Head of Data Architecture - Enterprise Data Strategy in Manchester

Circa £105,000 to £114,000 plus private healthcare, company car or £6,000 car allowance and more great benefits (Work Level 4).

Manchester city centre - We’re open to flexible working arrangements, including condensed hours. You’ll work in a hybrid way, with travel to our Manchester office as required for team days, meetings, and events.

We’re reshaping our Digital, Technology and Data function for the future, creating new opportunities, strengthening our capability, and building clearer, more resilient ways of working so we can deliver even better services for our Co-op, our colleagues, members and customers.

We’re looking for a Head of Data Architecture to join our Digital, Technology & Data team in Manchester. In this role, you’ll lead how data is structured and flows across the Co-op, helping make sure it’s high quality, easy to access and trusted by the people who use it every day. You’ll shape the tools, platforms and ways of working that sit behind our data, from enterprise modelling through to enabling AI, making sure everything works together in a simple and consistent way.

Why this role matters

At Co-op, we know that better data leads to better decisions for our member-owners and customers. This role is all about creating the right foundations so teams across the organisation can use data confidently, whether that’s for reporting, insight, or new technologies like AI. You’ll help make sure our data is reliable, well understood and used in the right way, while supporting wider business goals and keeping us on track with the standards and responsibilities we need to meet.

What you’ll do

• Lead improvements to our data architecture across the business and sponsor enterprise-wide data architecture strategy, standards and governance.
• Support delivery of our biggest and most complex projects, providing architectural assurance and guidance.
• Help shape our enterprise data model, identifying key domains and critical data concepts and defining approaches to master data management.
• Set standards for how we manage data throughout its lifecycle including governance, quality, retention and metadata.
• Build and evolve a metadata repository for our systems and data flows ensuring data assets are documented, owned and governed.
• Enable AI models to use data close to source, reducing duplication and supporting emerging AI and automation capabilities.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development for our data architecture community through training, mentoring and capability frameworks within a matrix structure.
• Manage budgets, tooling and third-party relationships while ensuring data architecture efforts are prioritised to deliver the greatest enterprise value.

What you’ll bring

• Significant experience in data architecture, modelling, analytics, and integration.
• Proven leadership experience and a passion for helping others grow including leading teams within matrix operating models.
• A clear understanding of how data architecture adds value across businesses.
• Strong knowledge of the latest trends and innovations in technology, data and AI including vendor solutions and market developments.
• Great communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas in a simple, clear way.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills with experience working across large, complex organisations.
• Strong judgement on architectural quality, consistency and governance, with experience defining standards and frameworks.
• Commercial and strategic awareness, including managing budgets, tooling and vendor partnerships, and acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

We know some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. At Co-op, we’re committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• A company car or £6,000 car allowance.
• Private healthcare for you and your family.
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance).
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays.
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions.
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ).
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands.
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it.
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice.
• 24/7 colleague support service.
• Training and support for your development and career progression.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion.