Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of enterprise data architecture and Canonical Data Model for impactful data integration.
- 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 architecture while making a difference in education.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in data architecture with strong canonical modelling experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and influence across multiple platforms.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their data architecture needs, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a GitHub repository that highlights your projects related to data architecture and canonical modelling. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨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 our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect / Canonical Data Model Lead in London
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 the role, 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 gaps between different audiences.
Highlight Your Governance Experience: Given the importance of governance in this role, make sure to mention any experience you have with data governance frameworks or councils. We’re looking for someone who can enforce standards and ensure compliance, so share your relevant achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at International Schools Partnership Limited
✨Know Your Canonical Data Model Inside Out
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 skills. Talk about how you've approached complex data integration challenges in the past and how you ensured architectural integrity while delivering practical solutions.
✨Communicate Clearly with Both Business and Engineering Teams
Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. Highlight your ability to bridge the gap between business needs and engineering requirements, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
Share specific instances where you've engaged in personal or professional development related to data architecture. This aligns with ISP's principle of continuous improvement and shows that you're proactive about staying current in your field.
