UK Health Security Agency

Senior Data Architect

The closing date is 18 September 2025

Job summary

The UKHSA Digital and Data Directorate strategically manages a suite of modern, secure data tools and platforms, ensuring access to high-quality data services.

The DD&A team within the directorate comprises solution architects, data architects, and data modelers, and collaborates with organizational units throughout UKHSA.

They provide expertise in data modelling, flow design, and tooling, utilizing top-tier cloud and on-prem solutions to deliver insights for safeguarding public health.

As a Senior Data Architect, you will lead data design programmes, collaborating with peers to analyse, design, and implement our evolving data and analytics estate.

Main duties of the job

o Analyse and translate business need into sustainable data flows.o Evaluate, understand, and document existing data systems.o Assess the impact of change, and effectively communicate data design and change implications.o Collaborate with and guide multiple stakeholders on data-centric initiatives.o Maintain a broad knowledge of our existing and planned data estate.o Stay current on modern data tooling, select, and evaluate options as needed.o Optimize how data is stored and moved through UKHSA, aligning with strategic objectives and operational efficiency.o Address specific data challenges within a governmental/health context.o Provide thought leadership, patterns, and best practices across diverse data domains.o Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.o Manage processes related to data architecture, ensuring adherence to standards, policies, and best practices.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

04 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£54,416 to £68,344 a year Per annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-GB-303321-EXT

Job locations

Any Core HQ or any Scientific Campus

Birmingham, Chilton, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Porton

E14 4PU


Job description

Job responsibilities

Joining our team as a Senior Data Architect, you will be at the forefront of transforming our data landscape. Collaborating closely with stakeholders and technology experts, you will be instrumental in crafting innovative Data Design and Architecture solutions tailored to meet both current and future business needs. Leveraging your wealth of experience, you will contribute to the development of cutting-edge data architectures, spanning AWS, Azure, and on-premises infrastructure.

To ensure success as a data architect you should have substantial knowledge of how to optimise our data architecture in terms of efficiency, compliance, agility and simplicity and understand the impact of poor access to high quality data.

You should have knowledge across multiple different data domains including on premise and cloud data architecture, data flows and interfaces, data management such as data quality, lineage, catalogues, business intelligence and analytics. A core understanding of data modelling approaches is also required.

You should be skilled in understanding the big picture, whilst attending to detail, and able to obtain a broad level of understanding across multiple areas of our complex data estate. You should be able to use this knowledge along with data architecture skills to understand the impact of changes as our data systems, feeds and data products evolve and guide implementation teams.

You should be able to engage with a wide range of technical, specialist and leadership roles to analyse, document and guide optimisation of our data estate.

This role demands not only technical prowess in data models, data pipelines, and data component analysis but also strategic foresight, effective communication, and inspiring leadership in driving the delivery of meticulously crafted data architectures. Reporting to the Head of Data Architecture, you will play a crucial role in co-presenting solutions for review to governance bodies, ensuring meticulous alignment and securing approval for innovative data solutions.

Essential Criteria

  • Bachelors degree in computer science, Information Technology or equivalent experience
  • Producing relevant data models across multiple subject areas
  • Explaining which models to use for which purpose
  • Understanding industry-recognised data modelling patterns and standards, and when to apply them
  • Comparing the development and optimization of sophisticated data models
  • Establishing design patterns and blueprints for data solutions, integrating the latest industry best practice

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (6) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 750 supporting statement.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets someessential criteria
  • Meets no essentialcriteria

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

  • Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

  • Producing relevant data models across multiple subject areas

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, Technical and Experience will be tested at interview.

The Behaviour's tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Changing and Improving (lead behaviour)
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria - External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQs.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or at one of our scientific campus sites (Colindale, Porton and Chilton).

Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport links and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

If you are based at one of our scientific sites, the following will apply:

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 / 5 / 10 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) / Security Check (SC) / Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.(delete as appropriate) UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Joining our team as a Senior Data Architect, you will be at the forefront of transforming our data landscape. Collaborating closely with stakeholders and technology experts, you will be instrumental in crafting innovative Data Design and Architecture solutions tailored to meet both current and future business needs. Leveraging your wealth of experience, you will contribute to the development of cutting-edge data architectures, spanning AWS, Azure, and on-premises infrastructure.

To ensure success as a data architect you should have substantial knowledge of how to optimise our data architecture in terms of efficiency, compliance, agility and simplicity and understand the impact of poor access to high quality data.

You should have knowledge across multiple different data domains including on premise and cloud data architecture, data flows and interfaces, data management such as data quality, lineage, catalogues, business intelligence and analytics. A core understanding of data modelling approaches is also required.

You should be skilled in understanding the big picture, whilst attending to detail, and able to obtain a broad level of understanding across multiple areas of our complex data estate. You should be able to use this knowledge along with data architecture skills to understand the impact of changes as our data systems, feeds and data products evolve and guide implementation teams.

You should be able to engage with a wide range of technical, specialist and leadership roles to analyse, document and guide optimisation of our data estate.

This role demands not only technical prowess in data models, data pipelines, and data component analysis but also strategic foresight, effective communication, and inspiring leadership in driving the delivery of meticulously crafted data architectures. Reporting to the Head of Data Architecture, you will play a crucial role in co-presenting solutions for review to governance bodies, ensuring meticulous alignment and securing approval for innovative data solutions.

Essential Criteria

  • Bachelors degree in computer science, Information Technology or equivalent experience
  • Producing relevant data models across multiple subject areas
  • Explaining which models to use for which purpose
  • Understanding industry-recognised data modelling patterns and standards, and when to apply them
  • Comparing the development and optimization of sophisticated data models
  • Establishing design patterns and blueprints for data solutions, integrating the latest industry best practice

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (6) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 750 supporting statement.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets someessential criteria
  • Meets no essentialcriteria

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

  • Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

  • Producing relevant data models across multiple subject areas

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, Technical and Experience will be tested at interview.

The Behaviour's tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Changing and Improving (lead behaviour)
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria - External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQs.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or at one of our scientific campus sites (Colindale, Porton and Chilton).

Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport links and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

If you are based at one of our scientific sites, the following will apply:

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 / 5 / 10 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) / Security Check (SC) / Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.(delete as appropriate) UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Person Specification

application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • application form and supporting statement

Behaviours

Essential

  • Changing and improving (Lead behaviour)
  • Seeing the bigger picture
  • Making effective decisions
  • Communicating and influencing
  • Working together
Person Specification

application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • application form and supporting statement

Behaviours

Essential

  • Changing and improving (Lead behaviour)
  • Seeing the bigger picture
  • Making effective decisions
  • Communicating and influencing
  • Working together

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Any Core HQ or any Scientific Campus

Birmingham, Chilton, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Porton

E14 4PU


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Any Core HQ or any Scientific Campus

Birmingham, Chilton, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Porton

E14 4PU


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing

Gurkamal Bhambra

gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

04 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£54,416 to £68,344 a year Per annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-GB-303321-EXT

Job locations

Any Core HQ or any Scientific Campus

Birmingham, Chilton, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Porton

E14 4PU


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)