Senior Technical Architect (Data)

Job summary

Data is at the heart of everything we do at Companies House.

As we continue our digital transformation, we're investing in our Data Architecture capability to improve data quality, modernise technology, and enable better decision-making across the organisation. Data Architecture is a critical capability that supports our strategic objectives and future ambitions.

We're looking for an experienced professional join us as a Senior Technical Architect (Data). Working across Data and Technical Architecture, you'll help shape the future of data at Companies House, collaborating with technical and business stakeholders to solve complex challenges, define architecture direction, and establish data standards that support long-term organisational goals.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in complex environments, is comfortable working through ambiguity, and can influence stakeholders by translating technical concepts into practical solutions. You'll combine strong technical expertise with excellent communication and collaboration skills to drive meaningful change.

Watch this video to find out more about working in Digital at Companies House

Please note:

• Companies House cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign
• Security Clearance is an essential requirement for this campaign. You'll need to have been in the UK for at least 3 out of the last 5 years to be eligible to apply for SC
• The role can be based from our Cardiff or Edinburgh office, and a hybrid employment contract will be provided as the standard offering. However, remote contracts may be considered as an exception whereby commuting to the office location of your team is not reasonably practicable

Helping Shape Our Future

Companies House is delivering a significant programme of modernisation, creating secure, resilient, and adaptable services for the future.

Data Architecture plays a vital role in this transformation, helping to improve data quality, enable interoperability, support modern cloud platforms, and ensure emerging technologies are adopted responsibly.

We're looking for someone who is curious about the future of data and technology. You don't need to be an AI specialist, but you should be interested in how modern technologies, automation, and data-driven approaches can solve business problems and improve public services.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working with no core hours (6am – 8pm flexible options)
• 30 days annual leave
• 8 bank holidays & 1 privilege day
• Enrolment into Civil Service Pension scheme average 28.97%

Find out more about what a great place Companies House is to work

Job description

As a Senior Technical Architect (Data) you will:

• Design and maintain conceptual, logical and physical data models supporting operational and analytical business needs
• Work with business and technical stakeholders to understand complex problems and translate them into practical architecture solutions
• Influence data-related decisions across programmes, projects and product teams
• Develop and maintain mappings between logical and physical data structures across multiple platforms and services
• Support the development and evolution of enterprise-wide data architecture standards, principles and reusable patterns
• Contribute to the implementation of the Data Architecture Strategy and wider organisational objectives
• Provide architectural guidance and assurance to multidisciplinary delivery teams
• Support data governance, metadata, lineage and lifecycle management activities
• Help establish a shared understanding of data across the organisation through effective modelling, communication and stakeholder engagement
• Collaborate closely with Enterprise Architects, Technical Architects, Data Engineers and business stakeholders across Companies House

Technical architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

Why this role is different

This is an opportunity to join a growing Data Architecture capability during a period of significant transformation. You will help shape the data models, standards and architectural blueprints that underpin the future direction of Companies House.

Develop your architecture capability while gaining experience on high-profile work where your contribution will strengthen Data Architecture and it's professional impact across the business.

Data architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

Person specification

We're seeking a curious and collaborative professional who enjoys solving complex problems and building strong relationships. You may already have experience in Data Architecture, or be looking to bring transferable skills from a related discipline.What matters most is your ability to think strategically, communicate effectively and support better outcomes through a structured approach. You'll have a good understanding of data architecture and data modelling principles and a desire to further develop your expertise within a growing team.

Data Architecture and Modelling

• Understanding of data architecture principles and best practices
• Experience developing conceptual, logical and physical data models that support both operational and analytical business needs
• Working experience defining and maintaining architecture artefacts, standards and patterns
• Working experience developing mappings between logical and physical data structures across multiple systems and platforms
• Awareness of modelling complex business domains and translating business concepts into structured data designs
• Experience defining and maintaining data architecture solutions that align with organisational objectives and support long-term business and technology strategies
• Good understanding of metadata, lineage, data quality and information architecture concepts

Communication and Influence

• Strong ability to communicate the data architecture vision, standards and principles to a range of stakeholders
• Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills used to understand business needs and influence the development of designs and solutions
• Strong ability to build consensus amongst diverse stakeholder groups and successfully influence decision-making
• Strong ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty, working with stakeholders to clarify requirements, build shared understanding and achieve successful outcomes

Collaboration and Delivery

• Strong ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary agile teams to deliver business value
• Strong ability to apply systematic and evidence-based problem solving
• Experience supporting delivery teams through the design and implementation of data solutions
• A commitment to professional development as well as sharing knowledge, challenging established thinking where appropriate and driving continuous improvement

Modern Technology and Innovation

• Awareness of modern cloud-based architecture principles and services
• A willingness to research, gain understanding and experiment with unfamiliar and emerging technologies, or familiar technologies in new data contexts
• Ability to assess opportunities and risks associated with applying new technologies in a pragmatic and evidence-based manner

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Data Modelling
• Architecture thinking & analysis
• Data architecture innovation & emerging technologies

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £42,923, Companies House contributes £12,434 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

We believe that our success is driven by the well-being and satisfaction of our team members at all levels of the organisation. At Companies House we’re committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary, ensuring your career journey with us is not only fulfilling, but also rewarding. We pride ourselves on offering a quality work-life balance with our employee wellbeing being central to our working practices.

