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- Tasks: Lead the data architecture strategy and shape Halfords' future data capabilities.
- Company: Join Halfords, a forward-thinking company revolutionising motoring and cycling.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values wellbeing and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by defining data standards and governance in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in enterprise data architecture and strong skills in Databricks and Azure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About us
Halfords is on a journey - building the future of motoring and cycling and looking for people who want to help shape what comes next. We’re a place for cocreators: people who want to make a real impact, take ownership and be part of something that’s still evolving. Technology at Halfords is at a turning point. We’re modernising our foundations, sharpening our delivery, and ensuring every technology decision is connected to real commercial and customer outcomes. We're looking for people who act as trusted advisors to the business, take end-to-end accountability for outcomes, and can balance pace with long‑term architectural integrity. Innovation here means practical, scalable solutions, not ideas that stay on whiteboards. Halfords operates a hybrid working policy – this position will be based 3 days per week at our support centre in Redditch, West Midlands.
About the role
As Data Architect within our Technology Architecture function, you will be the enterprise authority for data architecture at Halfords. This is a brand‑new role at a pivotal point in our data journey, created to bring strategic direction, standards and architectural governance to a capability that is becoming central to our customer, commercial and operational ambitions. You will define and govern the enterprise data architecture strategy, chair the Data Design Authority and set the guardrails for how data is modelled, integrated, governed and used across the organisation. With major programmes such as Customer Data Platform and ERP ahead, this is a genuine opportunity to shape the foundations of Halfords' future data estate rather than inherit someone else's blueprint.
Day to day, you will provide authoritative direction across Microsoft Fabric, Data Lake, Databricks, Informatica MDM and Salesforce Data Cloud, working closely with the Director of Data & Analytics, delivery portfolios, the Platform Architect – Data and the Head of Data Governance. You will help ensure that data architecture standards are not just written down, but embedded into the way teams design, govern and deliver data solutions. This is a genuine build‑and‑shape opportunity: the foundations are being modernised, the ambition is clear and you will have the mandate to create the standards, governance and architecture needed for data to become a core enterprise capability at Halfords.
Key responsibilities
- Define and own the enterprise data architecture strategy, principles, and roadmap, ensuring a coherent target state across analytics, operational, and customer data domains.
- Chair and lead the Data Design Authority, providing architectural decision‑making, assurance, and risk management across data initiatives.
- Provide architectural guardrails and technical direction to the Director of Data and Analytics and associated delivery teams, ensuring solutions align to enterprise standards across Azure Fabric, Data Lake, Databricks, Informatica MDM, and Salesforce Data Cloud.
- Lead the architectural design and governance of the key technology and data programmes, bringing proper structure and ownership to this area of the function.
- Drive adoption of modern cloud‑native data practices, embedding DataOps, automation, and CI/CD approaches to improve resilience, scalability, and delivery pace.
- Ensure security, privacy, and regulatory compliance is embedded by design across all enterprise data architecture patterns and platform capabilities.
- Line manage the Platform Architect for Data, working in close partnership with the Head of Data Governance to ensure architectural standards are embedded in practice.
About you
- Demonstrable experience defining and governing enterprise data architecture within a complex, multi‑domain organisation, with strong hands‑on Databricks and Azure stack experience is essential.
- Proven track record shaping and implementing data architectures on Microsoft Azure data platforms, including Fabric, Data Lake, and Databricks.
- Deep expertise in data modelling, enterprise integration patterns, and master data management, including platforms such as Informatica MDM and Salesforce Data Cloud.
- Experience establishing and leading architectural governance forums or design authorities, with the confidence to set standards and hold teams to them.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including line management and development of architecture or platform specialists.
- Able to translate complex data architecture into clear commercial outcomes, influencing senior stakeholders and supporting strategic investment decisions.
- Comfortable working in an environment that isn't yet fully formed, with the initiative to build something well from the ground up.
A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave. Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations. We offer hybrid working with a blend of working in our Support Centre and from home. You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services. Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.
Equal opportunities statement
Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.
Data Architect employer: Halfords Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Halfords Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Halfords. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have a portfolio or examples of your work, bring them along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise in data architecture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for technical questions or case studies during interviews. Practising these scenarios can help you shine and show your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Halfords journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Data Architect role. Highlight your hands-on experience with Databricks and Azure, as well as any leadership roles you've had in architectural governance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about data architecture and how you can contribute to Halfords' journey. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to our goals.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex data challenges in the past. We want to see your ability to translate technical solutions into clear commercial outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords Group PLC
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of data architecture, especially around Microsoft Azure, Databricks, and Informatica MDM. Brush up on your knowledge of enterprise integration patterns and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading the Data Design Authority, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led architectural governance forums or design authorities. Highlight your ability to set standards and hold teams accountable.
✨Connect Data to Business Outcomes
Halfords is looking for someone who can translate complex data architecture into clear commercial outcomes. Think of specific instances where your data strategies have positively impacted business decisions and be ready to discuss them.
✨Embrace the Build-and-Shape Opportunity
This role is about shaping the future of Halfords' data estate. Be enthusiastic about the chance to create and implement new standards and governance. Share your vision for modern cloud-native data practices and how you would drive their adoption.