Head of Data Architecture

Head of Data Architecture
Circa £105,000 to £114,000 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 Head of Data Architecture to join our Digital technology & data team in Manchester. In this role, you’ll lead the planning, design, development and integration of the systems that help data flow across our Co-op; giving our colleagues the information they need to make better decisions for our member-owners. From enterprise modelling to enabling AI innovations, you’ll help to shape the tools and platforms that sit behind our data architecture.

Why this role matters

At Co-op, we know that data helps us make better choices for the people we serve. This role is all about creating the foundations needed for insight, automation, and business intelligence. By enabling high-quality data through our enterprise systems and data platforms, flowing into our analytics and BI teams, you’ll be ensuring that data always sits at the heart of our decision-making.

What you’ll do

• Lead improvements to our data architecture across the business
• Support delivery of our biggest and most complex projects
• Help shape our enterprise data model, identifying key domains and critical data concepts
• Set standards for how we manage data throughout its lifecycle
• Build a metadata repository for our systems and data flows
• Manage budgets, renew contracts, and support negotiations with third-parties
• Enable AI models to use data close to source, reducing duplication
• Provide training and development opportunities for colleagues across our data architecture community
• Measure the impact of our data architecture team and spot opportunities to improve
• Task manage up to 10 colleagues, supporting their development and growth

What you’ll bring

• Significant experience in data architecture, modelling, analytics, and integration
• Proven leadership experience and a passion for helping others grow
• A clear understanding of how data architecture adds value across businesses
• Strong knowledge of the latest trends and innovations in technology, data, and AI
• Great communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas in a simple, clear way
• Good relationship-building and collaboration 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