At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of enterprise data architecture across multiple platforms.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to student success and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and safeguarding principles.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data architecture while making a positive impact on education.
- Qualifications: 8-10+ years in data architecture with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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.
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. Simply, their success is our success.
- Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
- 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. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
- 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
- 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
- Enablement & adoption: 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
- 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.
Head of Data Architecture and Integration employer: International Schools Partnership Limited
At ISP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and success of our children and students. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning and professional development, while our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and respected. Located in a dynamic, multi-country environment, this role offers unique opportunities for growth and impact within a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to educational excellence.
Contact Details:
International Schools Partnership Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Architecture and Integration
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at ISP or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with data architecture and integration. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your skills in a tangible way.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to data architecture and your approach to problem-solving. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform.
✨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 being part of the ISP team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Architecture and Integration
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in enterprise 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 Pragmatic Approach:We value a balance between architectural integrity and practical delivery. In your application, share instances where you’ve made pragmatic decisions in your previous roles, especially in complex environments. This will show us you can think on your feet!
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 Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in enterprise data architecture and canonical data models. Brush up on your knowledge of how data is represented, integrated, and consumed across various platforms. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you can bring valuable insights to the role.
✨Align with ISP's Values
Familiarise yourself with ISP’s principles, especially around wellbeing, safety, and continuous learning. Be prepared to discuss how your past experiences align with these values and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for children and students.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about data mapping, transformation patterns, and identity resolution strategies. Prepare to explain your thought process and decision-making in previous projects, as this will demonstrate your systems thinking and pragmatic approach to architecture.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires strong communication with both business and engineering audiences, practice articulating complex concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you successfully influenced stakeholders without authority, as this will highlight your ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
