Data Architect - MoD - SEO

Manchester Digital; Corsham; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital agency is looking for an experienced Data Architect in Corsham. This full-time role involves leading the development of NATO data standards and overseeing cross-functional collaboration to ensure compliance with UK MoD strategies. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience, deep knowledge of data governance, and strong project management skills. The role requires travel within the UK and overseas, offering a competitive salary and the chance to make a critical difference in data architecture.

Benefits

Digital Skills Allowance up to £11,400

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a team to complete tasks and providing thought leadership.
• Deep understanding of international tactical data standards and governance principles.
• Strong technical background with data modelling, quality, and integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of NATO data standards to align with MoD strategies.
• Act as the UK point of contact for Tactical Data Links standards.
• Manage technical support SMEs and project tasks within budget.

Skills

Leadership

Data Standards Expertise

Technical Proficiency

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Project Management

Job description

£46,040 This post is eligible for a Digital Skills Allowance of up to £11,400 per annum
Published on

Full-time (Permanent) £46,040 This post is eligible for a Digital Skills Allowance of up to £11,400 per annum
Published on 30 December 2025 Deadline 12 January 2026

Location

Corsham, South West England, SN13 9NR

About the job

Job summary

The MOD's digital teams ensure we remain among the most technologically advanced Armed Forces in the world. We develop and lead in cutting-edge data science, automation, and cybersecurity solutions to protect the UK and its interests, at home and abroad.

Our mission also goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving innovation that impacts lives across the globe.

Passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference? Your next career move could be here!

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

We are looking for an experienced Data Architect to join the Chief Data Office and oversee the International Data Standards Engineering.

In the role you will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and maintenance of NATO data standards to ensure alignment with MoD Strategies, goals, and regulatory requirements. You will act as the UK lead liaising between UK MoD cross-functional teams and the NATO Alliance to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with the NATO Strategy across the alliance.

You willmanage, on behalf of the UK MoD, the development and maintenance of NATO Message Text Format (MTFs) related standards along with artifacts to satisfy the operational community's Information Exchange Requirements for UK implementation.

Responsibilities

Act as the UK point of contact and subject matter expert for the products of this Tactical Data Links ‘lot’ with engagement between UK platforms and allied international standards development. Specifically:

• Provide the necessary standards, artefacts and support where needed to UK Platforms during in-service, upgrades, and new capabilities.
• Provide information on the future development of relevant standards to meet new and evolving capabilities.
• Stimulate cross COI (Communities of Interest) information sharing to enhance interoperability with the UK platforms and allied nations.
• Act as the UK Head of Delegation representing the UK MOD at international meetings, i.e. NATO FYEVs and nations bi-lateral interface meetings.
• Act as the Project Manager for LOT 2 (of the TDL technical support contract), including the management, tasking, deliverables, and finances for in year spending.
• With respect to this LOT, aid the Tactical Data Link (TDL) Line Manager support to the Financial Team on budgetary impacts for Forecast of Out turn such as overspend and underspends impacts.
• Under the TDL Technical Support contract manage Technical Support SMEs daily, with tasks to support the authority in their function and deliverables.

Person specification

As an experienced Data Architect you will bring your experience of the following;

Leadership:Proven experience leading a team to complete tasks and providing thought leadership and direction.

Data Standards Expertise: Deep understanding of international tactical data standards and their application within complex technical environments. Strong knowledge of data governance principles and practices.

Technical Proficiency: Strong, demonstrable, technical background, including experience with relevant data modelling, data quality, and data integration. Familiarity with relevant technologies and tools.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.

Project Management: Proven project management skills, including planning, execution, and delivery of complex projects within tight deadlines and budgets.

• Reporting and Analysis: Developing and maintaining dashboards and metrics to track the adoption and effectiveness of data standards.

Willingness for regular travel within the UK and overseas.

For more information on the Data Architect profession please see the Government Digital and Data Framework;Data Architect

Application

When submitting your CV, please highlight your career history and experience relevant to this role. Additionally, refer to the "Things You Need to Know" section of the advert and provide a personal statement (max.1250 words) demonstrating theEssential Criterialisted below:

• Demonstrated capability to design data architecture that addresses business problems within the context of well understood architecture
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience in data governance, including understanding compliance requirements and making recommendations for data solution assurance
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills across diverse communities

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: