Lead Data Architect

Tesco Insurance; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in the UK is seeking a Lead Data Architect to oversee transformative data architecture initiatives. This role involves designing solutions aligned with business goals, driving impactful outcomes with data, and leading a high-performing team. Candidates should possess subject-matter expertise in Data Architecture and strong technical skills, including experience with IBM InfoSphere and cloud infrastructure. Competitive salary of £66,400 with benefits including hybrid work model and performance bonuses.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

Private healthcare & virtual GP service

Performance-related annual bonus

Generous holiday allowance

Colleague Clubcard discounts

Green car leasing scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Participation in share schemes

Qualifications

• Subject-matter expertise in Data Architecture, Data Modelling, and Data Management.
• Experience with architecture and data governance.
• Experience with Data & Process Mapping in a regulated organisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust solutions aligned with business needs.
• Prioritise data features and monitor design activities.
• Conduct horizon scanning for emerging technologies.

Skills

Data Architecture

Data Modelling

Data Management

Architecture governance

Data & Process Mapping

Technical skills in IBM InfoSphere Server

Leadership experience

Understanding of cloud infrastructure

Tools

IBM InfoSphere Server

DataStage

SAS

COGNOS

Job description

Serving our customers, communities, and planet a little better every day.

Job Details

Salary: Competitive from £66,400 + Annual Bonus & Benefits

Work Level: 2 Permanent role

Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Reigate, London or Newcastle

Office Attendance: Hybrid; requires office attendance 2 days per week.

Closing Date: 16th January 2025

Opportunity

Lead Data Architect at Tesco Insurance and Money Services, reporting to the Head of Data and AI Services.

As the lead for the data architecture domain, you will enable transformational change, drive impactful business outcomes, and unlock opportunities through data. You’ll oversee delivery of a new data platform, champion data standards, and guide adoption of modern technologies such as AI and machine learning. You will also ensure that Data Architects, Solution Architects, and Engineers follow architecture principles and that third‑party services meet our standards.

The Role

• Develop and evolve a strategic architecture plan, designing and implementing robust solutions aligned with business needs.
• Prioritise data features, produce reliable estimates, track benefits, and monitor design activities to achieve the architecture plan.
• Document and analyse complex “as is” and “to be” processes for data migration and capability change.
• Conduct horizon scanning for emerging technologies and trends.
• Develop and maintain application software, identifying areas for modification and new solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Support business requirements using data models to inform education, research, and designs.
• Implement information security measures and contribute to security design.
• Ensure operational compliance across data initiatives.
• Lead performance management and development of a high‑performing data architecture team.
• Manage key aspects of the data management system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Subject‑matter expertise in Data Architecture, Data Modelling, and Data Management.
• Experience with architecture governance and data governance contributions.
• Experience with Data & Process Mapping in a regulated organisation.
• Strong technical skills (IBM InfoSphere Server, DataStage, SAS, COGNOS preferred).
• Leadership experience.
• Robust understanding of cloud infrastructure.

What’s in it for you?

• Company pension scheme for retirement preparation.
• Private healthcare & virtual GP service plus critical illness cover.
• Performance‑related annual bonus.
• Generous holiday allowance (minimum 7.2 weeks, option to buy more).
• Colleague Clubcard discounts: 10% now, rising to 15% each payday (value up to £2,000); second card available.
• Green car leasing scheme.
• Family‑oriented initiatives: enhanced maternity leave pay, shared parental leave, 8‑week paid paternity leave.
• Participation in Buy‑as‑You‑Earn and Save‑as‑You‑Earn share schemes.

Everyone’s Welcome

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace, celebrating diversity, and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcomed and can be themselves.

Additional Information

We value work‑life balance and explore part‑time and flexible working opportunities at all levels. Interviews will commence in January 2026.

Why Tesco Insurance and Money Services?

We aim to make insurance and money services rewarding, accessible, and tailored to customers’ needs. Our open, customer‑focused culture drives us to deliver real impact every day.

Our Story

Founded in 1997, we now protect over 2 million customers, offering simple online policies, exceptional customer service, and a dedicated commitment to our teams.

How to Apply

To learn more about this career and apply, click the apply button on our site.