AQA
Data Architect
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Data Architect
At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people.
As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.
Job Title and Location
Data Architect Permanent Locations:
- Manchester: £72,000 – £85,000
- Milton Keynes: £75,000 – £88,500
Working Arrangement: Hybrid: Two days per week in the office
Introduction
AQA is looking for two data architects to help build data architecture capability in Assessment Technology. This is a chance to join at an important stage, helping shape:
- How data is understood,
- How data is modelled,
- How data is governed,
- And how data is used across complex assessment systems that support learners, schools, and colleges.
Purpose of the Role
You will be part of a growing data architecture team, helping AQA evolve from one Data Architect to a broader team with stronger portfolio coverage.
Core Responsibilities
In this role, you’ll:
- Translate business needs into clear data architecture direction.
- Support delivery teams in alignment with AQA’s strategy, governance, and future technology opportunities.
- Work across change programs toward this transformation.
Specific Tasks
-
Data Artefacts: Create and shape data architecture artefacts such as:
- Data models,
- Data dictionaries,
- Data flow diagrams, to help teams understand data creation, movement, transformation, and usage.
-
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with project, product, technical, and business stakeholders to:
- Define practical data requirements.
- Explain complex data decisions in clear, accessible language.
-
Strategy & Governance: Contribute to standards, policies, and procedures to ensure secure, consistent, and informed data decisions.
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Experience and Skills
Essential Requirements
- Strong technical data thinking combined with clear communication.
- Experience producing or using architecture artefacts:
- Data models,
- Data dictionaries,
- Data flows, or similar documentation.
- Ability to understand, describe, and link domain-level data across systems or products.
- Proven ability to translate complex technical information into business-focused language.
- Data architecture background is ideal, though adjacent experience (in data engineering, solution / technical architecture) with:
- Awareness of data governance frameworks, standards, policies, and procedures.
- A clear architectural lens is also acceptable.
Technical & Behavioral Competencies
- Can diagnose, troubleshoot, and coordinate resolving complex issues under pressure.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills to explain ideas clearly to all technical/executive levels.
- Proven ability to drive innovative solutions from business objectives.
- Able to produce and maintain documentation effectively.
- Influences both internal and external networks.
- Resilient, works well under pressure in fast-changing environments.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in computing or equivalent business computing experience (e.g., BCS professional accreditation).
- Experience in managing domain-level data models.
- Experience with:
- Governing data integrity.
- Understanding and transforming discrete service domain data models into a cohesive multi-service model.
What’s in It for You?
- Scope to shape AQA’s data strategy in a meaningful but varied role.
- Work across a broad data ecosystem:
- Operational data,
- Analytic data,
- Insights, AI, and machine learning.
- Contribute to reform, digital exams, and emergent data capabilities.
- Exposure to a Microsoft and Azure environment while understanding architecture principles applicable to cloud platforms.
- 35-hour working week, flexible hybrid model with:
- 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 days) plus Christmas closure days.
- Excellent pension scheme (up to 11.5% employer contribution).
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About AQA
AQA is an independent charity setting and marking nearly half of all UK GCSEs and A-Levels. Our purpose: To advance education by helping students and teachers realise their potential.
AQA invests significantly in professional development, aiming to fill over 50% of permanent roles internally.
Additional Policies & Support
- Equal Opportunities: AQA is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all dimensions.
- Smart Working: Hybrid model with two days per office across England.
- Reasonable Adjustments: Contact Faye Harrison (she/her) (fharrison@aqa.org.uk / 07813 724161) for support related to hiring processes.
- Safeguarding: AQA commits to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, detecting and responding to abuses swiftly.
- Intellectual Property: Employees cannot concurrently apply for Key Stage 4 and 5 public exams candidate roles.
Application Process
To apply: Submit your CV via the [AQA careers site](Career Page URL: Likely redirect to AQA’s careers portal).
Applications close on Sunday, 19th July.
Recruitment Terms
- Unsolicited CVs treated as a gift.
- Agency fees not accepted; only apply via opportunities@aqa.org.uk for permanent/ fixed-term roles. Temporary role enquiries: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk
© AQA. Privacy and equality information on the AQA website.
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