At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data architecture and influence enterprise-wide design for Aviva.
- Company: Join Aviva, a forward-thinking organisation committed to data excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous pension, and 29 days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data strategy and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Expertise in information architecture and strong influencing skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 104000 - 156000 £ per year.
This is a great job for someone who thrives on bringing structure to complexity and enjoys shaping how an organisation understands and uses its data. Are you someone who loves defining clear, consistent information practices, building strong relationships across diverse teams, and influencing enterprise‑wide design? Do you love connecting business outcomes with technical strategy and creating data foundations that unlock value at scale?
This role would suit someone who is an experienced information architect, data strategist, or enterprise architect looking to step into a position with broad influence and impact. You may be ready for a significant step up in scope, excited by the challenge of a federated organisation, or motivated by improving semantic clarity, interoperability, and governance across markets.
You will lead Aviva’s ‘Market Data’ and ‘Information Architecture’ pillars, shaping how data is defined, organised, and used across our markets. Your work will ensure that data flows are fit for purpose, aligned to FAIR principles, and designed to support analytics, AI, and operational excellence. You’ll translate market needs into high‑value data products, steward the Group‑wide Information Architecture practice, and reduce duplication by embedding strong modelling and semantic standards. You will work closely with Market CIOs, the Data CIO, and the CDO, contributing to the enterprise data model and advancing our data foundations across the organisation.
Skills and experience we’re looking for:
- Deep expertise in conceptual and logical modelling, metadata, master/reference data, taxonomies, and ontologies — essential for defining Aviva’s common language and ensuring semantic consistency across markets.
- Ability to define enterprise‑wide standards, patterns, and frameworks, aligning IA with Data Strategy, Enterprise Architecture, regulatory expectations, and Aviva’s federated operating model.
- Strong influencing skills to drive adoption across business, engineering, data, risk, governance, and CIO communities — especially in a federated environment where formal authority is limited.
- Exceptional communication and facilitation skills to bring diverse teams together, socialise standards, clarify meaning, run working groups, and guide programmes toward consistent design choices.
- Ability to diagnose gaps, create clarity where standards are missing, improve tooling and processes, and mature an evolving discipline — bringing structure, repeatability, and coherence at enterprise scale.
What you’ll get for this role:
- Bonus opportunity – 25% of annual salary. Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
- Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
- 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
- Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
- Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
- Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
- Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
- Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
- Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
- We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.
We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please contact Chloe Nettley at 07795 207964 or email to chloe.nettley@aviva.com.
Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares.
We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.
To find out more about working at Aviva, take a look.
Head of Information Architecture employer: Aviva
Contact Detail:
Aviva Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Information Architecture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their data practices and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your skills and how they relate to the role of Head of Information Architecture. You want to convey your passion for data and how you can bring structure to complexity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Aviva.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Information Architecture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in information architecture and data strategy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves influencing diverse teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your exceptional communication abilities. Use clear examples in your application that illustrate how you've successfully collaborated across different departments.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise: We’re looking for someone with deep expertise in conceptual and logical modelling, so make sure to include specific projects or experiences that showcase your knowledge in these areas. The more detail, the better!
Apply Online: We’d love it if you could submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Aviva!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviva
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with key terms like 'information architecture', 'data strategy', and 'semantic clarity'. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Influencing Skills
Given the importance of influencing diverse teams in this role, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to drive adoption of standards and practices. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated a federated environment and brought teams together.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around conceptual and logical modelling, taxonomies, and ontologies. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Being able to articulate your technical expertise will set you apart.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Exceptional communication is key for this position. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clarity and ensure you engage with your interviewers by asking clarifying questions when needed.