Lead Data Architect

Serving our customers, communities, and planet a little better every day. Opportunity We’re recruiting a Lead Data Architect to join our Technology Function at Tesco Insurance and Money Services, reporting into the Head of Data and AI Services. As the lead for the data architecture domain at Tesco Insurance and Money Services, you'll be responsible for enabling the delivery of transformational change, impactful business outcomes and unlock exciting opportunities through data. You'll oversee the delivery of a new data platform, working closely with internal teams, external partners, and key stakeholders. You'll champion the data agenda across Tesco Insurance and Money Services, driving the adoption of modern data standards, architectural patterns, and emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning. You'll ensure that Data Architects, Solution Architects, and Engineers consistently follow established architecture principles and practices. You'll also provide oversight to ensure third-party services align with our data architecture standards. As the technical and domain expert for all data designs and architectural components, you'll lead the development and growth of a high-performing data architecture team. Please note this role is known as Data Architect Lead internally. The Role Developing a strategic architecture plan: designing, implementing, and evolving robust and effectively aligned architecture solutions that operate in our business ecosystem. Ensuring data features are prioritised appropriately, estimates are reliable, benefits realised, and design activities are monitored and tracked to meet the overall architecture plan. Documenting complex "as is" and "to be" processes, describing the changes required to migrate to the "to be" capability to record accurately the change required. Including analysis of "As Is" and "To Be". Horizon Scanning. Application Software Development. Developing existing and new applications by analysing and identifying areas for modification and improvements. Developing new applications to meet customer requirements. Business Requirements Identification – using data models to support business education, research, requirements, and designs. Information Security - Implementing and providing input on the design of required security measures. Operational Compliance. Development and performance management for a substantial and diverse team. Data Management - managing key aspects of the data management system. We need you to have (min exp) Subject matter expertise in Data Architecture, Data Modelling and Data Management. Experience of managing aspects of architecture governance and contributing to data governance. Experience of Data & Process Mapping within a regulated organisation. Strong data & technical skills (IBM Infosphere Server, Datastage, SAS, COGNOS preferred). Leadership experience. Robust understanding of cloud infrastructure. What’s in it for you? Prepare for your retirement with our colleague pension scheme. Private Healthcare & Virtual GP Service for you and your family 365 days a year. Plus Critical Illness cover. Performance related annual bonus. Indulge in a generous holiday allowance with a minimum of 7.2 weeks, with the opportunity to buy more. Embrace the benefits of our Colleague Clubcard, enjoy a 10% discount that increase to 15% every payday (worth up to £2K). As an added perk, we’ll give you a second card to share with someone else. Green Car Leasing Scheme. Benefit from our family-oriented initiatives, encompassing enhanced maternity leave pay, a shared parental leave policy, and a generous 8-week paid paternity leave. Take part in our Buy as you Earn and Save as you Earn share schemes. Everyone’s welcome We want all our colleagues to always feel welcome and be themselves. We’re committed to building a more inclusive workplace and celebrating everything that makes colleagues unique, and value the richness and diversity this brings to our business. A more diverse business helps us deliver on our purpose to serve our customers, communities, and planet a little better every day. Additional Information We also know the importance of balancing work with life’s other commitments. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, as we’re committed to exploring part time and flexible working opportunities, at every level of the organisation. Interviews commencing October 2025. How to apply We value our people and diverse teams and believe the variety of backgrounds and experiences make us stronger to achieve our goals. Our colleagues are working hybrid, taking time to meet with colleagues in our offices for moments that matter, such as team catch ups, planning meetings and more. If you’re interested in finding out more about what a career at Tesco Insurance and Money Services looks like, click apply to find out more Salary & Closing Date Salary: Competitive from £66,400 + Annual Bonus & Benefits Closing Date for applications: 12th December 2025 Location & Office Attendance Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Reigate, London or Newcastle Office Attendance: Our roles are hybrid; however you need to travel to our office 2 days per week for this role. Work Level Work Level: 2 Permanent role #J-18808-Ljbffr