Lead Data Architect

Serving our customers, communities, and planet a little better every day.

Salary:
Competitive from £66,400 + Annual Bonus & Benefits

Work Level: 2 Permanent role

Location:

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Reigate, London or Newcastle

Office Attendance:
Hybrid; requires office attendance 2 days per week.

Closing Date: 16th January 2025

Lead Data Architect at Tesco Insurance and Money Services, reporting to the Head of Data and AI Services.

As the lead for the data architecture domain, you will enable transformational change, drive impactful business outcomes, and unlock opportunities through data. You’ll oversee delivery of a new data platform, champion data standards, and guide adoption of modern technologies such as AI and machine learning. You will also ensure that Data Architects, Solution Architects, and Engineers follow architecture principles and that third‑party services meet our standards.

• Develop and evolve a strategic architecture plan, designing and implementing robust solutions aligned with business needs.
• Prioritise data features, produce reliable estimates, track benefits, and monitor design activities to achieve the architecture plan.
• Document and analyse complex “as is” and “to be” processes for data migration and capability change.
• Conduct horizon scanning for emerging technologies and trends.
• Develop and maintain application software, identifying areas for modification and new solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Support business requirements using data models to inform education, research, and designs.
• Implement information security measures and contribute to security design.
• Ensure operational compliance across data initiatives.
• Lead performance management and development of a high‑performing data architecture team.
• Manage key aspects of the data management system.

• Subject‑matter expertise in Data Architecture, Data Modelling, and Data Management.
• Experience with architecture governance and data governance contributions.
• Experience with Data & Process Mapping in a regulated organisation.
• Strong technical skills (IBM Info Sphere Server, Data Stage, SAS, COGNOS preferred).
• Leadership experience.
• Robust understanding of cloud infrastructure.

• Company pension scheme for retirement preparation.
• Private healthcare & virtual GP service plus critical illness cover.
• Performance‑related annual bonus.
• Generous holiday allowance (minimum 7.2 weeks, option to buy more).
• Colleague Clubcard discounts: 10% now, rising to 15% each payday (value up to £2,000); second card available.
• Green car leasing scheme.
• Family‑oriented initiatives: enhanced maternity leave pay, shared parental leave, 8‑week paid paternity leave.
• Participation in Buy‑as‑You‑Earn and Save‑as‑You‑Earn share schemes.

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace, celebrating diversity, and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcomed and can be themselves.

We value work‑life balance and explore part‑time and flexible working opportunities at all levels. Interviews will commence in January 2026.

We aim to make insurance and money services rewarding, accessible, and tailored to customers’ needs. Our open, customer‑focused culture drives us to deliver real impact every day.

Founded in 1997, we now protect over 2 million customers, offering simple online policies, exceptional customer service, and a dedicated commitment to our teams.

To learn more about this career and apply, click the apply button on our site.