Data Architect in Sunderland

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably. We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital.

We are looking for a Data Architect to join our BI Product Team on a full-time, permanent basis. We offer hybrid working. This role can be based in either our London or Sunderland office, with a minimum of three days per week on-site. The remaining time can be spent working wherever you can best deliver for your customers, while still maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

The Data Architect is responsible for defining and maintaining the overall data architecture strategy that enables Arriva’s BI and self-serve analytics capabilities. This role establishes the technical vision, standards and frameworks that enable scalable, efficient, and secure data solutions across the organisation.

Direct Responsibilities:

• Architecture Design & Strategy: Assess existing data architectures, documenting current-state models, pipelines, technologies, standards, and approaches. Define and maintain the enterprise data architecture vision and roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives and BI product strategy. Design logical and physical data models that support efficient reporting, analytics, and self-service BI capabilities. Establish architectural patterns and frameworks for consistent implementation across data solutions. Evaluate and recommend architectural approaches for data storage, processing, and consumption. Design technical architecture for cloud-based data platforms (AWS preferred: Redshift, Athena, S3, Glue). Create and maintain architecture documentation.
• Technology Leadership & Innovation: Research, evaluate, and recommend new technologies and tools that enhance Arriva's data and BI capabilities. Stay current with emerging trends including open table formats, data observability, real-time/streaming architectures, and cloud-native solutions. Conduct proofs-of-concept and technical assessments to validate new technologies before adoption.
• Data Modelling & Standards: Define and document standard business entities, metrics, and KPIs to ensure consistency across reporting. Review and approve complex data models designed by BI Engineers. Design and implement data governance framework.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Work with Group BI & Data Director to define strategy and frameworks. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to BI Engineers. Collaborate with BI Developers to understand frontend requirements. Partner with BI Product Manager to translate business strategy into technical architecture requirements. Facilitate architecture discussions and workshops with stakeholders.

Essential Experience:

• Extensive experience in data architecture with proven track record of designing and implementing enterprise-scale data solutions.
• Deep expertise in data modelling techniques with strong SQL proficiency.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cloud data platforms (AWS preferred).
• Strong understanding of modern data engineering patterns.
• Understanding of emerging technologies such as open table formats.
• Experience with data governance frameworks and ensuring compliance with security and regulatory requirements.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong business acumen with ability to translate business requirements into technical architecture.
• Continuous learning mindset with curiosity about new technologies.
• Pragmatic approach that balances architectural excellence with practical delivery constraints.

The closing date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.