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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 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Purpose of Role
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. This 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. 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
- 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. - Source-to-Canonical Mapping & Transformation
Define SoR mapping principles. Approve source-to-canonical mappings. Define transformation and enrichment patterns. Prevent bespoke enterprise data models. - Identity Resolution Architecture (with MDM Lead)
Define matching, linking, and hierarchy logic. Define identifier strategy (natural vs surrogate keys). Ensure alignment between identity architecture and survivorship rules. - Data Architecture Patterns
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. - Decision Rights
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.
Safeguarding & Diversity Commitments
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
Contact Detail:
International Schools Partnership 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 your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Knowing their values, especially around safeguarding and diversity, shows you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Data Architect. Highlight your canonical modelling skills and how they can benefit the team.
✨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 keen on joining us!
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 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 Problem-Solving Abilities: We’re looking for someone who can balance architectural integrity with pragmatic delivery. Share specific instances where you’ve tackled challenges in data architecture or integration patterns, and how your solutions made a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at International Schools Partnership
✨Know Your Data Architecture
Make sure you have a solid understanding of enterprise data architecture and canonical data models. Brush up on the key concepts, such as entity structures and source-to-canonical mappings, so you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires strong communication with both business and engineering teams. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex data concepts in the past, and be ready to demonstrate your ability to influence without authority.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles related to data architecture and how you overcame them, especially in multi-country environments.
✨Align with ISP Principles
Familiarise yourself with ISP's principles, especially around safeguarding and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they influence your approach to data architecture and team collaboration.
