Lead Solution Data Architect in Architecture, Technology Directorate in Leeds

We’re looking for someone who has the following key skills and experience:

• Experience in IT architecture, including applying architectural principles, standards and reference patterns to the to the design of modern data analytics platforms and AI solutions.
• Strong understanding of the data, analytics and AI technology landscape, including the ability to assess existing estates and develop roadmaps focused on reuse, simplification, and rationalisation.
• Proven ability to translate business strategies, goals, and requirements into architecturally coherent data architecture designs, blueprints, target architectures for data analytics platforms.
• Experience defining enterprise architecture artefacts such as blueprints, technical options, design patterns, standards and guardrails, high‑level designs for complex data and analytics solutions.
• Proven experience leading the data architecture of data analytics platforms from design through to implementation providing design assurance and leadership across engineering teams and business stakeholders.
• Expertise in developing data architecture artefacts such as data models, data flows, interface designs and migration and transformation strategies for data analytics and AI solutions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build and maintain stakeholder maps and communicate architectural outputs effectively.
• Experience leading a team of architects, focussing on their personal development and training, and supporting them with their own workload fostering capability uplift and consistent standards.
• Experience representing architecture at governance forums and advocating for strategic solutions.

We are interested in hearing from candidates who have the following capabilities:

• Experience in IT leadership and management, including the development of highly skilled and engaged teams.
• Critical thinking with the ability to develop long‑term strategies and advocate those strategies with stakeholders.
• Understanding of cloud‑based services and their role in enterprise solutions.
• Deep domain expertise and demonstrable hands‑on design experience with cloud‑based services for modern analytics on the Microsoft Cloud (e.g. e.g. Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks & Unity Catalog, MS Purview, PowerBI, Ms Fabric)
• Deep expertise in data architecture, including data modelling (conceptual and logical), Master and Reference Data Management, data quality, security, cataloguing, integration and governance capabilities across the data lifecycle in enterprise environments
• Experience shaping and driving adoption of enterprise data architecture principles, and governance practices to manage data risks and auditability
• Self‑managing and self‑motivated, with the ability to anticipate and solve problems.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present and influencesenior stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of quality standards, legislation, and best practice.
• Ability to think strategically, manage multiple initiatives, prioritise effectively, and work independently.

It would also be beneficial, but not necessary, to have some of the following:

• Experience working with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF, Zachman) and data modelling tools (e.g. Sparx Enterprise Architect)
• Enterprise Architecture skills such as technical reference model development, building block design, applications and role design, systems integration, and evaluation of architectures.
• Broader expertise of technologies and applications relevant to the Bank’s enterprise applications (e.g. Cloud, Azure, Databricks), and enterprise data and analytics ecosystems, including medallion architectures, data lakehouse designs, master data systems, legacy data warehouses, data engineering (ETL, ELT, CDC) for enterprise scale analytics)
• Experience with data product thinking, domain‑oriented ownership or federated operating models
• Understanding of data standards and industry models (e.g. ISO20022, FIBO, SDMX)
• Experience in platform selection, vendor evaluation and strategic technology direction
• Experience of working in a public, private Enterprise or FTSE 100 organisation

Salary and Benefits Information

We encourage flexible working, part time working and job share arrangements. Part time salary and benefits will be on a pro‑rated basis as appropriate.

This role offers a salary of:

In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below:

• Currently a non‑contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year. The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time.
• A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.
• 26 days’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

National Security Vetting Process

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy. Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant, and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes, is set out in the Bank's Privacy Notice.

The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. As such, our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes is limited. The Bank cannot guarantee that you and / or the role you are applying for will be eligible for sponsorship and that any application made to UKVI will be successful. Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case by case basis.

The Application Process

The assessment process will comprise of two interview stages.

This role closes on 28 August 2026

About Us

We are the UK's central bank - and we are a bank like no other; known by our peers for our world‑leading thinking on policy and strategy.

Our mission is to promote the good of the people of the UK by maintaining monetary and financial stability. We seek to keep prices stable and people's money safe. We know our work matters to people, to families, up and down the UK. We are driven by curiosity and the desire to do important, challenging work.

It takes a great team to run the Bank of England. We rely on each other to play our part. We benefit from a collaborative culture and long‑established flexible ways of working, supporting our colleagues balance their work and personal lives. We strive to be a place where people feel they belong and have equal access to opportunities, because different perspectives helps us make the best decisions for the public.

There's much to gain from working with us - from career defining work at the heart of the UK economy, being part of a fantastic team, and a rewarding compensation package.

Join us and find a bank like no other. Together, we can make a difference.

The Bank of England will use and protect the information you provide when you apply for a role with us, in line with our obligations under data protection law. This is so we can assess your suitability for the role and administer your application. If you're successful we'll use it to offer you a position and onboard you to join the Bank.

If you would like more details about how your information will be used and your information rights, please visit our recruitment privacy notice

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