Principal Data Architect

Legal & General; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services organization is seeking a seasoned Data Architect to lead the establishment of data architecture practices within Group. The successful candidate will design governance strategies and lead data initiatives, ensuring alignment with business needs while championing best practices across the enterprise. This role offers an opportunity to impact the architecture landscape significantly, collaborating with senior management and aligning data solutions to business strategies.

Benefits

Annual performance-related bonus plan

Generous pension contribution

Private medical insurance for permanent employees

At least 25 days holiday plus public holidays

Electric car scheme

Modern collaborative workspace

Qualifications

• TOGAF certification preferred; related degree or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of design and architectural patterns.
• Proficient in data management and governance practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the practice of data and information architecture across Group.
• Define and drive data architecture standards and governance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on IT strategy and roadmaps.

Skills

Data management concepts

Data governance

Data modelling techniques

Architectural patterns

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

TOGAF or similar certification

Degree in a related field

Job description

We have an exciting new opportunity for a seasoned Data Architect who will lead the practice of data and information architecture within Group.

The role holder will focus on putting in place the right processes, assets, and governance to ensure the effective management of data within Group and across the Enterprise, to be used in the coherent design of our data and information systems with a particular emphasis on ensuring we have a data architecture governance model.

The successful applicant will champion and embed best practice data architecture approaches across L&G, building out the artefact catalogue and designing and embedding the required controls for the new data architecture standard.

What you'll be doing:

• Champion the role of data and information architecture within Group and more broadly the Enterprise, effectively communicating to a range of stakeholders up to director level and persuading them of the value the capability can bring.
• Drive the definition and adoption of architectural standards, patterns, policies, and data governance processes across Group Data and the wider Enterprise.
• Design and embed repeatable and auditable controls to satisfy the new Data Architecture standard.
• Define and lead on data architecture within Group Data to translate business requirements into conceptual and logical data models and ensure delivery of solutions which achieve adherence to the required data architecture standards.
• Deliver high-quality data architecture artefacts that are usable by target stakeholders, ensuring they clearly explain the solution and decisions behind them.
• Work with Senior management including other Principal Architects to define IT strategy, roadmaps, and any lower-level solution design, providing best practice data architecture guidance and support.
• Collaborate across IT disciplines both within Group Data and across L&G to align data solutions, reduce risk, and deliver shareholder value.
• Ensure approach to and work delivered supports L&G’s Consumer Duty Commitments to ensure the right outcome and excellent service delivery.
• Take the lead in all matters regarding employee management, ensuring that management discretion is used consistently and that policies and procedures, including the Partnership Agreement, are followed to maximize business performance.

Company Description

Helping over ten million people worldwide manage their savings, retirement plans, and life insurance requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work. It’s up to us in L&G Group functions—including our tech and digital teams, Group Finance, HR, Risk, and Corporate Affairs—to provide essential support services that all areas of the business need, here in the UK and overseas. We enable everyone at Legal & General to do what they do best, helping to improve our customers’ lives and contributing to the business's success daily.

Qualifications

Who we're looking for:

• TOGAF or similar certification is desirable, along with a related degree or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of design and architectural patterns.
• Proficient in data management concepts, practices, and procedures including Data governance, Data modelling techniques, Data platform market (both operational and analytical), and Data warehousing.
• Knowledge of at least one of the following: Finance, Customer data, and Master Data Management.
• Mandatory experience in Data architecture across large projects.
• Experience working closely with development teams, data governance, and regulatory teams to realize solutions. Familiarity with waterfall and agile delivery paradigms.
• Ability to develop and project a positive image of the Data function and company through interpersonal, written, and verbal communications to a wide range of audiences, building successful relationships and networks.
• Previous experience as a Principal Architect, leading and mentoring junior team members.
• Thought leader on Data Architecture, able to articulate a compelling future IT capability and its desirability.

We offer a competitive package including:

• Participation in our annual performance-related bonus plan and share schemes.
• Generous pension contribution, life assurance, private medical insurance (for permanent employees), and at least 25 days holiday plus public holidays, with options to buy and sell holiday.
• Family leave, electric car scheme, discounts, and modern, collaborative workspace designed for wellbeing.

Additional Information

Legal & General is a leading financial services organization, recognized in 2023 for the second consecutive year for its inspiring leadership and sector excellence. We are one of the world's largest asset managers, homebuilders, pension providers, and insurers, committed to creating value for our customers and society. Join us to be part of a welcoming, inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and experiences, guided by leaders with integrity who care about your future and wellbeing. We support flexible working arrangements and accommodations for candidates with specific needs. If you’re interested in learning more, we’d love to hear from you.