At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape data architecture strategy for the Ministry of Justice.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to transforming justice through data.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and lead a talented team in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data governance and accessibility across critical services.
- Qualifications: Expertise in data architecture and cloud technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 71381 - 80419 € per year.
We’ve established a dedicated Data Architecture function to support the Ministry of Justice’s growing and evolving needs—enabling the delivery of strategic and transformational priorities, such as the independent sentencing review recommendations. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a Principal Data Architect to shape the department’s architecture from the ground up. You will lead the Data Architecture strategy within one of our business areas, define how data is structured, governed, and made accessible across prisons, courts, probation, and more, and build and lead a team of talented data architects. The position reports to the Chief Data Architect and works closely with the Heads of Data teams across multiple portfolios, ensuring our data foundations are robust, interoperable, and future‑ready.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of Data Architects, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Champion data architecture as a strategic enabler across the organisation.
- Define and embed architectural standards, principles, and patterns for data across MoJ systems.
- Oversee data model development and alignment across programmes, ensuring reusability and consistency.
- Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture and data governance frameworks.
- Represent MoJ in government‑wide data architecture communities and working groups.
- Support continuous improvement of industry standards and talent development within the profession.
Qualifications & Experience
- Deep expertise in data architecture or related fields (e.g., technical architecture, data engineering).
- Demonstrable knowledge of cloud‑based architecture (Azure, AWS, GCP) and appropriate tech stack, including open‑source tools.
- Proven experience leading technical direction and delivering data architecture solutions across large, complex organisations, with a customer‑centric mindset that aligns strategies to business outcomes.
- Ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across technical and non‑technical domains, applying commercial and financial understanding to shape strategy.
- Track record of building, leading, and developing high‑performing technical teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Success Profile
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Technical – demonstrable cloud‑based architecture knowledge
Salary & Benefits
- National salary range: £71,381 – £80,419
- London salary range: £75,674 – £85,257 (may include up to £17,351 allowance)
- DBS Basic Security Clearance (SC) required.
- Generous employer pension contribution of 28.97% through the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days after 5 years) plus 8.
Principal Data Architect employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Principal Data Architect at the Ministry of Justice, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to extensive training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and teamwork. The role not only offers competitive salaries and generous benefits, including a substantial pension contribution, but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on the justice system through strategic data architecture initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Data Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Ministry of Justice or similar organisations on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your data architecture knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and implemented strategies in previous roles. We want to see your passion for shaping data architecture!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've built high-performing teams or influenced stakeholders. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to foster collaboration and inclusivity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are ready to make an impact in data architecture.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data architecture. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your cloud-based architecture knowledge and leadership experience!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Data Architect, you’ll be leading a team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to build and mentor high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a collaborative culture in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make sure your passion for data architecture shines through without overwhelming us with too much information.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your data architecture knowledge, especially around cloud-based solutions like Azure, AWS, and GCP. Be ready to discuss how you've applied architectural standards and principles in past roles, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team of Data Architects, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully built and mentored teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative culture and how you've influenced others to embrace data architecture as a strategic enabler.
✨Align with Business Outcomes
Demonstrate your customer-centric mindset by discussing how your data architecture strategies have aligned with business outcomes in previous roles. This will help interviewers see that you understand the bigger picture and can effectively communicate the value of data architecture to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience collaborating with senior stakeholders across various domains. Share specific instances where you've influenced decisions or shaped strategies, as this will showcase your ability to navigate complex organisational structures and drive results.
