IB Data Architect Job Description

Barclays Bank Plc; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A major financial institution is seeking a Director of Data Architecture to oversee the bank's data strategy. You will define and govern data architecture, collaborate with key stakeholders, and lead data-driven transformations that align with business goals. With a focus on data integrity and accessibility, this role requires extensive experience in data solutions and strong leadership skills. The ideal candidate has a background in Data Engineering and a proven track record of managing high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in Data Engineering, Architecture and Data Solutions.
• Excellent understanding of data concepts and architecture processes.
• Proven experience in business data solution offerings.
• Ability to align data initiatives with business goals.
• User-centric mindset for problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Define and govern the bank's target data architecture.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for data strategy.
• Develop and maintain data governance policies.
• Manage alignment of projects to target data architecture.
• Lead data-driven transformation to support business goals.

Skills

Data Engineering

Data Architecture

Data Solutions

Cloud Products

Stakeholder Management

Conflict Resolution

Leadership

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or related fields

Job description

To define, direct and govern the bank's target data architecture (inc. shared data environment, data model and standards) in support of business strategy, ensuring that data is accurate, secure and accessible to meet the needs of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Development of the banks data architecture strategy, including the translation of bank-wide goals and objectives into target data architecture and transition plan.
• Collaboration with stakeholders, including data operations, engineers and analysts, to provide subject matter expertise and share knowledge to promote standardised, consistent, safe and value-driven data usage.
• Development and maintenance of the banks data architecture governance, standards and protection policies, regarding data models, authoritative data stores, and data capabilities, to support data quality, accuracy and consistency and the protection of sensitive information.
• Management of the alignment of projects to the target data architecture through the provision of guidance, data solutions and monitoring of progress.
• Definition of the shared reusable data capabilities, assets, tools and technologies required to connect disparate data sources, optimise data storage and provide seamless data access.
• Custodianship of an overarching data model that directs how data is logically and physically structured within the banks physical data resources, e.g. database, interfaces and reports.
• Monitoring applicable regulatory standards and industry developments for potential impact on the banks operations, controls and application portfolio.
• Identification and selection of best-in-class data technologies and ongoing assessment of compliance with the bank's service level agreements and quality standards.
• Leading the data architects embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business – train, guide and coach less experienced specialists.
• Providing expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
• Managing, coordinating and enabling resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
• Fostering and guiding compliance, ensuring regulations are observed and relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence; escalating breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
• Demonstrating extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.
• Maintaining broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.
• Using interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.
• Executing management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic recommendations within own area.
• Negotiating with and influencing stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.
• Acting as principal contact point for key stakeholders and counterparts in other functions/ business divisions.
• Managing the Data Architecture Strategy – coordinating with key stakeholders within the Data Product ecosystem (e.g. business, source data owners, development & production teams, CIO, EDP, CDO, COO etc) and leading colleagues to collectively achieve the data product's intended outcome.
• Leading data-driven transformation to support business goals, and defining the data architecture vision, objectives, milestones, and roadmap aligned to BU's objectives and users' requirements.
• Ensuring data transformation meets quality standards, including governance & controls standards, technical standards, SLAs etc., at inception and on an ongoing basis.
• Enabling identification, escalation and resolution of any risks & issues associated with the data products, and reporting on them through the appropriate channels / forums.
• Engaging and influencing representatives across Investment Bank Programs and Functions, assessing data product opportunities to contribute to multiple complex and critical strategic projects and defining and evolving the Data strategy and roadmap.

Director Expectations

To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide.

Thei manage the direction of a large team or sub-function, leading other people managers and embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business. Or for an individual contributor, they lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader, identifying new ways of working and collaborating cross functionally. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Industry experience in Data Engineering, Architecture and Data Solutions and where possible experience in setting up or transforming to a cloud based Data Products first function.
• Excellent understanding of data concepts and data solution architecture processes and methodologies to drive scalable data products.
• Collaborating effectively with cross functional teams to assess and identify data product opportunities to drive business value.
• Experience in shaping and driving scoping and prioritisation discussions where possible specifically in data architecture, data products, data solutions and offerings based on criticality or materiality.
• Good understanding of and or experience in other data related capabilities including Data Analytics, Data Modelling, Policy Assurance, Data Governance, Data Quality and Controls.
• A proven track record of building strong and effective relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Excels at conflict resolution and decision making.
• Leading by example, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration within the data product team and driving continuous improvement.
• Experience leading / mentoring a high performing and efficient team with the different technical and functional skills across global locations, Data Strategy and Architecture – Strong background in designing and implementing complex and scalable data architecture, front to back design, data products and data capabilities.
• Proven experience in business data solution offerings with familiarity in Big Data and Cloud capabilities and working in cross-functional teams, preferably with at least 15+ years in data driven roles.
• User‑Centric Mindset – understanding how data products solve business problems and drive business value.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong leadership skills.
• Good understanding of Data strategy with proven problem‑solving skills to offer cross‑function solutions.
• Techno‑commercial background – ability to align data initiatives with business goals, domain knowledge in Investment Bank preferable in conjunction with expertise in data products and /or scalable data solutions.
• Storytelling with Data – ability to communicate data strategies and insights effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Education – Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or related fields.
• Experience in leading small to medium size high performing and efficient data team with diverse technical and functional skills across global locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Techno‑commercial background – ability to align data initiatives with business goals, domain knowledge in Investment Bank preferable in conjunction with expertise in data products and /or scalable data solutions.
• Storytelling with Data – ability to communicate data strategies and insights effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience in leading small to medium size high performing and efficient data team with diverse technical and functional skills across global locations.