As the Data Authority Lead, you are the Lead Data Architect for TalkTalk, and will be accountable for working with Enterprise Architecture, and with Lead Solution Architects, Tech Leads and their teams in Data & Automation and other Software Engineering towers to ensure that solution designs take appropriate consideration of TalkTalk’s data strategy objectives, maximise the availability of data for exploitation, simplify the data landscape, and conform to data standards and good practices.

In this role you will work with Lead Solution Architects to contribute to the execution of and improvements to the Solution Review process, and also act as a point of engagement and advice on data architecture and data management matters for architects, designers, technical staff and business stakeholders.

Leadership & Management

• Line management of a Data Architect
• Influence Solution Architecture governance processes working with other Lead Solution Architects
• Continuously promote, improve the overall performance and reach of the Data Authority through measurable metrics such as solution coverage
• Build productive and positive relationships with all stakeholders, including peer managers and SMEs within and outside of the team
• Develop guidelines for data architecture and data solution design, and help projects deliver within those guidelines

Core Architecture Work

• Contribute to and review solution architecture and designs by other towers / Data & Automation teams to ensure they are complete, cohesive and fit for purpose
• Alongside other Solution Architects, plan for solution data architecture within projects
• Create of Solution Architecture documents that align with Domain Architecture Roadmaps, requirements and business strategic goals, incorporating ‘art of the possible’ technical developments.
• Ensure the solution architecture and design meets the business objectives and aligns with senior stakeholders, any architectural blueprints and governance frameworks
• Identify innovative data approaches to solve complex business/operational problems and new products/services.  Facilitate and lead design workshops with subject matter experts, delivery leads, domain architects and other required parties

• Own and maintain data standards (with the Data Governance Team): Glossary, Data catalogue, Enterprise Data Model, Common Data Services design definition e.g. view of service, view of customer, view of location/address, Fit for purpose data quality KPIs
• Develop Data architecture artefacts: reference architecture and design patterns for the AZURE data platform (including up into reporting layer, work areas), reference architecture and design patterns for other solution areas
• Establish standards for data architecture documentation required for solution designs e.g. map to enterprise data model, lineage definition etc.
• Own the Data platforms technology roadmap and selection (partnering with EA as needed)
• Exercise decision rights along with EA on technology selection, architecture and solution design through ARB

About you

You will have proven track record in solution architecture and design in a delivery environment, with a focus on data solutions. You will have a in depth understanding of data management and data modelling principles, and experience of working with business and technical stakeholders, and with projects, to apply them. You will have experience of working in a matrix structure, influencing and leveraging the support of other architects and managers. You will have excellent clarity and confidence in communication, written and verbal, with proven ability to be able to explain complex concepts in an accessible way.

As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we know that diversity means success and innovation. We want our workplace to reflect the communities and customer we serve. Being inclusive is part of our DNA; we are all 100% human, and we create a culture where you can truly be yourself.

We’re also not your usual 9-5. We are a dynamic workplace and we want to talk to you about how you like to work.