Data Architect in Manchester

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

AQA is looking for two data architects to help build data architecture capability in Assessment Technology. This is a chance to join at an important stage, helping shape how data is understood, modelled, governed and used across complex assessment systems that support learners, schools and colleges.

You will be part of a growing data architecture team, helping AQA move from one Data Architect to a broader team with stronger portfolio coverage. You will work across change programmes to translate business needs into clear data architecture direction, support delivery teams and help make sure data decisions are aligned to AQA strategy, governance and future technology opportunities.

• Creating and shaping data architecture artefacts, including data models, data dictionaries and data flow diagrams that help teams understand how data is created, moved, transformed and used.
• Working with project, product, technical and business stakeholders to translate business capabilities into practical data requirements and explain complex data decisions in clear, accessible language.
• Supporting data strategy and governance by contributing to standards, policies and procedures, while helping teams make secure, consistent and well-informed data decisions.

You will thrive in this role if you can combine strong technical data thinking with clear communication, curiosity and the confidence to influence decisions across business and technology teams.

• Experience producing and using architecture artefacts such as data models, data dictionaries, data flows or similar documentation, with the ability to understand, describe and connect domain-level data across systems or products.
• The ability to translate complex technical information into business-focused language and shape technical direction from business needs across a variety of stakeholders.
• A data architecture background is ideal, but adjacent experience in data engineering, solution or technical architecture with awareness of data governance frameworks, standards, policies and procedures, and clear architectural lens may also be suitable.

This role gives you scope to influence how data architecture develops at AQA, while working on varied and meaningful technology change. You will work across a broad data landscape, including operational data, analytical data, insight, AI and machine-learning enabled opportunities. You will play a key role in change connected to reform, digital exams and future-facing data capability. You will gain exposure to a Microsoft and Azure environment, while applying architecture concepts that transfer across cloud platforms.

• A 35‑hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days.
• Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution).

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

To apply, please submit your CV through the AQA careers site. Applications close on Sunday 19th July.

Purpose: To be responsible for defining, understanding and articulating the large amount of varying data available across Assessment Technology with the overall objective to provide all stakeholders with a view of data that meets their needs.

Landscape: The Architecture and Innovation Department reports to the Director of Assessment Technology and are responsible for scoping and integration of solutions into the next generation of assessment delivery. As a member of the Architecture and Innovation team, you will report to the Head of Architecture and Innovation to help shape and deliver the overall data strategy for Assessment Technology.

• Contribute towards the policies, guidelines and standards that make up the data strategy developing and maintaining them in line with business drivers and goals to establish robust and flexible controls.
• Engage with operational, product and technical stakeholders to gain a good understanding of their different data requirements.
• Model, describe and visualise the data models across the assessment technology estate to bring to life the data dependencies across all systems and products.
• Working with Solution Architects and Product Managers to produce a data roadmap that delivers the overall data strategy.
• Actively assess the whole landscape looking for opportunities where changes in data management, transformation etc. that would result in business process improvements.
• Provide appropriate levels of documentation to support architectural designs.
• Work with Solution Architects and development teams to ensure the domain data models are delivered as per the approved designs.
• Ensure data is secured and that data is retained for the approved retention periods.
• Collaborate with the Data Protection Officer and Security teams to ensure data is stored, managed, used and disposed of properly and in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
• Be an influencer of innovation and change across the AQA group.
• Develop business process models and flows with the aim of explaining how data is created, distributed and transformed across the whole estate.
• Provide governance around data integrity.
• Support the learning and development of other team members by mentoring and coaching.
• Effectively manage risks in changes to production, carefully consider and take a balanced view on changes.
• Provide product support when needed.

• Demonstrate expert knowledge, in ways of understanding and explaining the domain level data to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of domain driven design and how such architectural concepts affect data and consistency.
• Demonstrate a pro-active approach to communication.
• Have a can-do attitude with the ability to manage your own time.
• Be inquisitive and eager to research and learn new and emerging technologies and methodologies.
• Be a strong team player.

Computing degree or equivalent level of business computing experience and/or Professional accreditation (BCS etc.). Experience in managing and understanding domain level data models.

• Logical thinker, able to diagnose, troubleshoot and co-ordinate resolution of complex issues in a pressured environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to engage with colleagues and customers at all levels, whether technical or otherwise coupled with ability to sell and communicate ideas clearly to a wide range of stakeholders at differing levels of seniority and technical expertise.
• Ability to identify business objectives and form innovative potential solutions, supported by competent arguments.
• Proven ability to produce and maintain effective documentation.
• Persuades and influences both internal and external networks.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure in a fast-moving change environment.
• Solid commercial acumen.
• Provide architectural leadership, driving solution implementations through to successful delivery.
• Good knowledge of different type of data storage technologies, with appreciation of what use cases fit best to each technology.

Proven experience of understanding, and transforming discrete service domain data models into a cohesive multi-service model. Experience of managing data across products and microservice based architectures.