At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape data management and governance across DVSA to enhance decision-making and service delivery.
- Company: Join DVSA, a key player in road safety across Great Britain.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with 60% office-based; excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety through effective data management and innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in data architecture and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57300 - 82340 £ per year.
DVSA are looking for a Senior Data Architect to help shape how data is managed, governed and used across the agency. This is a varied role where you will support the delivery of DVSA's data strategy, working across data architecture, governance, standards, quality and maturity to help improve services and support better decision-making.
Hybrid working with 60% office-based in your designated office in either Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Oldham, Newcastle, Swansea or Yeading. Salary up to £82,340 (base pay of £57,515 plus an additional Digital and Data Profession allowance up to £24,915), 28.97% employer pension contribution per annum and excellent Civil Service benefits.
About the role: DVSA are looking for a Senior Data Architect to join their growing Data Management team, helping to improve how data is captured, managed, governed and used across the agency. You will act as a point of contact for a key service area, building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business and helping teams understand the value of good data management.
The role will involve working with data owners, data stewards, technical teams and wider digital colleagues to improve data processes, support better decision-making and ensure data is treated as a strategic asset. This is a good opportunity for someone who enjoys combining data expertise with stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities:
- Define DVSA's data architecture framework, including models, standards, patterns and principles.
- Develop and maintain a data catalogue, documenting data usage, requirements and flows across the agency.
- Support the DVSA data strategy and roadmap, including data governance and data management artefacts.
- Develop data measurement initiatives to assess data condition, identify issues and support remediation.
- Work closely with EA leadership, Security Architects, Dynamics Architects, Business Architects and wider colleagues to shape data architecture and embed strong governance.
Essential skills:
- Experience and expertise in data architecture concepts (i.e. data modelling, model management, metadata management, data governance, data standards or data requirements).
- Experience translating business and service needs into clear data requirements, data flows, processes and practical architecture outputs.
- Experience improving how data is managed, governed, accessed or used, including developing and embedding data systems, processes or standards.
- Experience contributing to data strategy, roadmaps or associated policies, with strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence across a complex organisation.
Benefits:
- Salary up to £82,340 (base pay of £57,515 plus an additional Digital and Data Profession allowance up to £24,915).
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service, up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave.
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King's birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
Location: 60% Office based from a choice of 7 locations: Birmingham, Swansea, Leeds, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Oldham or Yeading (West London).
Why join DVSA? DVSA's work has a direct impact on road safety across Great Britain, helping to make sure drivers, vehicles and operators meet the standards needed to keep people safe. As a Senior Data Architect, you will help improve how data is managed, governed and used across the agency, supporting better decisions and more effective services for the public.
You will work across important areas such as data governance, quality, maturity, standards, modelling and the responsible use of data and AI. You're joining a growing data team at an exciting stage, with the opportunity to influence how data is treated as a strategic asset across a complex, public-facing organisation.
Apply now or contact Inspire People in complete confidence.
Senior Data Architect employer: Inspire People
DVSA is an exceptional employer that prioritises a flexible working culture and offers a competitive salary package, including a generous pension contribution and extensive annual leave. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to career advancement opportunities and professional qualifications, all while contributing to vital public safety initiatives across various locations in the UK. Join a dynamic team where your expertise in data architecture will directly influence the agency's data strategy and governance, making a meaningful impact on road safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research DVSA's data strategy and their recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend the familiarisation session. Building relationships can give you insider info and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about how you've tackled data governance or architecture challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data architecture and governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders. Share examples of how you've influenced decisions or improved processes through effective communication.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We highly encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspire People
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your data architecture concepts, especially data modelling and governance. Be ready to discuss how you've translated business needs into clear data requirements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders. Highlight instances where your influence led to improved data management or decision-making processes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with DVSA's Data Strategy
Take the time to understand DVSA's current data strategy and roadmap. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics and future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if DVSA is the right fit for you.