Data Architecture Practice Manager

Data Architecture Practice Manager
Circa £90,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 4)
Manchester city centre (hybrid)

We’re open to flexible working arrangements, including condensed hours. You’ll work in a hybrid way, with travel to our Manchester office every few months for team days, meetings, and events

About the role

We’re looking for a Data Architecture Practice Manager to join our Digital technology & data team in Manchester. In this role, as part of our wider architecture practice, you’ll lead our data architecture practice and support a brilliant community of architects. You’ll make sure our talented colleagues are set up for success: matched to the right work, equipped with the tools and training they need, and given the support they need to thrive. You’ll also help shape how we work – setting the standards, championing best practice, and collaborating with other leaders to keep us aligned and moving in the right direction.

Why this role matters

This role is all about people. It’s a great opportunity to lead and grow a thriving data architecture community at Co-op. You’ll create the kind of environment where our architects can do their best work – developing their skills, shaping their skills, and making a real impact across our technology teams. Your leadership will help us build a strong, capable practice that supports our business goals and delivers value for our colleagues, member-owners, and communities.

What you’ll do

• Lead and develop our data, and wider architecture, practices, including ways of working, tools, and standards
• Champion agile and product-focused ways of working across teams
• Support the growth and development of our data architects through coaching, mentoring, and career planning
• Make sure colleagues are matched to the right work, based on their skills and experience
• Work with other architecture leaders to promote consistency and collaboration
• Embed governance and assurance processes that align with our enterprise standards
• Define and track key measures to understand the impact of our practice
• Line manage up to 15 of our architects, supporting their development and growth

What you’ll bring

• A strong track record of leading, coaching, and developing architecture teams
• A good understanding of architecture governance and frameworks
• Experience creating architecture artefacts (like roadmaps and high-level designs), or working in agile teams to make and track design decisions
• Great communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas in a simple, clear way
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills

We know some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. At Co-op, we’re committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• A company car or £6,000 car allowance
• Private healthcare
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays 
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions 
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ) 
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands 
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it 
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice 
• 24/7 colleague support service 
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability, we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We’re also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you’re disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we’ll guarantee you an interview.

Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process

Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing