Data Architect

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35‑hour working week

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Excellent pension

Job summary

AQA is seeking a Data Architect to help build our data architecture capability for Assessment Technology, shaping how data is understood, modeled, governed and used across complex assessment systems. You will join a growing team, translating business needs into clear data architecture direction and ensuring data decisions align with strategy and governance.

You will shape artefacts and work with stakeholders to define data requirements, while contributing to data strategy, governance and

Qualifications

• Experience producing architecture artefacts such as data models, data dictionaries and data flows.
• Ability to translate complex technical information into business-focused language.
• Data architecture background is ideal; adjacent experience in data engineering or technical architecture may also be suitable.

Responsibilities

• Create and shape data architecture artefacts (data models, data dictionaries, data flows).
• Collaborate with project, product, technical and business stakeholders to translate capabilities into data requirements.
• Support data strategy and governance by contributing to standards, policies and procedures.

Skills

Data models

Data dictionaries

Data flows

Architecture artefacts

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Working Arrangements; Hybrid - two days per week in the office

Introduction

AQA is looking for a Data Architect to help build our data architecture capability in Assessment Technology. This is a chance to join at an important stage, helping shape how data is understood, modelled, governed and used across complex assessment systems that support learners, schools and colleges.

Purpose of the Role

You will be part of a growing data architecture team, helping AQA move from one Data Architect to a broader team with stronger portfolio coverage. You will work across change programmes to translate business needs into clear data architecture direction, support delivery teams and help make sure data decisions are aligned to AQA strategy, governance and future technology opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Creating and shaping data architecture artefacts, including data models, data dictionaries and data flow diagrams that help teams understand how data is created, moved, transformed and used.
• Working with project, product, technical and business stakeholders to translate business capabilities into practical data requirements and explain complex data decisions in clear, accessible language.
• Supporting data strategy and governance by contributing to standards, policies and procedures, while helping teams make secure, consistent and well-informed data decisions.

What We Are Looking For

You will thrive in this role if you can combine strong technical data thinking with clear communication, curiosity and the confidence to influence decisions across business and technology teams.

• Experience producing and using architecture artefacts such as data models, data dictionaries, data flows or similar documentation, with the ability to understand, describe and connect domain-level data across systems or products.
• The ability to translate complex technical information into business-focused language and shape technical direction from business needs across a variety of stakeholder.
• A data architecture background is ideal, but adjacent experience in data engineering, solution or technical architecture with awareness of data governance frameworks, standards, policies and procedures, and clear architectural lens may also be suitable.

What's in It for You

This role gives you scope to influence how data architecture develops at AQA, while working on varied and meaningful technology change.

• You will work across a broad data landscape, including operational data, analytical data, insight, AI and machine-learning enabled opportunities.
• You will play a key role in change connected to reform, digital exams and future-facing data capability.
• You will gain exposure to a Microsoft and Azure environment, while applying architecture concepts that transfer across cloud platforms.
• A 35‑hour working week with flexible, hybrid working
• 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days
• Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.