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- Tasks: Lead the design of enterprise data architecture and Canonical Data Model for ISP.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to student success and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data management while making a real impact on education.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in data architecture with strong canonical modelling experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across multiple platforms.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Own ISP’s enterprise data architecture and Canonical Data Model (CDM), defining the structural backbone for how data is represented, integrated, mastered, and consumed across ISP. The role establishes consistent entity structures, governed source-to-canonical mappings, identity resolution standards, and repeatable data movement patterns into the Unified Data Spine. The role prevents re-fragmentation, enables certified KPIs, and underpins the Unified Student Profile (USP) and Unified Customer/Household Profile (UCP).
Scope & Complexity
- Enterprise-wide, multi-country environment
- Operates across ERP, HRIS, SIS, CRM, EdTech, Finance, Learning and regional platforms
- Acts as enterprise authority for canonical modelling and data architecture standards
- Balances architectural integrity with pragmatic delivery
ISP Principles
- Begin with our children and students: our children and students are at the heart of what we do, and their success is our success.
- Wellbeing and safety are essential for learners and learning.
- Treat everyone with care and respect: we look after one another, embrace similarities and differences, and promote the well-being of self and others.
- Operate effectively: we focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference.
- Are financially responsible: we make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
- Learn continuously: getting better is what drives us; we positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Canonical Data Model Ownership
- Define and maintain the enterprise CDM for priority domains
- Own entity, attribute, relationship, and hierarchy standards
- Maintain canonical definitions catalogue
- Ensure CDM aligns to business language and KPI semantics
- Define SoR mapping principles
- Approve source-to-canonical mappings
- Define transformation and enrichment patterns
- Prevent bespoke enterprise data models
- Define matching, linking, and hierarchy logic
- Define identifier strategy (natural vs surrogate keys)
- Ensure alignment between identity architecture and survivorship rules
- Define reference patterns for Ingestion, Transformation, Semantic modelling, Lineage & metadata, Access control
- Review designs through Design Authority
- Approve canonical model changes via Data Governance Council
- Enforce "no bespoke data models" principle
- Provide patterns, templates and guidance to engineering teams
- Partner with BI Product Owner on semantic layer alignment
- Partner with Cyber Security & Privacy Manager on secure data design
- Approve canonical model changes
- Approve source-to-canonical mappings
- Define reference data architecture patterns
- Reject non-compliant designs
Key Responsibilities (Day-to-Day)
- Maintain CDM artefacts and catalogue
- Maintain SoR inventory
- Maintain identity resolution standards
- Support programme delivery with architectural input
- Provide governance input to Design Authority and programme gating
Key Deliverables (First 6 Months)
- CDM v1 for priority domains
- Definitions catalogue
- Source-to-canonical mappings for Wave 1 systems
- Identity resolution architecture document
- Data movement pattern catalogue
- Reference semantic layer model
Success Measures / KPIs
- % priority datasets using CDM
- Reduction in duplicate entity definitions
- Faster onboarding of new data sources
- Improved KPI consistency
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- 8-10+ years enterprise data architecture experience
- Strong canonical modelling background
- Experience with modern data platforms and integration patterns
- Strong communication with business and engineering audiences
- Systems thinking
- Pragmatic architecture
- Clear documentation
- Influence without authority
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.
Data Architect / Canonical Data Model Lead employer: International Schools Partnership Limited
Contact Detail:
International Schools Partnership Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect / Canonical Data Model Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the data architecture space on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous projects, especially those related to canonical data models and enterprise architecture. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common data architecture scenarios. Think about how you'd tackle challenges like identity resolution or source-to-canonical mapping. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨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, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect / Canonical Data Model Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with data architecture and canonical modelling. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working with both business and engineering teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Use examples in your application that illustrate how you’ve successfully bridged the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.
Highlight Your Governance Experience: We’re keen on candidates who understand the importance of data governance. Be sure to mention any experience you have with design authorities or data governance councils, as this will show us you can maintain the integrity of our data architecture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at International Schools Partnership Limited
✨Know Your Canonical Data Model
Make sure you have a solid understanding of canonical data models and how they apply to enterprise data architecture. Be ready to discuss your experience with defining entity structures and source-to-canonical mappings, as this will show your expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Systems Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your systems thinking abilities. Talk about how you've approached complex data integration challenges in the past and how you balanced architectural integrity with practical delivery. This will highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires strong communication with both business and engineering audiences, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders without direct authority, as this is crucial for collaboration.
✨Align with ISP Principles
Familiarise yourself with ISP's principles, especially around wellbeing, respect, and continuous learning. During the interview, reflect these values in your answers to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
