At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data architecture projects, translating strategic needs into actionable solutions.
- Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a leader in innovative technology solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; occasional travel may be needed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data strategy while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in data architecture and proficiency in database management systems required.
The predicted salary is between 43800 - 61100 € per year.
Senior Data Architect - Maritime and Coastguard Agency - G7
£57,515 Plus an additional allowance up to £22,885
Published on
Full-time (Permanent) £57,515 Plus an additional allowance up to £22,885
Published on 18 November 2025 Deadline 30 November 2025
Location
Cardiff, Southampton
About the job
Job summary
Can you translate complex data needs into elegant, actionable solutions that shape strategy and drive meaningful organisational change?
Do you thrive on collaboration, guiding others with confidence and care to build data architecture that generates lasting impact?
If so, we\'d love to hear from you!
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Information Technology (IT) Strategy & Architecture function enables the organisation to deliver world-class services. It is a centre of excellence that is responsible for the technology strategy, delivering a broad portfolio of change to transform the Agency’s legacy technologies and deliver innovative new solutions designed around our customers’ needs.
The architecture team is responsible for the definition of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency technology strategy, the development of the solutions’ architectures required to realise this strategy and ensuring that architecture and technology principles are met and maintained. The role sits within a digital team of user-centred design and architecture and will focus on operational data for a variety of critical systems and change work.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
The key responsibilities of this role will include but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with the Chief Data Architect to interpret business requirements and maintain consistency in data architecture across programmes.
- Participate in governance forums such as the Architecture Review Board and Data Governance Board to review, validate, and approve data models, metadata systems, and related artefacts.
- Identify and elevate data-related risks, blockers, or deviations from agreed standards to the Chief Data Architect, contributing to continuous improvement of data practices. Provide technical leadership and guidance to partner data architects and delivery teams, ensuring adherence to data architecture principles and standards challenging third-party designs where necessary.
- Define and maintain the enterprise data architecture, including data models, metadata, integration patterns, and business intelligence or data warehouse structures.
- Design and support the lifecycle management of data assets- including upgrade, decommissioning, and archiving- in compliance with data policy and architectural strategy.
- Ensure that data architecture artefacts are documented and maintained in the enterprise architecture repository, and that they remain compliant with MCA’s architecture strategy and principles.
For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, not all criteria may be assessed during the recruitment process; this job advert outlines exactly which ones will be.
Person specification
A data architect designs and builds data models to fulfil the strategic data needs of the organisation, as defined by the Chief Data Architect. As Senior Data Architect you will also deliver the vision for the organisation as set by the Chief Data Architect. You will also be instrumental in the definition of technology roadmaps that are aligned to business and IT strategy that support business change, and you will define the Master Data Strategy and the Data Archival Strategy for operational data.
You will need the following experience:
- Significant experience in data architecture, data modelling, database design, or a related area such as application architecture is expected.
- Expertise in data modelling tools and methodologies.
- Proficiency in database management systems (DBMS) like SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and big data solutions using technologies such as no-SQL.
- Experience in using cloud services such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platforms.
The base pay is £57,515. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £22,885.
This role will be based from our Southampton office. MCA supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work.
The expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace or out on official business. Details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager.
There is also a requirement for occasional international and UK travel which may require overnight stays. A valid passport will be required.
Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week. We can accommodate part time applications via job share.
Please note that we will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. Therefore, this role is not open to applications from those who require sponsorship – candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
Senior Data Architect - Maritime and Coastguard Agency - G7 in Southampton employer: Manchester Digital
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a substantial pension contribution, flexible working options, and ample annual leave, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to vital maritime safety initiatives in the vibrant city of Southampton.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Architect - Maritime and Coastguard Agency - G7 in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's mission and current projects. Understanding their strategic goals will help you articulate how your skills in data architecture can directly contribute to their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with professionals in the field by attending relevant webinars or networking events. This can provide insights into industry trends and challenges, which you can reference when discussing your experience and ideas for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past work with data modelling tools and methodologies. Be ready to explain how these experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in relation to governance and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Take advantage of the Town Hall session on 4th September. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the agency's data strategy, as this will show your proactive approach and enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Architect - Maritime and Coastguard Agency - G7 in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Data Architect position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your significant experience in data architecture, data modelling, and database design. Provide concrete examples of projects you've led or contributed to that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Showcase Technical Skills:Make sure to mention your proficiency in database management systems like SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL, as well as your experience with cloud services such as AWS or Azure. This will show that you have the technical skills required for the role.
Prepare a Strong Cover Letter:Craft a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the agency's mission. Use this opportunity to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Data Architect position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Data Architect. Familiarise yourself with data architecture, data modelling, and database design concepts, as well as the specific needs of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your significant experience in data architecture and any relevant projects you've led. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used data modelling tools and methodologies effectively in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be prepared to talk about your proficiency in various database management systems like SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL. Highlight any experience you have with cloud services such as AWS or Azure, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Governance Concepts
Since the role involves participation in governance forums, be ready to discuss your understanding of data governance and how you've managed data-related risks in previous positions. This will show your ability to uphold documentation standards and collaborate across teams.