Head to our Recruitment Careers Hub to find out more about the fantastic benefits package we have at Companies House.

We celebrate diversity...

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity, being committed to ensuring we’re representative of the citizens we serve and creating an inclusive environment. Everyone in Companies House brings something different, and so will you. To fulfil our commitment to recruiting and attracting diverse talent we welcome applications from underrepresented groups. We also welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

We are proud to be a disability confident leader. Our recruitment process is fully inclusive and we can make adjustments as needed through our process. These could include having an interview buddy, extra time at interviews/assessments and receiving interview questions in advance, to name a few.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at application stage, or if you'd like to discuss any person-centred adjustments, please contact us by emailing recruitmentCH@companieshouse.gov.uk.

Read our 'Applying under the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS)' guide to find out how to successfully complete an application under the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS).

Where will you be working?

• Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast are all office bases that can support this role
• We are currently using a hybrid approach to the way we work providing opportunities for a healthy balance between your work and home life. The degree of choice will depend on your role and your day-to-day work activities
• Your manager will agree regular patterns of attendance with you; however, you may be required to make yourself available to attend the office more frequently to meet business needs

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Dates (dates are indicative only and could be subject to change)

• Closing date: 1st November 23:55
• Sifting: w/c: 2nd November
• Interview: w/c: 16th November

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

What will the process look like?

1. Application

During the application and sift stages we will be using the Success Profiles: Experience and Behaviours

In your application you will be asked to provide

1. 1. A CV (2 pages) outlining your employment history, key responsibilities, relevant projects and achievements. Please focus on experience most relevant to the role.
   2. A 250-word behaviour statementdemonstrating your experience and level of skill against the Behaviour: Communicating and Influencing.
   3. A personal statement (750 words) explaining how you meet the following 4 key criteria for the role:

• Experience working with data, information, business processes, analysis or technology architecture, and applying that experience to understand and improve organisational outcomes
• An understanding of data modelling concepts and techniques, or the analysis and design of data structures and assets
• The ability to analyse complex problems, work effectively with evolving requirements, and communicate information clearly to a range of stakeholders
• Evidence of strategic and holistic thinking, including the ability to align work to organisational objectives and consider the relationships between business processes, information, data and technology

Candidates are welcome to draw on experience gained in a range of roles, however you will need to ensure that you tailor your answers to the job description and person specification for this role.

We’re committed to being diverse and inclusive, so please make your application anonymous by removing all identifying personal information (such as your name and age) from your personal statement.

Please note: In the case of a large number of applications, before conducting a full sift as described above, the panel may conduct a pre-sift assessing all applications against the following Behaviour: Communicating & Influencing.

2. Sift

Once the advert has closed, we will sift applications - this involves reading through them all, please bear with us as this can take some time.

We may raise the score required if we receive a high number of applications.

At sift we may choose to take through the highest performing candidates to the next stage. If, after the final stage is completed and roles are unfilled, we may proceed to invite lower scoring candidates to interview

Once the advert has closed, we will sift applications - this involves reading through all applications, please bear with us as this can take some time.

In the case of a large number of applications, before conducting a full sift as described above, the panel may conduct a pre-sift assessing all applications against the following Behaviour: Communicating & Influencing

3. Interview

Companies House uses a blended interview technique, allowing us to find out more about you. Candidates will be invited to attend an online interview which will be conducted using Microsoft Teams.
We use the Success Profile framework and at interview we will be asking questions relating to

Behaviours: Working together; Communicating & Influencing; Developing self & others

Technical Skills: Data Modelling; Architecture thinking & analysis; Data architecture innovation and emerging technologies

Experience: Data architecture and strategic objectives (this will be assessed as a presentation at interview)

4. Offer

All candidates attending interview will receive outcomes and feedback from the panel. All offers will be made in merit order.

In the event of a tied outcome the distinguishing criteria will be: Experience; data architecture and strategic objectives.

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of recruitment based on fair and open competition with decisions made on the basis of merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.

Sponsorship

Companies House cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. Companies House holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles, and this campaign does not qualify. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship, your application may be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment withdrawn.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates must pass a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check before they can be appointed.

BPSS is an entry level security check. It uses the Police National Computer (PNC) to make sure a candidate has no convictions. The check returns evidence of any current criminal record and un-spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements for Security Check (SC) before they can be appointed.

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.

Further information on National Security Vetting

Pre-Employment Checking

In line with Government guidance, successfully appointed candidates will need to provide documents for our Right to Work checks.

From June 2026, applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). Your personal details (name, National Insurance number, and date of birth) will be checked against the Civil Service Resourcing Extract IFD.

This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued.

If your details appear on this database, you will not be offered employment unless you can demonstrate exceptional circumstances. Companies House, acting on behalf of the vacancy holder, will inform you if your application is refused for this reason.

Please note: You are not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Saskia Aubrey
• Email : saubrey@companieshouse.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitmentch@companieshouse.gov.uk

Further information

We welcome applications in Welsh / Rydym yn croesawi ceisiadau yn y Gymraeg. Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles, our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of appointment on the basis of merit by fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact infopoint@companieshouse.gov.uk in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission .

info@csc.gov.uk

Civil Service Commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road SW1A 2HQ