At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architectural direction for BBC's Data Platform and Account & Identity capabilities.
- Company: Join the iconic BBC and be part of their digital transformation journey.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and influence senior stakeholders in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data and AI at a global scale with real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technical architecture and leadership in high-availability environments.
Head of Architecture - Data Platform & Account & Identity | BBC
I'm currently partnered with the BBC on a key Head of Architecture hire focused on Data Platform & Account & Identity - a pivotal role sitting at the centre of their digital transformation.
This is a rare opportunity to shape how data, AI/ML and identity platforms operate at national and global scale, underpinning everything from personalisation and audience insight through to regulatory compliance.
You'll operate as one of the most senior technologists in the organisation, owning architectural direction across a high-volume, event-driven ecosystem with near-zero tolerance for failure.
This role is hybrid, with flexibility to be based from your nearest BBC hub - London, Manchester, Salford, Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff or Newcastle.
The Role
As Head of Architecture, you will define and support the delivery of the technical architecture across the BBC's Data Platform and Account & Identity capabilities, working as part of the wider Product Engineering leadership team.
You'll collaborate closely with Engineering, Product, Data, UX and business leadership - ensuring architectural decisions are aligned to both technical strategy and wider organisational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Define and evolve platform capabilities supporting billions of audience events per day, ensuring high availability, scalability and security
Lead the transition toward domain-oriented, platform-based architectures, embedding data product thinking and ownership models
Own and govern architectural standards across data, AI/ML and identity ecosystems (real-time & batch processing, ML enablement, customer identity)
Enable responsible AI and ML at scale, balancing innovation with governance, risk and safety
Lead major technology decisions, platform strategy and vendor selection, with clear accountability for enterprise outcomes
Line manage and develop a senior architecture team, while influencing a wider engineering and product community
What We're Looking For
Proven experience defining and delivering technical architecture strategy at scale
Strong background across data platforms, AI/ML enablement and/or identity systems
Experience operating within high-availability, event-driven environments
Ability to drive organisational and architectural transformation, not just system design
Confidence influencing senior stakeholders and C-level leaders
Experience leading and developing senior, technically strong teams
Broad understanding of modern architectures including cloud (AWS), microservices and data processing at scale
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to operate at enterprise scale, shaping the future of one of the world's most recognised organisations as it continues its journey toward a fully connected, on-demand digital future.
We're keen to hear from leaders who want to operate at real scale and shape the future of modern engineering.
If you're inspired by public purpose and ready to lead meaningful, enterprise-level transformation, I'd love to hear from you.
Head of Architecture - Data Platform & Account & Identity (BBC) in Salford employer: IO Associates
Join a leading engineering organisation that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact high-performance solutions in safety-critical environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor fellow engineers and shape technical direction while working in an Agile/SAFe environment. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique chance to be part of cutting-edge projects in defence, aerospace, and industrial technology, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
