Data Architect

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

About the role

In your role as Data Architect you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to establish and maintain ongoing data architecture practices, including standards, data cataloguing and business data modelling. This senior role plays a critical part in designing the blueprint for investment data in line with USSIM's data strategy.

What you will be doing

As a trusted part of the Operations you will be responsible for:

• Designing and managing the strategic data architecture blueprint, aligning data architecture across multiple projects, to oversee the roadmap for incrementally advancing data capabilities.
• Designing and implementing data architecture standards and principles, which underpin the Data Policy.
• Building the Data Architecture strategy including approaches for data sourcing and data mastering.
• Developing and maintaining business data models for investment data, producing conceptual and logical data models, and establishing ongoing processes to support these.
• Owning the data catalogue and working with the business and change projects to populate the catalogue with consistent and high quality business and technical metadata.
• Being a key advisor and team player in the strategic data programme, working collaboratively to deliver USSIM's data strategy.
• Providing subject matter expertise to support the selection of data governance and quality tools, data mastering, and enterprise platforms and technology solutions for data architecture processes.
• Establishing the connections between data architecture, technical architecture and business architecture, building processes to support the intersection of these roles.
• Working collaboratively with data governance and data quality roles to jointly advance data maturity.
• Being an ambassador and advisor to ensure that best practices are effectively embedded in data projects.
• Providing regular updates and reports on data architecture initiatives to executive leadership and relevant stakeholders.

About you

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Excellent understanding of modern data architecture and modelling, with proven experience in designing conceptual and logical business data models.
• Previous experience working in an Investment Management business, with in-depth knowledge of the data which underpins Investment Management activities.
• Proven experience in building strategic data blueprints and implementing corporate wide architecture standards.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, data quality, and data management.
• Experience with implementing and operating data governance, architecture, and data quality tools, and an appreciation of data platforms, cloud technologies, and data mastering solutions.
• Experience working in large data programmes and projects desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Self-starter, enthusiastic, dynamic yet practical and hands-on individual who wants to make a difference in a team working environment.

At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development.

We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!

How we will reward you

• Generous annual leave package.
• Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme.
• Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay).
• Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership.
• Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent.
• Employee Volunteer Days to support the communities where you work and live.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

Our culture and values

Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them 'front and centre' of what we do. This is embedded through our values:

• Integrity.

About us

Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for more than 528,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £75.5bn (at 31 March 2023). To find out more, please visit .

USSIM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting .