Head of Strategy and Architecture, Data Platforms Domain

Join us as the Head of Strategy and Architecture, Data Platforms Domain

• This is an opportunity for an experienced and dynamic data Architect to lead the definition and implementation of the target data strategy for the Data Platforms Domain within Wealth Chief Digital Information Office (WCDIO)
• Working with the wider Data Architecture community across the NatWest Group, you will be responsible for defining, agreeing and maintaining the data strategy and implementation roadmap for WCDIO technology domain, ensuring Group-wide alignment in the context of the specific needs of the Wealth system and business landscape
• You'll engage with and drive collaboration across stake-holding groups, translating their needs into data architecture solutions, adapting the roadmap and components to realise business value
• This role is available as either full time, compressed hours or part time with minimum 28 working hours
• You’ll work from home some of the time, but you’ll also spend a at least five to ten days a month working from our London or Bristol office

What you'll do

You'll be influencing the development of data strategies at an organisational level, identifying transformational opportunities for the businesses and technology areas associated with both new and existing technologies.

You’ll define and communicate the current, resultant and target state architecture, making sure that the architecture links to, and is informed by, the overall organisational strategy and architecture, and produces intended outcome.

On top of this, you’ll be:

• Representing  the WCDIO data domain at enterprise-level governance and architecture forum

• Translating architecture roadmaps into packages of work that allow frequent incremental delivery of value to be included in product backlog

• Playing a pivotal role in Change teams, owning the delivery of data architecture products

• Defining, creating and maintaining architecture models, roadmaps, standards and outcomes, using architecture strategies to ensure alignment to adjacent and higher-level models

The skills you'll need

You’ll have a strong understanding of data-mesh design strategy and have experience of transitioning data warehousing installations to the paradigm, deploying the right data strategy component to address differing use case.

You’ll have excellent communication skills, strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including executives, technical teams, and business leaders and you’ll excel at translating business requirements to data solutions, being able to explain the benefits of architecture transition plans to business and technology. You’ll also have excellent leadership skills, with the ability to demonstrate how you inspire and motivate teams to success.

On top of this, you’ll bring:

• A highly developed understanding of the Data Management requirements of regulated Financial Services firms

• Proven track-record of setting data strategies and delivering data architecture change to meet defined outcomes, deploying the best strategic technology components to accelerate business value realisation

• Relevant qualifications and experience and the ability to demonstrate and deploy a robust understanding of the pros and cons of differing data interface and residency patterns

• Strong analytical and hands-on problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions under pressure and guide teams through complex architecture delivery challenges, including balancing shorter-term business needs with strategic aims

• Familiarity with Avaloq Core Platform and associated proprietary technologies

• Understanding of industry architecture frameworks, such as TOGAF and ArchiMate

• Good understanding of Agile with experience of working across Agile teams

• Knowledge of hardware, software, application, and systems engineering