Intro
We are pleased to present an exciting opportunity for a Data Architect to join our Data Architecture TSG team. This role is offered as Full Time Employee, with the benefit of hybrid working arrangements.
Who we are
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds.
Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our LinkedIn Life page here.
The role
The core purpose of the Data Architect role is to provide architectural leadership across Railpen’s data ecosystem, shaping the design, governance, and evolution of data platforms supporting Member Services, Finance, and Pension Investment Management (PIM).
The role is responsible for defining and governing enterprise data architecture standards, including modelling approaches, integration patterns, and platform design, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned to Railpen’s wider technology and AI strategy.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The person
- Strong experience with MS SQL Server (2016+) and Microsoft Fabric
- Proven ability to design business-focused data models
- Solid background in data warehousing, data integration, and ETL/ELT processes
- Good understanding of data usage across operational systems, reporting, and analytics
- Knowledge of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) and delivery/design processes
- Experience designing and governing scalable, robust, and maintainable data solutions
- Ability to collaborate across teams and provide guidance to engineers
- Exposure to Python, Azure Data Factory, and Microsoft data stack (desirable)
- Strong communication skills to articulate technical concepts and project goals
- Passion for data engineering and staying current with industry trends
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality delivery
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and in teams
- Collaborative mindset aligned to integrity, community, and constructive challenge
What we can offer you
Rewarding you
- A competitive salary
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous annual bonus plan
- We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Contributions arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
- Life Assurance cover
- Colleague referral scheme
Heath & Wellbeing
- Employee assistance programme
- Heath cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
Lifestyle
- We support hybrid and flexible working
- Buy and sell holidays
- Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible half days leave
- Electric vehicle leasing
- Cycle to work scheme
Next Steps
Please apply for the apply button or visit Careers Page by 5pm on Tuesday 25th of June 2026.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect in London
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Railpen!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Data Architect at Railpen.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Railpen.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Data Architect at Railpen, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Railpen, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Railpen. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Railpen!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
