Senior Manager Architect - Data

Senior Manager Architect - Data

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Capital One UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the architectural direction of innovative data transformation projects in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Capital One, a top-rated workplace focused on positive change in lending.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive learning opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Flexible hybrid work model with inspiring office spaces and a commitment to diversity.
  • 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.

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. Hear from our team about what it’s like working at Capital One UK.

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 our 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.

There is no one type of architect; you are the glue that adds value where it’s needed. To achieve this you are flexible, adapting your approach to meet the needs of the team, initiative, or product. You solicit differing views, are willing to change your mind and perspective as you learn more, and are adept at building consensus to align stakeholders to a common direction. 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.

A full list of our benefits is available here.

What you should know about how we recruit We pride ourselves on hiring the best people, not the same people. Building diverse and inclusive teams is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. We want to work with top talent: whoever you are, whatever you look like, wherever you come from. We know it’s about what you do, not just what you say. That’s why we make our recruitment process fair and accessible. And we offer benefits that attract people at all ages and stages. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging at our core. We empower our associates to do great work by creating an inclusive culture one that values diverse perspectives, fosters collaboration and encourages innovative ideas and a place where associates of all backgrounds can thrive by bringing their most authentic selves to work. We call this our Culture of Belonging, and it rests at the heart of our business. Our associate-led Business Resource Groups were created to help support our diverse population and include over 10 groups across our offices. Because each Business Resource Group is as unique as the population it serves, they offer a range of activities, networking opportunities, special events and learning programs to associates. Capital One is committed to diversity in the workplace. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please contact ukrecruitment@capitalone.com. All information will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of applying a reasonable adjustment.

For technical support or questions about Capital One’s recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com. Capital One does not provide, endorse nor guarantee and is not liable for third-party products, services, educational tools or other information available through this site. Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).

Who We Are At Capital One, we’re building a leading information-based technology company. Still founder-led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Fairbank, Capital One is on a mission to help our customers succeed by bringing ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity to banking. We measure our efforts by the success our customers enjoy and the advocacy they exhibit. We are succeeding because they are succeeding. Guided by our shared values, we thrive in an environment where collaboration and openness are valued. We believe that innovation is powered by perspective and that teamwork and respect for each other lead to superior results. We elevate each other and obsess about doing the right thing. Our associates serve with humility and a deep respect for their responsibility in helping our customers achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Together, we are on a quest to change banking for good.

Senior Manager Architect - Data employer: Capital One UK

Capital One is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to employee growth and well-being, as evidenced by its ranking as one of the UK's Best Workplaces. With a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance, state-of-the-art office facilities in London and Nottingham, and a robust benefits package including generous leave and professional development funding, employees are empowered to thrive in a culture that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.

Capital One UK

Contact Details:

Capital One UK Recruitment Team

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 folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, especially if you're eyeing a role like Senior Manager Architect - Data. Show them you’re not just another candidate.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You want to be able to explain your experience and how it aligns with their mission in a way that’s engaging and memorable. Keep it concise but impactful.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Architect - Data

Cloud-scale Data Technologies
Distributed Data Processing (Spark, PySpark, Python, Airflow)
ELT Data Processing
Data LakeHouse Architecture
Streaming Data
Event Driven Design
Data Governance

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 can bring your unique skills to our team!

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your hands-on experience with distributed data processing and modern data technologies. Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of tools like Spark, PySpark, and AWS. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you’ve got!

Communicate Clearly:We value excellent communication skills, so make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Remember, we want to see how you can navigate across tech, architecture, and senior stakeholders effortlessly.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission to transform financial services in the cloud!

How to prepare for a job interview at Capital One UK

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 tools like Spark, PySpark, and AWS services. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them in real-world scenarios.

Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

Since influencing senior stakeholders is key in this role, think about examples from your past where you've successfully navigated complex discussions. Prepare to articulate how you gained consensus on technology decisions and architecture direction, as this will demonstrate your leadership skills.

Showcase Your Architectural Vision

Be ready to talk about your architectural vision and how you've shaped it in previous roles. Bring along any architecture artefacts you've created, like reference architectures or Architecture Decision Records, to illustrate your thought process and expertise.

Emphasise Collaboration and Culture

Capital One values a culture of belonging and collaboration, so highlight your experience working in diverse teams. Share how you've fostered innovation and architecture excellence within your teams, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their inclusive culture.