At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape AQA's data strategy and design innovative data platforms.
- Company: Join AQA, a forward-thinking organisation transforming education through data.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' outcomes while influencing key decisions.
- Qualifications: Strong data architecture experience and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 76000 £ per year.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping how data drives AQA's future. As our Solution Architect (Data), you will help define and implement the organisation's data strategy, working at the intersection of technology, governance and business change. Your expertise will guide how we design and build our data platforms, how we integrate data across the organisation and how we use information to improve outcomes for learners. You will be joining at a time when AQA is modernising its technology landscape, giving you real scope to influence decision-making, introduce new thinking and create long-term impact across enterprise and assessment technology.
Purpose of the Role
You will bring deep data expertise and architectural insight to help AQA develop a coherent and effective data landscape. You will support the development of organisation-wide data platforms, help define our data strategy, and work closely with colleagues to ensure data solutions align with our broader aims to support learners across the UK.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading on data-focused solution architecture across enterprise and assessment technology domains.
- Designing and guiding delivery of data platforms and data integrations that meet business needs.
- Shaping AQA's data strategy and contributing to data governance bodies such as the Data Council.
What We Are Looking For
You will thrive in this role if you enjoy bringing clarity to complex data landscapes and influencing key decisions. We are looking for:
- Experience in architecture with a strong data background.
- Familiarity with TOGAF, Zachman or similar frameworks.
- Ability to present clearly and confidently up to C-suite level.
- Strong analytical mindset with a focus on practical delivery.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
What's in It for You
This role gives you the opportunity to shape the future of AQA's data direction. You will benefit from:
- Exposure to strategic, organisation-wide data initiatives and platforms.
- Opportunities to grow within multiple architecture domains.
- 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
- A 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution).
- Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter. Interviews will be a two stage process including an initial MS Teams call followed by an in-person interview at our Manchester office. Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th March.
Solution Architect (Data Architect) employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to shape the future of education through innovative data strategies. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, a supportive work culture, and ample opportunities for professional growth, AQA offers a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact. Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and generous leave, all while being part of a forward-thinking organisation in the heart of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect (Data Architect)
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We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect (Data Architect)
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!
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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!
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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.
