At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architectural direction of innovative data transformation projects in a hybrid work environment.
- Company: Join Capital One, a top-rated workplace focused on positive impact in lending.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, extensive learning opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with inspiring office spaces and a strong focus on career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial services with cutting-edge cloud technology and data solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data architecture and modern cloud technologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London or Nottingham - Hybrid
Working Pattern: 3 days in-office (Tuesday-Thursday) and 2 days remote
Our Mission
We’re on a mission to be a force for good in lending. Throughout our almost 30-year history, we’ve consistently been recognised as a great place to work; in 2026, Capital One was officially ranked 9th in the UK’s Best Workplaces list.
About the role
Do you love shaping the architectural technical direction of large, complex Data transformation initiatives? It’s an exciting time at Capital One UK - We’re on a mission to unlock organisational pace and Data agility, through creating our next generation, cloud-based data ecosystem, to unlock the power of data, increase financial inclusion and deliver transformative, real-time, intelligent experiences to our customers.
Capital One’s Data team is responsible for the data ecosystem, which covers the holistic data lifecycle, from the capture of high-quality customer data in real-time, the structuring, storage and processing of that data for insight, to the usage of the data in event driven applications, ML and AI.
As a Senior Manager Architect in Data you will be an experienced technical leader bringing business, industry and deep technical understanding to shape the architecture direction and evolution of the data ecosystem, across Cloud-scale Distributed Data Processing, Storage & Curated Data Consumption. You will invest in architecture excellence across the Data team, and foster innovation to unlock value across our user community of Engineers, Data Scientists, Data Analysts & Data Governance associates. Come and help us shape the future of financial services in the Cloud.
What you’ll do
- Shape the architecture direction and evolution of the data ecosystem, across Cloud-scale Distributed Data Processing, Storage & Curated Data Consumption
- Influence Senior stakeholders, Internal customers & Enterprise partners, gaining consensus on key technology decisions and architecture direction of the data ecosystem
- Own and evolve architecture artefacts including reference architectures, Architecture Decision Records, and technical standards for your domain
- Partner with Product Management, Engineering, Cyber and the user community of Engineers, Data Scientists, Data Analysts and Data Governance associates, solving their challenges through Data Technology, to unlock business value
- Be a passionate advocate for the data ecosystem and data technology, driving wide awareness and usage aligned to Enterprise architecture standards and patterns
- Enable simplification across our architecture, processes and technologies, by encouraging and fostering UK standardisation, the reuse of appropriate industry SaaS solutions, and adoption of Enterprise standards, patterns, capabilities and platforms as appropriate for each use case
- Nurture and grow architecture excellence & culture within the Data team, leading technical design reviews & driving architecture best practice both within the team and the broader Architecture organisation
- Collaborate with your peers in UK architecture and engage in the wider Enterprise architecture group
What you’ll bring
- Demonstrable experience as a hands‑on Senior Manager Architect, in a large, complex data‑led organisation
- Deep understanding & hands‑on leverage of Modern, Cloud scale Data Technologies, with specific expertise in Distributed Data Processing architectures (Spark, PySpark, Python, Airflow), ELT data processing underpinning Data LakeHouses and Data Products for scaled use within ML & AI
- Expertise in Streaming Data, Event Driven Design, Data Governance & the AWS Cloud Technology stack (e.g. Glue, ServerLess, DynamoDB)
- A track record in leading the architecture vision, design & implementation of Enterprise scale data applications, with specific focus on Distributed Data Processing systems, Data LakeHouse, Data Products, Streaming data, ML & AI platform capabilities
- Working knowledge of ML and Generative AI, including the leverage of Agentic AI based systems within the Architecture and Software Development lifecycle
- Excellent communication skills, effortlessly navigating across tech, architecture, product and senior stakeholders to achieve alignment
- Proficiency in software development principles, patterns, and practices including CI/CD
- Passion for growing architectural and data‑led thinking, with experience in embedding & scaling this within in a large Enterprise setting
- An ability to shape the adoption of modern Data Technology and support the evolution of a Data driven culture, across a scaled, cross functional organisation
- Experience in Financial Services or Regulated sector beneficial
Where and how you'll work
This is a permanent position which can be based in either our London or Nottingham offices. We embrace a hybrid approach to work. You'll spend three days a week in the office (Tuesday‑Thursday), with Monday and Friday being dedicated work‑from‑home days. Our offices are designed to inspire and support you. At our Nottingham head office, you'll find an on‑site gym, restaurant and dedicated Learning Loft. Our London office boasts a rooftop running track and coffee bar.
What’s in it for you
We invest in the growth of our people alongside our business. You will have extensive opportunities to learn and develop your career, including access to up to £5,000 in funding for external qualifications. In addition to career development, our comprehensive benefits package is designed to grow with you, ensuring your wellbeing is prioritised at every stage of your career:
- Wealth & Future: Competitive pension and performance‑based bonus schemes
- Holidays: Start with 25 days of annual leave, increasing with tenure. Need more? You have the option to buy 5 additional days.
- Health: Access premium care through our private medical insurance.
- Family Support: We champion your milestones with enhanced parental leave.
Capital One is committed to diversity in the workplace.
Senior Manager Architect - Data employer: Capital One (Europe) plc
At Capital One, we pride ourselves on being a top employer, consistently recognised for our exceptional work culture and commitment to employee growth. With a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility, our London and Nottingham offices offer inspiring environments complete with modern amenities, while our comprehensive benefits package ensures your wellbeing and career development are prioritised. Join us in shaping the future of financial services and enjoy extensive opportunities for learning and advancement in a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager Architect - Data
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Capital One through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s data initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their cloud-based data ecosystem and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've shaped architectural direction in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it structured and impactful.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the Capital One team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Architect - Data
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Manager Architect - Data role. Highlight your experience with cloud-scale data technologies and how you've shaped architectural direction in previous roles. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your hands-on experience with distributed data processing and modern data technologies. Mention specific tools like Spark, PySpark, and AWS services that you've worked with. This is your chance to shine!
Communicate Clearly:Your application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Remember, we need to see how you can navigate across tech and senior stakeholders effortlessly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Capital One!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capital One (Europe) plc
✨Know Your Data Technologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of modern, cloud-scale data technologies. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Distributed Data Processing architectures like Spark and PySpark, as well as your familiarity with AWS services such as Glue and DynamoDB.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Manager Architect, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead architectural vision and design. Prepare examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven consensus on key technology decisions in previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand for non-technical stakeholders. Think about how you can bridge the gap between tech, architecture, and product teams.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted your approach to meet the needs of different teams or projects. Highlight instances where you've solicited differing views and built consensus, showcasing your flexibility and collaborative spirit.
