Data Architect - GDS

Government Digital & Data; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is seeking a Senior Data Architect to collaborate across departments, developing data security standards for public services. The role involves advising on data security, defining API technical standards, and designing data architecture to solve security issues. Ideal candidates will have strong data security knowledge, effective communication skills, and experience working in agile teams. This position plays a crucial role in driving data security across government operations.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of data security concepts suitable for a technical environment.
• Capability to design data architecture addressing specific data security issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop data security standards for government.
• Advise on data security for government services.
• Define government API data and technical standards.

Skills

Data security standards

Effective communication

Data governance

Agile methodologies

Privacy-enhancing technologies

Tools

Github

Agile tools

Job description

Overview

As a GDS Senior Data Architect working in the Data Security team in the Office of the Government Chief Data Officer, you’ll be collaborating with other government departments to develop and publish data security standards for government and the wider public sector. You’ll drive a data security agenda, work across GDS, consulting technical architects, technology policy, tech writers, and others to shape and publish standards. The role involves delivering presentations to stakeholders at all levels and travelling to different government departments and agencies. Work in agile multi‑disciplinary teams using tools such as Github and following continuous delivery and devops practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop data security standards for government
• Advise on data security for government services
• Define the government API data and technical standards, including how to make APIs secure
• Identify opportunities to use novel privacy‑enhancing technologies to enable data‑driven collaboration without compromising on privacy and security
• Develop data security controls to mitigate risks applying to AI systems
• Work in agile multi‑disciplinary teams with software developers using tools such as Github and following continuous delivery and devops practices

Candidate Profile

• Understand how to balance the needs of security against the need of users to access and use data to derive value
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, support and host discussions within a multidisciplinary team, and manage differing stakeholder perspectives
• Work with subject matter experts to develop standards, policies and guidance to secure data
• Show an awareness of opportunities for innovation with new tools and uses of data, for example privacy‑enhancing technologies
• Understand what data governance is and take responsibility for the assurance of data solutions and make recommendations to ensure compliance
• Explain the concepts and principles of data modelling, produce, maintain and update relevant data models for an organisation's specific needs
• Explain the strategic context of your work and why it is important, support strategic planning in an administrative capacity
• Design data architecture that deals with specific data security problems and align it to enterprise‑wide standards and principles
• Demonstrate a good understanding of data security concepts and can apply them to a technical level

About GDS

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government, responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government. GDS leads the Government Digital and Data function, champions digital teams across government, and is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence and play a leading role in coordinating the UK's geospatial strategy and activity.

GDS Priorities

1. Joining up public sector services
2. Harnessing the power of AI for the public good
3. Strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
4. Elevating leadership and investing in talent
5. Funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
6. Committing to transparency and driving accountability