At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year, thanks to our people.
Job Summary
* A 35 hour working week with 25 days annual leave, rising with service, with bank holidays and extra closure days around Christmas on top
* An excellent contributory pension which could see up to 18.5% combined contribution
* Private Medical Insurance and a Health Care Cash Reward Plan
* A new Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme
* Up to 5 days for volunteering
* Newly refurbished offices with a variety of individual and collaborative workspaces
Desirable Experience
* Proven information/data architect with a strong track record of related IT expertise and delivery across a number of practices within the IT industry
* Expert understanding of information/data modelling and design, together with familiarity with other relevant architectural methods
* Possess a broad understanding of, and experience in working within programme and project management methodologies and governance
* Experience of operating with and within hybrid support functions - internal and external/3rd party organisations
* Responsive to short-term challenges/priorities whilst holding to clear strategy and direction
* Ability to frame information/data architecture trends and opportunities within AQA's strategic objectives
* Conversant with and able to navigate major corporate structures including regulatory environment, financial management and budgeting, programme/project delivery and information security and risk management practices
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and take the lead in the area of Information Architecture, supporting colleagues in delivery across the areas of Solution and Domain Architecture in the fulfilment of business requirements and delivery of Enterprise Technology priorities
* Develop, take ownership of, and maintain Information Architecture policies, procedures, guidance, and standards
* Work alongside the Enterprise Architect in refreshing, implementing, and maintaining the AQA technology strategy, leading on the delivery and maintenance of Information Architecture aspects of the strategy
* Active participation and contribution into architectural community, forums, and design authorities
* Directly contribute to the definition and verification of adherence to technical standards covering areas such as Data/Information, Processing, Storage, and Network architectures, etc
* Work with and support business stakeholders and Enterprise Technology colleagues in the design and delivery of appropriately scoped architectural solutions
* Undertake purposeful 'horizon scanning' ensuring that AQA is positioned well to be able to benefit from emerging technologies, architectures, and standards
* Support the evolution of the IT strategy and the review of technology roadmaps and associated systems life cycles to ensure that AQA is able to identify technology opportunities and manage technology and architecture related risks effectively
* Review all systems solutions implemented across Enterprise and Assessment Technology areas of the business to ensure compliance with related Information Architectural policies, quantifying and proposing mitigations to any risks identified
* Ensure information architecture and related standards maintained by the architecture team are fully compliant with all statutory and regulatory legislation
* Develop and maintain an information architecture systems catalogue of all systems, their interdependencies, technical profiles, and their position in the estate
* Develop and maintain high levels of information architecture expertise to support good architectural design
* Support fellow Enterprise Technology team members with relevant transformational activities, collaborating with team members to engage their motivation and engagement
* Support collaboration with programme and project management functions and the delivery of product and service roadmaps, identifying and advising on cross-project/portfolio information architecture dependencies
* Drive professional development and actively facilitate cross-skilling
* Ensure full compliance with all AQA policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to HSE/Equal Opportunities/Information and Cyber Security/Data Protection related legislation and policies
* Where business needs dictate, undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level and may be outside the terms of this role profile
Requirements
* Proven information/data architect with a strong track record of related IT expertise and delivery across a number of practices within the IT industry
* Expert working knowledge and understanding of Information modelling and design frameworks and a broader familiarity with the application of such frameworks across Enterprise Applications frameworks, Service Oriented Architecture, Enterprise architecture, Physical Infrastructure deployment models, and Architecture/design frameworks such as TOGAF, ZACHMAN, etc
* Experience of enterprise-class organisations with cloud/mixed IT footprints and related modernisation of corporate architecture and application of appropriate governance
* Possess a broad understanding of and experience in working within programme and project management methodologies and governance
* Experience of operating with and within hybrid support functions - internal and external/3rd party organisations
* Responsive to short-term challenges/priorities whilst holding to clear strategy and direction
* Direct experience of working and communicating effectively with peers, sponsors, and business stakeholders at all levels both organisationally and across large-scale programmes/IT developments
* Organises, plans, and designs effectively whilst retaining focus on the bigger picture
* Ability to frame information/data architecture trends and opportunities within AQA's strategic objectives
* Proven expertise in identifying and improving high-level processes and ways of working
* Aptitude for sharing and embedding best practice
* Skills to build rapport and influence across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders
* Conversant with and able to navigate major corporate structures including regulatory environment, financial management and budgeting, programme/project delivery, and information security and risk management practices
* Excellent delivery credentials, with a flexible, pragmatic “can do’ attitude and a resilient ability to deliver rapid and effective solutions within a dynamic environment