSS
• Creating and maintaining architectural artefacts and documentation to support organisation-wide understanding and reuse

We are looking for:

An experienced data architect with a strong track record of designing and delivering enterprise-scale data architectures and models. You will have a deep understanding of data management and governance principles, and the ability to apply these to complex organisational environments.

You will bring strong expertise in data modelling, including conceptual, logical and physical modelling, and be confident working with a range of architectural frameworks and tools such as ArchiMate, UML or equivalent. Experience of designing data solutions across cloud or hybrid environments will support your success in this role.

Your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively will be key. You will be confident working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating business needs into robust data designs and ensuring that solutions deliver tangible value.

You will also demonstrate a strong understanding of data standards, integration patterns and governance frameworks, with the ability to drive best practice and ensure compliance across data initiatives. Relevant certifications, such as BCS Enterprise Architecture or Azure Solution Architect, will support your credibility.

In addition, you will be proactive, forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement, contributing to the development of Ofgem’s data architecture capability and wider data community.

Why join Ofgem?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping how data is structured, managed and used across a nationally significant organisation. Your work will directly support Ofgem’s ability to deliver insight-driven regulation, improve services and support the UK’s transition to a Net Zero energy system—at a time when effective data architecture has never been more important.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing enterprise-scale data architectures, solutions and models that enable effective information management and analytics (Lead Criteria).
• Strong understanding of data management and governance principles to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across data ecosystems (Lead Criteria).
• Collaborates effectively across technical and business teams, ensuring data architecture aligns with organisational strategy and stakeholder needs.
• Proficiency in architectural modelling tools such as Archi and frameworks, such as ArchiMate, UML, or equivalent, with the ability to create and maintain architectural artefacts.

Holds or can obtain the following certifications or equivalent within 6 months:

• Formal Architectural Qualification such as BCS EA Certification or equivalent
• Cloud Architecture Certification: Microsoft Azure Solution Architect.

Desirable Criteria

• Experienced in delivering enterprise data architectures across hybrid or multi-cloud environments, ensuring interoperability and performance.

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Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• You will also be asked to conduct a Technical Test. Full details of the Technical Test will be disclosed if you progress through sift stage.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £49,452, OFGEM contributes £14,326 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Ofgem can offer you a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes; 30 days annual leave after 2 years; Excellent training and development opportunities; The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension which also includes a valuable range of benefits; hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office but this is kept under review), flexible working hours and family friendly policies. Plus lots of other benefits including clean and bright offices based centrally, engaged networks and teams and an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious and important targets of establishing a Net Zero energy system by 2050. This exciting blend of professional challenge and personal reward identifies career opportunities at Ofgem as something to get excited about.

Things you need to know

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