Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV through the AQA careers site. Applications close on Sunday 27th September.

#LI-JM1 #STEC

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:

To be responsible for defining, understanding, and articulating the large amount of varying data available across Assessment Technology with the overall objective to provide all stakeholders with a view of data that meets their needs.

Landscape:

The Architecture and Innovation Department reports to the Director of Assessment Technology and is responsible for scoping and integration of solutions into the next generation of assessment delivery.

As a member of the Architecture and Innovation team, you will report to the Head of Architecture and Innovation to help shape and deliver the overall data strategy for Assessment Technology.

Activities:

• Contribute towards the policies, guidelines, and standards that make up the data strategy developing and maintaining them in line with business drivers and goals to establish robust and flexible controls.
• Engage with operational, product, and technical stakeholders to gain a good understanding of their different data requirements.
• Model, describe, and visualize the data models across the assessment technology estate to bring to life the data dependencies across all systems and products.
• Working with Solution Architects and Product Managers to produce a data roadmap that delivers the overall data strategy.
• Actively assess the whole landscape looking for opportunities where changes in data management, transformation, etc… that would result in business process improvements.
• Provide appropriate levels of documentation to support architectural designs.
• Work with Solution Architects and development teams to ensure the domain data models are delivered as per the approved designs.
• Ensure data is secured and that data is retained for the approved retention periods.
• Collaborate with the Data Protection Officer and Security teams to ensure data is stored, managed, used, and disposed of properly and in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
• Be an influencer of innovation and change across the AQA group.
• Develop business process models and flows with the aim of explaining how data is created, distributed, and transformed across the whole estate.
• Provide governance around data integrity.
• Support the learning and development of other team members by mentoring and coaching.
• Effectively manage risks in changes to production, carefully consider and take a balanced view on changes.
• Provide product support when needed.

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

• Demonstrate expert knowledge in ways of understanding and explaining the domain level data to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of domain driven design and how such architectural concepts affect data and consistency.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to communication.
• Have a can-do attitude with the ability to manage your own time.
• Be inquisitive and eager to research and learn new and emerging technologies and methodologies.
• Be a strong team player.

Qualifications

• Computing degree or equivalent level of business computing experience and/or Professional accreditation (BCS etc.)
• Experience in managing and understanding domain level data models.

Skills

• Logical thinker, able to diagnose, troubleshoot, and coordinate resolution of complex issues in a pressured environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to engage with colleagues and customers at all levels, whether technical or otherwise coupled with ability to sell and communicate ideas clearly to a wide range of stakeholders at differing levels of seniority and technical expertise.
• Ability to identify business objectives and form innovative potential solutions, supported by competent arguments.
• Proven ability to produce and maintain effective documentation.
• Persuades and influences both internal and external networks.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure in a fast-moving change environment.
• Solid commercial acumen.
• Provide architectural leadership, driving solution implementations through to successful delivery.
• Good knowledge of different types of data storage technologies, with appreciation of what use cases fit best to each technology.

Experience

• Proven experience of understanding, and transforming discrete service domain data models into a cohesive multi-service model.
• Experience of managing data across products and microservice-based architectures.