At a Glance
- Tasks: Design scalable data architectures for critical public services that impact millions.
- Company: Join DWP Digital, a leader in public service technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning culture that values diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping data solutions that enhance public services.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in data architecture and cloud technologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 57946 - 83917 £ per year.
Pay of up to £83,917, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance.
DWP Digital with Purpose is looking for Senior Data Architects to help shape how data underpins some of the UK's most critical public services. At DWP Digital, we build and run services that support millions of people every day - from accessing financial support to finding work. Data is at the heart of that mission.
As a Senior Data Architect, you'll play a key role in designing the data foundations that enable these services to operate at scale, securely and effectively. You'll work on complex, high-impact initiatives across DWP Digital, collaborating with architects, engineers and senior stakeholders to define the right solutions. You'll bring clarity to ambiguity, develop architectural options, and provide expert guidance that informs both technology choices and long-term strategic direction. This is a rare opportunity to influence enterprise-scale data architecture in a genuinely meaningful context - improving services that make a difference to society.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Extensive knowledge of data architecture design and modelling with demonstrable application of industry-recognised techniques, patterns, tools and standards.
- Demonstrable ability to present data architecture designs and articulate key decisions to technical governance forums ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture principles and strategic objectives.
- Proven experience across core data architecture disciplines including Data Modelling, Master Data Management (MDM), Metadata Management and Data Governance.
- In-depth understanding of event-driven architecture with demonstrable application of patterns such as publish-subscribe (pub/sub) and data streaming supported by appropriate modelling techniques tools and standards.
- Strong practical experience of public cloud technologies and cloud-native design including hosting, containerisation and networking patterns with proficiency across platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
- Solid understanding of Agile delivery methodologies with proven application of best practices in complex cross-functional technology environments.
- Hands-on experience of DevOps principles including strong working knowledge of Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) practices and tooling.
- Proven capability to shape, influence and support technology initiatives across projects, programmes and portfolios ensuring alignment with architectural vision and organisational outcomes.
You and your role
As a Senior Data Architect, you'll work across multiple programmes and delivery teams, applying enterprise-level thinking to complex data challenges. You'll translate business and user needs into scalable, resilient data architectures - designing models, structures and frameworks that support consistent, high-quality and well-governed data across the organisation. You'll take ownership of key architectural artefacts, including data models, metadata frameworks and data dictionaries, ensuring clarity, consistency and alignment at scale. Working alongside other Data and Technical Architects, you'll ensure data architecture is fully integrated into wider system design, enabling solutions that are robust, interoperable and future-ready. You'll also provide technical leadership within the community - guiding other Data Architects, supporting design decisions, and ensuring adherence to agreed standards, policies and governance frameworks. Through your work, you'll influence how data is managed and used across DWP Digital, helping to build platforms and services that are secure, reliable and designed for long-term impact.
Details
Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in your choice of Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.
Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to £83,917. You'll get a salary of £57,946 plus a Government Digital and Data Allowance of up to £25,971, subject to our assessment of capability at interview.
Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £16,786 per year.
Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 25 days rising to 30 days over time. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.
We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving
- Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
- Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
- Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
- Sports and social activities
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
And we have an award-winning environment and culture:
- DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024
- Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
- Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards
Process: We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online.
CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.
Locations
Senior Data Architect in Cheshire, Warrington employer: DWP Digital
DWP Digital is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary of up to £83,917 along with generous benefits such as a civil service pension with 28.97% employer contributions, flexible working hours, and a strong focus on work-life balance. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, DWP Digital fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career progression while making a meaningful impact on public services across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Architect in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former DWP employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into DWP's mission and values. Think about how your skills as a Senior Data Architect align with their goals. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled complex data challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to articulate your data architecture designs clearly. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable explaining your thought process and decisions.
✨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 DWP team and making a difference in public services.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Architect in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Senior Data Architect role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise in data architecture. We want to see how you've tackled complex challenges and delivered results.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your key points stand out. We appreciate clarity as much as complexity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of data architecture design and modelling. Be ready to discuss industry-recognised techniques, patterns, and tools you've used in past projects. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Prepare for Technical Governance Discussions
Since you'll need to present your designs and decisions to technical governance forums, practice articulating your thought process clearly. Think about how your architectural choices align with enterprise principles and be prepared to defend them with examples from your experience.
✨Showcase Your Cloud Expertise
DWP Digital values cloud-native design, so highlight your hands-on experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you implemented cloud technologies, focusing on how they improved scalability and security.
✨Demonstrate Agile and DevOps Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with Agile methodologies and DevOps principles, especially Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery practices. Share examples of how you've successfully applied these in complex environments, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
