Data Architect

Salary: £60,000 to £69,524 – (dependent on experience)

Contract Type: 12 month Fixed Term Contract – Full time

Location: Gatwick – Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

Working closely with the Head of Information and Data Management, the Data Architect will lead the design and delivery of the data architecture required to support the Future Surveillance Operating Model (FSOM) project within the Customer Experience and Modernisation (CX&M) programme. This role is pivotal in enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to modernise its surveillance and oversight capabilities and enhance customer experience through effective use of data.

The Data Architect will ensure that data is structured, governed, and integrated to support CX&M objectives, including:

• Service transformation
• Digital enablement
• Customer journey optimisation
• Data-driven decision-making.

Core Accountabilities

• Develop and implement a data architecture strategy aligned to the CAA Data Strategy and FSOM project. Ensure data is accessible, secure, and optimised for surveillance and modernisation use cases.
• Act as the Data Architect for the FSOM project, providing technical leadership across projects and managing data specialists and contract resources to deliver programme outcomes.
• Oversight of FSOM programme activities to ensure compliance to the architectural standards and guidelines defined e.g. the development of processes to monitor adherence to standards and guidelines and the resolution of non-adherence
• Establish and track metrics to measure the effectiveness of data architecture initiatives, with regular reporting across all levels of the organisation.
• Champion a Master Data Management approach, collaborating with other architects to implement consistent data standards across projects.
• Developing and iterating conceptual and logical data models, using data modelling tools such as ER/Studio to design and document data structures
• Serve as the technical design authority for data within FSOM, ensuring coherence, scalability, and alignment with enterprise architecture principles.
• Collaborate closely with the Data Governance team to ensure architectural solutions align with data quality, security, and compliance standards, supporting the implementation of enterprise-wide data policies and stewardship frameworks.

About You

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• Broad understanding of all architectural disciplines, with the ability to integrate data architecture within wider enterprise architecture frameworks.
• Strong expertise in data management practices.
• Experience in delivering data migration projects, including handling common challenges such as data quality issues, system differences, and performance constraints
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence stakeholders at all levels across the organisation.
• Proficient in conceptual, logical, and physical data modelling techniques, in particular relational data modelling.
• Deep knowledge of Master Data Management and Reference Data Management principles and practices.
• Awareness of emerging technologies and trends in the data management field, with the ability to assess their relevance and applicability.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering data architecture solutions within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Understanding of development approaches, including Waterfall and Agile.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner.

Desirable skills for the role:

• Experience working with er studio
• Experience working with iServer
• Proficiency in SQL
• Working on large projects, and/or multiple projects
• Experience with modern data platforms
• Hands on experience with data warehousing and ETL pipelines
• Ability to mentor and guide other data colleagues

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

SC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusivity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all are backgrounds included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as:

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
• 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
• Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
• Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
• Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
• Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London
• EV charging points
• Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Friday 26th September 2025

Interview Date: w/c Monday 6th October (in person Interviews at Aviation House Gatwick)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.