Data Architect: Strategy, Governance & Cloud Solutions in Preston

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Data Architect to join our Architecture and Strategy Team within Learning & Information Services. This pivotal role will shape and maintain the University’s data architecture framework, ensuring robust, scalable, and secure data solutions that support teaching, research, administration, and strategic decision-making.

As a Data Architect, you will lead the design and integration of data systems, optimise data management processes, and champion data governance standards across the institution. You will work closely with stakeholders to translate business priorities into innovative data solutions aligned with organisational goals and regulatory requirements.

About You

The successful candidate will have a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent experience, plus a recognised architecture qualification (eg TOGAF, DAMA). You will have proven experience in data architecture, data modelling, and integration and a strong understanding of data governance, metadata management, and regulatory compliance, along with the ability to translate business priorities into technical solutions. You'll be an excellent communicator and be familiar with modern data platforms, cloud technologies, and enterprise architecture principles.

Only applicants that meet the essential criteria will be considered for interview. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience and the written elements of your application should accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience.

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.