Senior Data Architect in Cardiff

Overview

Across government, data architecture has become a critical capability in enabling organisations to unlock the value of their data, support informed decision making and deliver high-quality, joined-up services.

As data ecosystems grow in scale and complexity, there is an increasing need for strong architectural leadership to ensure that data is structured, governed and integrated effectively.

Modern data architecture is central to ensuring interoperability, enabling analytics and innovation, and supporting secure, resilient digital services.

At Ofgem, data is fundamental to delivering our mission to protect energy consumers and support the transition to a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.

As we continue to strengthen our Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are investing in our data architecture capability to ensure that data is consistent, accessible and aligned with organisational strategy.

This will enable better insight, improved decision making and more effective delivery of regulatory and operational services.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design of conceptual, logical and physical data models, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture principles and business needs.
• Defining and promoting data standards, frameworks and best practices to ensure consistency, quality and compliance across data initiatives.
• Designing data integration patterns that enable effective sharing, reuse and interoperability of data across systems and services.
• Ensuring that data solutions meet security, privacy and quality requirements throughout the full data lifecycle.
• Providing technical assurance for data solutions, ensuring alignment with governance, regulatory and architectural standards.
• Collaborating with data architects, engineers, analysts and wider stakeholders to deliver effective and scalable data solutions.
• Supporting the development of Ofgem's data governance approach, including metadata management and master data practices.
• Driving continuous improvement in data architecture, contributing to the development of standards, tools and ways of working across DDSS.
• Creating and maintaining architectural artefacts and documentation to support organisation-wide understanding and reuse.

Qualifications

An experienced data architect with a strong track record of designing and delivering enterprise-scale data architectures and models.

You will have a deep understanding of data management and governance principles, and the ability to apply these to complex organisational environments.

You will bring strong expertise in data modelling, including conceptual, logical and physical modelling, and be confident working with a range of architectural frameworks and tools such as Archi Mate, UML or equivalent.

Experience of designing data solutions across cloud or hybrid environments will support your success in this role.

Your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively will be key.

You will be confident working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating business needs into robust data designs and ensuring that solutions deliver tangible value.

You will also demonstrate a strong understanding of data standards, integration patterns and governance frameworks, with the ability to drive best practice and ensure compliance across data initiatives.

Relevant certifications, such as BCS Enterprise Architecture or Azure Solution Architect, will support your credibility.

In addition, you will be proactive, forward‑thinking and committed to continuous improvement, contributing to the development of Ofgem's data architecture capability and wider data community.

• Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing enterprise-scale data architectures, solutions and models that enable effective information management and analytics (Lead Criteria).
• Strong understanding of data management and governance principles to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across data ecosystems (Lead Criteria).
• Collaborates effectively across technical and business teams, ensuring data architecture aligns with organisational strategy and stakeholder needs.
• Proficiency in architectural modelling tools such as Archi and frameworks, such as Archi Mate, UML, or equivalent, with the ability to create and maintain architectural artefacts.
• Holds or can obtain the following certifications or equivalent within 6 months: Formal Architectural Qualification such as BCS EA Certification or equivalent
• Cloud
• Architecture

Certification: Microsoft Azure Solution Architect.

• Desirable: Experienced in delivering enterprise data architectures across hybrid or multi-cloud environments, ensuring interoperability and performance.
• Behaviours & Technical Skills
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Technical skills: preparing and delivering a presentation on data architecture concepts (details in invitation).

Benefits

• Salary of £49,452 with an additional contribution of £14,326 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• 30 days annual leave after 2 years.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office, under review).
• Flexible working hours and family-friendly policies.
• Clean and bright centrally located offices.
• Opportunities to contribute to ambitious energy system targets.
• Equal Opportunities & Eligibility

All applicants are treated fairly and consistently, and Ofgem is an equal opportunities employer.

You must pass a criminal record check and meet the required security level prior to appointment.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.

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