Job Opportunity: Data Architect at Cardiff University
Cardiff University is seeking an experienced Data Architect to spearhead the design of a robust common data platform—a cornerstone of the institution’s ambitious digital strategy. This transformative initiative will enhance research capabilities, streamline operational processes, and revolutionize educational delivery, positioning Cardiff University as a leader in the digital age.
About Us
At Cardiff University, our mission is to become an institution of world-class reputation. Guided by our visionary strategy, Our Future Together, we aim to be a globally recognized, research-excellent, and educationally outstanding university that thrives on creativity and curiosity. By fulfilling our social, cultural, and economic commitments to Cardiff, Wales, the UK, and the world, we seek to drive innovation and deliver solutions that create a better future for generations to come.
Our ultimate aspiration is to rank among the top 20 universities in the UK and consistently within the top 100 globally. As part of this journey, we are committed to fostering a digital-first culture that enables cutting-edge research and provides exceptional educational experiences for our students.
The Role
Cardiff University’s ambitious digital strategy presents an exciting opportunity for the Data Architect to play a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s data future. Tasked with leading the design and development of the common data platform, the successful candidate will ensure its seamless implementation, safeguarding architectural integrity along the way.
This role is instrumental in driving innovation across the university, championing data excellence, and leveraging transformative technologies, including automation and integration standards. The Data Architect will serve as the custodian of the university’s enterprise data landscape, collaborating with stakeholders across academic and professional domains to deliver consistent, reliable, and high-performing data architecture.
As a key figure in the multi-million-pound digital transformation portfolio, the role holder will:
- Architect and Oversee: Lead the development and implementation of modern, efficient data frameworks, standards, models, and practices that optimize data assets and support strategic decision-making.
- Innovate and Collaborate: Partner with delivery teams, stakeholders, and governance bodies to ensure proposed architectures align with the university’s goals, policies, and standards while addressing technological feasibility and risk management.
- Build Standards: Develop and promote comprehensive data architecture practices, including integration models, data dictionaries, and best practices to enable advanced reporting, analytics, and strategic foresight.
- Advocate for Data Excellence: Champion the value of trusted, well-managed data assets, driving initiatives to uphold data quality and promoting a culture of accountability and innovation across the institution.
- Evaluate and Lead: Assess major design options, manage risks, and review system designs to ensure efficient use of resources and integration of multiple platforms and systems.
- Influence and Engage: Work closely with senior stakeholders to establish credibility, convey the business value of exceptional data architecture, and facilitate feedback loops for continuous improvement.
This role provides the unique opportunity to not only improve Cardiff University’s operational framework but also directly contribute to its standing as a leading institution in the global academic landscape.
What We Offer
At Cardiff University, we’re proud to offer a highly supportive and inclusive working environment alongside attractive benefits, including:
- Competitive Salary: £51,753 – £56,535 per annum (Grade 7). Appointments are typically made at the bottom of the scale unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- Generous Leave Entitlement: 37 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Access to a highly regarded and generous pension scheme.
- Additional benefits include flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, staff development opportunities, and support for creating a positive work-life balance. Explore more at Cardiff University’s Employee Benefits.
Further Information
- Role Type: Full-time, Open-ended.
- Closing Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026.
- Equality and Diversity: Cardiff University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We value the diversity of our staff and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Applications submitted in Welsh are welcomed and treated equally to those in English. We are open to flexible working or job-sharing arrangements that help our employees balance their professional and personal lives.
Join us in shaping Cardiff University’s digital future and making a global impact. Apply today!