The Office for National Statistics (ONS) are seeking a Chief Data Architect on a permanent basis. This is a critical and cross-cutting technical senior leadership role, with wide ranging impact inside and outside of the ONS - across government and the private sector. ONS have offices in London, Newport, Fareham and Darlington - this role is available from all locations.

The ONS provide high quality data that underpins core National Statistics and the wider UK statistical system. The Directorate acquires, engineers and matches data in ways which drive new analysis and insights for the public good. As Chief Data Architect, you will be one of the most senior technical leaders in the ONS. You will be responsible for providing the leadership - at both enterprise and technical levels - to develop and deliver the ONS's architectural vision, and design and implement technical standards, principles and systems which drive consistency and operability across a complex eco-system.

You'll enjoy operating in a fast-moving environment where every day is different and the products you produce will be at the forefront of the government's digital and data transformation. Your ability to understand and interpret technically complex issues and collaborate with a wide range of partners inside and outside of government will be vital. In combination with your proven architecture experience, you will be a corporate and strategic thinker, adept at communicating and influencing others, and able to balance creativity with pragmatism - taking balanced risk judgements to mature the data marketplace.

If appointed to this role, you will join the Directorate of Data Growth and Operations, which sits within the Data Capability Group and employs around 300 staff working across two divisions: data acquisition and operations, and data architecture. The Data Architecture Division includes around 140 permanent staff, with around 60 contractors. Through four teams, the architecture division delivers regular outputs for census analysis and leads the design and development of the integration capability being provided by the Integrated Data Service, including the development of critical national data assets across government. This is a core element of the Government's 2025 Digital and Data Strategy and the Modernisation and Reform agenda.

ONS is looking for a new Chief Data Architect to set and deliver the strategy and direction for the continued development of ONS's enterprise and technical data architecture, and which supports a wide range of users in ONS and across government and in research and academic fields.

Reporting to the Chief Data Officer and Director of Data Growth and Operations, you will lead the architecture function in ONS and play an integral role in the bringing the architecture community together across government, working closely with the Central Digital and Data Office, and key departments like MoJ, DWP, HMRC, DfE, DHLUC, BEIS and HMT, alongside commercial suppliers and others like the Geospatial Commission, VOA, Ordnance Survey, amongst many others. Across ONS, you will be responsible for designing how data is architected, governed and used in a way which meets our high technical standards and principles, particularly around security, ethics, transparency and propriety.

This is a Deputy Director/SCS1 grade role - applicants should demonstrate the following essential skills and experience when applying:

• Proven digital, data and technology leader, with enterprise and technical architecture experience and a user-driven approach
• Significant experience of developing an architecture strategy and vision for the delivery of high performing services to users
• Evidence of delivering transformational data or technology enterprise-wide change at pace, balancing the need to plan and deliver for the long term while addressing immediate technical integrity
• A visible and inclusive leader, who provides architectural vision and strategic direction, effectively communicating a compelling future, and taking people with you
• Ability to build constructive and collaborative networks, and can influence effectively across a complex stakeholder landscape taking risk judgements and learning lessons to drive a culture of continual improvement
• Ability to communicate effectively and to produce clear advice on complex data architecture issues
• Experience of pursuing innovative digital, data and technology approaches to business and/or operational problems

It will be desirable to have:

• An architectural professional background in terms of both experience and expertise, including TOGAF, ITIL or other technology related delivery qualifications
• Strong software development and application architecture experience, with a good knowledge of open-source technologies, testing and at least one programming language
• Some experience of domain specific technologies - eg public cloud implementation

To apply for this post, you will need to submit a CV, supporting statement (up to 1,250 words) and completed diversity form to us by 23:59 Sunday 5th June. Please also provide a completed Diversity Monitoring Form.

For further information on the organisation, role and recruitment process, please view the candidate pack.

Advertised total compensation range of GBP85,000 - GBP120,000 per annum. Position on the payment range will be placed depending on the successful candidate's particular skills and experience. The candidate will also have access to our pension and other benefits. Payments above GBP85,000 will be made in the form of a Pivotal Role Allowance (PRA), payments made under the PRA element of the salary package are paid upon the completion of quarterly milestones, to be agreed with the successful candidate. The PRA element of the successful candidate's package is non-pensionable and is subject to annual review.

This job requires Security Check security clearance as a condition of employment. If you are successful at interview, you will be asked to complete a number of security questionnaires.