The Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) profession enable the Home Office to keep the UK safe and secure. They do this by designing, building, and running the services that help people apply for visas or passports, support policing and counter-terrorism operations, and protect the UK’s borders.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Chief Technology Office (CTO), part of the Police and Public Protection Technology (PPPT). PPPT works in partnership with Police Forces, the Fire Service, agencies, and arms-length bodies of the Home Office, involved in law enforcement to cut crime and prevent abuse and exploitation. An increasing dependency on technology is at the heart of the ongoing reform and modernisation of the Police and Fire Service and its uses are varied.

A Principal Data Architect sets the vision for the organization’s use of data. The role decides how the data will be stored, managed and integrated by different data entities and IT Operations. You will also lead Data Architecture at the highest level and will be responsible for ensuring the Home Office strategy is agreed and followed. Strong technical leadership qualities are required and a passion for driving value from the exploitation of data through effective management, direction and motivation including performance and development reviews. You will be able to build effective partnerships with diverse teams across multiple locations and technologies.

What You’ll Do:

• Overseeing the design of multiple data models and having a broad understanding of how each model fulfils the needs of the business.
• Championing Data Architecture across government and setting the standards and ways of working for the Data Architecture community.
• Defining and implementing governance to ensure the data strategy is followed, with the help of the Lead Data Architect.
• Defining policies and setting standards for modelling, structuring, naming, describing, securing, and formatting data.
• Ensuring that the organisation’s systems are designed in line with the Data Architecture.
• Providing advice to project teams, using your deep knowledge of industry best practices and emerging tools and methodology, and overseeing the management of the full data lifecycle.

What You’ll Bring:

• Demonstrating a deep understanding of exploiting data from a complex technical domain with multiple database technologies, data integration, metadata management, analytics and insight generation.
• Leading technology teams to adhere to good data modelling, database management principles and data governance.
• Defining and managing technical roadmaps and strategy.
• Following advances in digital analytics tools and data manipulation products.
• Identifying industry recognised data patterns and standards and applying these to any organisation.
• Designing and leading the conceptual, logical and physical design for distributed databases.
• Driving Meta Data Architecture and Master Data Management Solutions.
• Working with Cloud Data technologies, solutions and future Cloud Data Strategies.

Why join us:

At the Home Office, your work has real-world impact, shaping the safety and security of millions. We offer:

• Meaningful Work: Contribute to critical national security and public service initiatives.
• Career Growth: Benefit from tailored development frameworks and professional communities.
• Flexible Working: Balance your professional and personal life with hybrid work options.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Join a workplace where your unique background and talents are celebrated.
• Learn more about our benefits: Benefits – Home Office Careers

Additional Information:

This role requires SC clearance. To meet national security vetting requirements, you must typically have been resident in the UK for at least five years. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas.