Data Architect

Data Architect – Hybrid working, minimum 60% office time – Civic Centre, Gateshead

Help shape data that improves lives across Gateshead.

At Gateshead Council, we need a forward‑thinking Data Architect to lead our data strategy, shaping the architecture, governance and platforms that support data‑driven decision‑making.

• Own and evolve the Council’s data strategy, aligning it with priorities, transformation and national standards.
• Design secure, scalable architecture and a common data model to enable integration and insight.
• Embed data into decision‑making and promote best practice across teams.
• Use data, analytics and AI to drive better services and outcomes for residents.
• Turn business challenges into high‑value data products and shape the data roadmap.
• Strengthen metadata, master data and governance to improve trust and accessibility.
• Enable safe, ethical and GDPR‑compliant use of data.
• Grow data literacy, skills and clear ownership across the organisation.
• Track progress and increase data maturity, adoption and value.

• A relevant degree (Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related subject or equivalent) or professional certifications in analytics/data management.
• Proven experience of developing and delivering an organisation‑wide data strategy aligned to business priorities, driving data maturity and value.
• Strong expertise in enterprise data architecture, data modelling and designing scalable, secure and integrated data solutions.
• Demonstrable experience of implementing data governance frameworks, including metadata, master data, data quality and stewardship practices.
• Experience of working with modern cloud‑based data platforms (e.g. Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks) and data integration approaches (ETL/ELT).
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex business needs into practical data solutions.
• Proven ability to lead large‑scale data or digital transformation initiatives, driving a data‑driven culture and embedding standards, best practice and accountability across a complex organisation.

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding pension scheme. Find out more:
• Generous annual leave: 28 days, rising to 32 days after five years (including the option to buy up to 10 extra days).
• Flexible working hours: up to 26 flexi days per year.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• Learning and development: training, development and progression opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing support: discounted gym memberships and mental health resources.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric and hybrid car scheme: salary sacrifice car scheme after 12 months service.
• Exclusive discounts and salary sacrifice options on shopping, travel and services on the VIVUP platform.

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and workplace where people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.