At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape data architecture and influence how data is used across assessment systems.
- Company: Join AQA, a leader in educational assessment technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovative data solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data strategy and governance in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with data models and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88500 £ per year.
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.
Purpose of the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
What We Are Looking For
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.
What's in It for You
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.
Data Architect in London employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a dynamic work environment where education specialists can thrive. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and private medical insurance, alongside a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our commitment to professional development and community engagement ensures that you will have meaningful opportunities to grow and make a positive impact in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect in London
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like AQA!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Data Architect at AQA.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like AQA.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Data Architect at AQA, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at AQA, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at AQA. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at AQA!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
