At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Gateshead Council's data strategy and shape innovative data solutions.
- Company: Join Gateshead Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community services through data-driven decision-making.
- Qualifications: Degree in Data Science or related field, with experience in data strategy and architecture.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hybrid working, minimum 60% of your time working in the office, Civic Centre, Gateshead. Help shape data that improves lives across Gateshead.
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Shape how an entire organisation understands and uses its data. IT Services play a critical role in delivering the technology, infrastructure and digital capabilities that enable Gateshead Council, its schools and key partners to operate effectively and innovatively. The service provides strategic leadership, development, implementation and support of ICT solutions, ensuring employees are equipped with the tools and skills needed to work efficiently while safeguarding the council’s data through secure, resilient systems. Covering a broad portfolio, IT Services are at the heart of enabling modern, connected and data-driven services that improve outcomes for residents and communities.
We are seeking a forward-thinking Data Architect to lead Gateshead Council’s data strategy, shaping the architecture, governance and platforms that enable data to drive better services for our communities. As part of the Business Solutions and Data team, this role will establish the enterprise data foundations that support high-quality decision making, innovation and transformation, ensuring data is trusted, accessible, secure and used ethically. Working across services and with technical teams, you will translate complex business needs into scalable data solutions, champion a data-driven culture, and maximise the value of modern data platforms to deliver measurable outcomes for residents and stakeholders.
What You’ll Get To Do
- Own and evolve the Council’s data strategy, aligning it with priorities, transformation and national standards.
- Design secure, scalable architecture and a common data model to enable integration and insight.
- Embed data into decision-making and promote best practice across teams.
- Use data, analytics and AI to drive better services and outcomes for residents.
- Turn business challenges into high-value data products and shape the data roadmap.
- Strengthen metadata, master data and governance to improve trust and accessibility.
- Enable safe, ethical and GDPR‑compliant use of data.
- Grow data literacy, skills and clear ownership across the organisation.
- Track progress and increase data maturity, adoption and value.
What You’ll Bring
- A relevant degree (Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related subject or equivalent) or professional certifications in analytics/data management.
- Proven experience of developing and delivering an organisation‑wide data strategy aligned to business priorities, driving data maturity and value.
- Strong expertise in enterprise data architecture, data modelling and designing scalable, secure and integrated data solutions.
- Demonstrable experience of implementing data governance frameworks, including metadata, master data, data quality and stewardship practices.
- Experience of working with modern cloud‑based data platforms (e.g. Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks) and data integration approaches (ETL/ELT).
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex business needs into practical data solutions.
- Proven ability to lead large‑scale data or digital transformation initiatives, driving a data‑driven culture and embedding standards, best practice and accountability across a complex organisation.
What’s In It For You
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: discounted gym memberships through partner GLL and mental health resources.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through salary sacrifice car scheme.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: through VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, after 6 months service.
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Data Architect - Hybrid, Driving Data-Driven City Services in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture. Join us in shaping data-driven services that enhance the lives of our community while enjoying ample opportunities for learning and development in a forward-thinking environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect - Hybrid, Driving Data-Driven City Services in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events in Gateshead. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your data projects. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for data architecture, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Gateshead Council’s current data initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. This will not only impress them but also show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨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 and contributing to a data-driven culture at Gateshead.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect - Hybrid, Driving Data-Driven City Services in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Data:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for data shine through! We want to see how you can help shape a data-driven culture at Gateshead Council, so share your experiences and ideas on how data can improve lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills align with the role. We’re looking for someone who can own and evolve our data strategy, so be specific about your relevant experience in data architecture and governance.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and how they relate to the job. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Gateshead.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the data landscape of Gateshead Council. Familiarise yourself with their current data strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've shaped data architecture in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Gateshead Council values strong stakeholder engagement. Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex business needs into practical data solutions. Think about times when you successfully collaborated across teams to drive a data-driven culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Brush up on your knowledge of modern cloud-based data platforms like Azure and Databricks. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data governance frameworks and how you've implemented best practices in data quality and stewardship. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Emphasise Your Vision for Data-Driven Services
Gateshead Council is looking for someone who can champion a data-driven culture. Come prepared with ideas on how you would evolve their data strategy and embed data into decision-making processes. Show them that you're not just a technical expert but also a visionary who can drive transformation.
