Data Architect

Are you passionate about transforming how organisations use data and ready to shape the future of information architecture at a world‑class institution?

Join The Open University as a Data Architect and play a pivotal role in enabling strategic, secure and scalable use of data across one of the UK’s most innovative universities.

The effective use of data is key to the successful delivery of the Open University Strategic goals. Reporting to the Lead Data Architect as part of the Digital Services Unit this is a key architecture function to ensure that solutions and programs are fit for purpose and in line with the larger University picture. The role works across teams to guarantee data architecture consistency in line with the business strategy and promotes cross team working in a large and complex environment.

• Produce agreed Data Architecture artefacts, including the conceptual model, logical model, and master data matrix, representing the key business data assets and how they are managed across applications. Provide data architecture oversight on the artefacts and processes created by different analytics teams within the OU.
• Perform data analysis to identify appropriate design decisions and align analysis results to data models to form data mapping and/or data lineage documentation.
• Support the Data Management team by providing input to the Data strategy, policies, principles and standards, with a view to improving the standardisation of approach to data management across the University.
• Support the Lead and Senior Data Architects in the creation and management of the Common Data Model to provide a common translation layer for integration. Support the analytics teams by creating and reviewing the logical data models to meet analytical requirements.
• Maintain the standards for logical model development and govern the production of project logical data models against those standards, including associated metadata, clarifying definitions in conjunction with the Data Management team, and ensuring data structures are sufficiently flexible and extensible to accommodate anticipated future requirements, by alignment with the Enterprise and Common Data Model. Consolidate the agreed outcome into an overall Corporate logical model.
• Provide guidance and support to development projects and business areas, specifically in the areas of data modelling, data integration and data migration and ensuring data-related principles and standards are adhered to via participation in the Technical Design Authority and Web Service Governance groups.
• Participate in the Design and Architecture Community of Practice, offering insight and leadership on data design activities and conduct research on emerging data technologies and techniques in support of Digital Service goals and commitments.

• In-depth experience of conceptual and logical data modelling, applied to both relational and dimensional formats (Inmon/Kimball) covering operational and analytical applications.
• Knowledge of master data management, metadata management and integration best practices and techniques.
• Understanding of RDBMS, No
  
  SQL and analytical physical data design. Knowledge of data design in relation to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Foundation in system development, understanding of end-to-end software development lifecycle and project management approaches. Must understand what advice to give and how to influence developments towards desirable outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience of creating and applying standards and best practice in IT design and delivery with reference to experience of software, tools and development methods including large scale web applications and Agile development techniques.
• Effective communication skills with both business stakeholders and technical SMEs. A high degree of self‑motivation, being comfortable working both as part of a team and alone.
• Ability to conceive and portray the overall data landscape; map the systems and interfaces used to manage data.
• Proven ability to work effectively within the Architecture function with an interest in appropriate use of technology and…