Data Architect

As a Data Architect, you will play a critical role in defining how data is structured, governed, protected, and leveraged across the organisation. Working with business leaders, architects, engineers, and analysts, you will turn strategic goals into robust data capabilities—ensuring data is available, trustworthy, and secure and treated as a strategic asset throughout its lifecycle.

You will be responsible for setting the direction of the organisation’s data architecture, enabling effective data management across the full lifecycle—from acquisition and modelling to storage, usage, and disposal. This includes shaping enterprise-wide models, integrating data across platforms, and embedding strong governance and protection standards throughout.

Your work will also incorporate data protection, risk management, and security-conscious design, guided by recognised frameworks such as the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF). You will help ensure that data is resilient, well-managed, and used responsibly, supporting not only operational effectiveness but also innovation in areas like AI, analytics, and cloud-based delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Strategy & Vision: Define the organisation’s data architecture vision in alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements, incorporating best practices from DMBOK and other industry frameworks
• Data Governance: Establish and promote robust data governance frameworks, including policies, ownership, and stewardship, ensuring data is accurate, consistent, and trusted
• Security & Compliance: Integrate data architecture with enterprise security policies and align with the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) to ensure resilience, secure data flow, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001)
• Data Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full data lifecycle—from acquisition and storage to archival and disposal—ensuring governance, lineage, and retention policies are adhered to
• Architecture Design: Design and maintain scalable, flexible, and reusable data architecture components, including data lakes, warehouses, metadata repositories, and data mesh/fabric architectures
• Data Modelling: Produce robust conceptual, logical, and physical data models across multiple domains, and ensure they integrate cleanly into enterprise architecture and technical solutions.
• Collaboration & Alignment: Work closely with solution architects, cybersecurity experts, and software delivery teams to embed data architecture principles throughout the delivery lifecycle
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Monitor emerging technologies, standards, and industry trends in areas such as cloud data platforms, AI/ML, and real-time analytics; make recommendations to enhance the organisation's data ecosystem

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in defining and evolving enterprise-level data architecture, leveraging DMBOK-aligned practices
• Deep understanding of data governance, data quality frameworks, and master data management
• Track record of designing secure and compliant data environments, ideally aligned with the Cyber Assessment Framework or similar security maturity models
• Strong expertise in metadata management, data cataloguing, and data integration platforms (e.g., Mulesoft, Boomi, Azure Data Factory, AWS Glue)
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), particularly their data offerings – AWS is Desirable
• Knowledge of reporting and visualisation solutions (e.g Tableau, Power BI) – Tableau is Desirable
• Experience designing and delivering solutions using AWS and Snowflake, including advanced features such as data sharing, secure views, and performance optimisation
• Proficiency in enterprise data modelling tools and modelling languages such as UML or ERD.
• Familiarity with modern data architecture concepts such as data mesh, event-driven architecture, and cloud-native data services
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Skilled in articulating complex data concepts to non-technical audiences
• Experience in agile delivery environments and modern DevOps practices - Desirable
• Understanding of AI/ML model lifecycle and its impact on data architecture - Desirable
• Exposure to enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF - Desirable
• Participation in data-related industry forums, standards bodies, or working groups - Desirable
• Awareness of ESG data requirements, data ethics, and responsible AI/data use – Desirable

What We Can Offer You

• Salary sacrifice pension
• Company car or allowance
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Free Tool Hire
• Life Assurance cover 3x salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Service
• Will Writing & Funeral Concierge Service
• Share save scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Recommend a friend scheme
• Learning & Development – commitment to upskilling and developing our people, structured in house training available alongside external training where required
• Cycle to work scheme
• Long service recognition
• My Vp discounts – a variety of discounts and rewards on thousands of well-known brands
• Discounts on HP products
• EE mobile contract discount offers
• Gym discounts
• Health Shield (discounted premiums on health care cash plan)
• Regit Assist 24/7 accident helpline – free joining

A Little Bit About Us

Established in 1954, Vp plc has evolved into a dynamic group of companies with expertise in equipment rental. Our organisation encompasses twelve prominent operating divisions: Airpac Rentals, Brandon Hire Station, Hire Station, MEP Hire, ESS, Groundforce, TPA, Torrent Trackside, CPH, Vp Rail, Vp RS and UK Forks.

Across these divisions, we proudly provide an extensive range of specialist products and comprehensive services tailored to various industries. Our offerings cater to diverse sectors such as construction, civil engineering, rail, water, oil and gas, outdoor events, and housebuilding.

With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Vp plc is your trusted partner for all your equipment rental needs.

Vp plc is an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills.