Data Architect

Job Description

Purpose of the role

To define, direct and govern the bank’s target data architecture (inc. shared data environment, data model and standards) in support of business strategy, ensuring that data is accurate, secure and accessible to meet the needs of stakeholders. 

Accountabilities

• Development of the banks data architecture strategy, including the translation of bank-wide goals and objectives into target data architecture and transition plan.
• Collaboration with stakeholders, including data operations, engineers and analysts, to provide subject matter expertise and share knowledge to promote standardised, consistent, safe and value-driven data usage.
• Development and maintenance of the banks data architecture governance, standards and protection policies, regarding data models, authoritative data stores, and data capabilities, to support data quality, accuracy and consistency and the protection of sensitive information.
• Management of the alignment of projects to the target data architecture through the provision of guidance, data solutions and monitoring of progress.
• Definition of the shared reusable data capabilities, assets, tools and technologies required to connect disparate data sources, optimise data storage and provide seamless data access.
• Custodianship of an overarching data model that directs how data is logically and physically structured within the banks physical data resources, e.g. database, interfaces and reports.
• Monitoring applicable regulatory standards and industry developments for potential impact on the banks operations, controls and application portfolio.
• Identification and selection of best-in-class data technologies and ongoing assessment of compliance with the bank's service level agreements and quality standards.

Vice President Expectations

• To contribute or set strategy, drive requirements and make recommendations for change. Plan resources, budgets, and policies; manage and maintain policies/ processes; deliver continuous improvements and escalate breaches of policies/procedures..
• If managing a team, they define jobs and responsibilities, planning for the department’s future needs and operations, counselling employees on performance and contributing to employee pay decisions/changes. They may also lead a number of specialists to influence the operations of a department, in alignment with strategic as well as tactical priorities, while balancing short and long term goals and ensuring that budgets and schedules meet corporate requirements..
• If the position has leadership responsibilities, People Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others..
• OR for an individual contributor, they will be a subject matter expert within own discipline and will guide technical direction. They will lead collaborative, multi-year assignments and guide team members through structured assignments, identify the need for the inclusion of other areas of specialisation to complete assignments. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions..
• Advise key stakeholders, including functional leadership teams and senior management on functional and cross functional areas of impact and alignment.
• Manage and mitigate risks through assessment, in support of the control and governance agenda.
• Demonstrate leadership and accountability for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation to the work your team does.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the organisation functions to contribute to achieving the goals of the business.
• Collaborate with other areas of work, for business aligned support areas to keep up to speed with business activity and the business strategies.
• Create solutions based on sophisticated analytical thought comparing and selecting complex alternatives. In-depth analysis with interpretative thinking will be required to define problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Adopt and include the outcomes of extensive research in problem solving processes.
• Seek out, build and maintain trusting relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders in order to accomplish key business objectives, using influencing and negotiating skills to achieve outcomes.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.

Join us as an XDP Data Architect and help shape how data is structured, governed, and used across our bank. You will contribute to a trusted, secure, and scalable data environment. This environment supports our colleagues, customers, and business priorities. Working across technology and business teams, you will help ensure data is available, reliable, and easy to use.

As an XDP Data Architect, you will play an important role in supporting the responsible use of data across the organisation. You will define enterprise-wide data models and establish architectural standards. You will also support the adoption of data governance frameworks that align with regulatory requirements and business needs. Working closely with stakeholders across engineering, operations, analytics, and business teams, you will help create a reliable data foundation for the organisation.

You will contribute to the development of target-state data architectures. You will help teams adopt scalable and sustainable approaches to data stewardship, integration, and governance. You will provide guidance on data architecture patterns, data flows, and platform capabilities. This will help promote consistency, interoperability, and long-term value. You will also support the evolution of data practices while helping teams make effective use of data.

As part of our team, you will work with a wide range of stakeholders. You will contribute to future priorities and help shape the direction of data across the bank. Success in this role will involve building relationships, sharing knowledge, and working collaboratively. Together, we deliver data solutions that support innovation, operational efficiency, and positive outcomes for our customers and colleagues.

To be successful as an XDP Data Architect, you must have the following essential skills:

• Data Modelling and Data Architecture Design, coupled with the ability to partner with platform teams to influence and shape solutions at the solution and integration level.
• Data Governance and Data Stewardship.
• Data Integration and Platform Architecture.
• Standardised Architecture Governance.

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Some other highly valued skills may include:

• Analytics, AI and Machine Learning Architecture.
• Cloud Data Platforms.
• Master Data Management (MDM) and Reference Data.

You may be assessed on the key critical skills relevant for success in role, such as risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen, strategic thinking, and digital and technology, as well as job-specific technical skills.

This role will be based out of our Knutsford or Glasgow offices.