Data Architect

The Open University – Data Technology

Job Location:Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Weekly Working Hours:37

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About the Role

The effective use of data is key to the successful delivery of the Open University Strategic goals. Reporting to the Lead Data Architect as part of the Digital Services Unit this is a key architecture function to ensure that solutions and programs are fit for purpose and in line with the larger University picture. The role works across teams to guarantee data architecture consistency in line with the business strategy and promotes cross team working in a large and complex environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce agreed Data Architecture artefacts, including the conceptual model, logical model, and master data matrix, representing the key business data assets and how they are managed across applications. Provide data architecture oversight on the artefacts and processes created by different analytics teams within the OU.
• Perform data analysis to identify appropriate design decisions and align analysis results to data models to form data mapping and/or data lineage documentation.
• Support the Data Management team by providing input to the Data strategy, policies, principles and standards, with a view to improving the standardisation of approach to data management across the University.
• Support the Lead and Senior Data Architects in the creation and management of the Common Data Model to provide a common translation layer for integration. Support the analytics teams by creating and reviewing the logical data models to meet analytical requirements.
• Maintain the standards for logical model development and govern the production of project logical data models against those standards, including associated metadata, clarifying definitions in conjunction with the Data Management team, and ensuring data structures are sufficiently flexible and extensible to accommodate anticipated future requirements, by alignment with the Enterprise and Common Data Model. Consolidate the agreed outcome into an overall Corporate logical model.
• Provide guidance and support to development projects and business areas, specifically in the areas of data modelling, data integration and data migration and ensuring data-related principles and standards are adhered to via participation in the Technical Design Authority and Web Service Governance groups.
• Participate in the Design and Architecture Community of Practice, offering insight and leadership on data design activities and conduct research on emerging data technologies and techniques in support of Digital Service goals and commitments.

About You

Essential:

• In-depth experience of conceptual and logical data modelling, applied to both relational and dimensional formats (Inmon/Kimball) covering operational and analytical applications.
• Knowledge of master data management, metadata management and integration best practices and techniques.
• Understanding of RDBMS, NoSQL and analytical physical data design. Knowledge of data design in relation to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Foundation in system development, understanding of end-to-end software development lifecycle and project management approaches. Must understand what advice to give and how to influence developments towards desirable outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience of creating and applying standards and best practice in IT design and delivery with reference to experience of software, tools and development methods including large scale web applications and Agile development techniques.
• Effective communication skills with both business stakeholders and technical SMEs. A high degree of self-motivation, being comfortable working both as part of a team and alone.
• Ability to conceive and portray the overall data landscape; map the systems and interfaces used to manage data.
• Proven ability to work effectively within the Architecture function with an interest in appropriate use of technology and approaches to solve business problems. Knowledge of web services approaches and service oriented architectures including SOAP and REST and knowledge of technical integration platforms and the impact on business systems.

Desirable:

• Ideally, an experienced Data Architect with TOGAF certification.
• Experience of working in a large and complex environment.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education data domain would be an advantage.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required. We’d expect this to be on average once per week however it may be more often on some occasions when necessary and in response to business needs.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

We anticipate that interviews for this role will be taking place online via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 23 March 2026.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following documents:

• CV
• A personal statement of up to 1000 words. You should set out in your statement why you are interested in the role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the requirements for this role as detailed within the essential criteria of the job description.

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.