Enterprise architect

100 Liverpool street - hybrid

3 month initially - Role likely to go perm

Inside ir35

Purpose of Job

The Enterprise Data Architect plays a crucial role in supporting the Data Architecture function by defining and delivering key data architecture deliverables, such as policies, frameworks and their adoption, data modelling, architecture governance, and blueprints. This role is essential for enabling the end‑to‑end data management lifecycle.

It supports the development of foundational capabilities for the bank, which in turn underpin strategic programs such as the Data Hub, the Client Lifecycle Program, ECB, BCBS 239, etc., in EMEA. Additionally, the role involves active collaboration with global architects from other regions to contribute to and align with the architecture vision, policies, and standards.

Background

SMBC is undertaking several strategic programs aimed at better organising and modernising its data estate. One such initiative is the creation of a Data Platform that provides comprehensive data services to its consumers. This platform leverages various technologies‑primarily Databricks‑to simplify and enhance data access, eliminating the need for users to understand the complexities of data retrieval.

The goal is to establish global principles and empower regions such as AD, EMEA, APAC, and Tokyo to adopt a federated approach to delivering these capabilities. The vision and concept for EMEA have been accepted, and a plan is underway to establish the foundational capabilities of this platform. These include data domain definition, logical data models, an integration layer, a distribution mechanism, and an analytics framework.

Current efforts focus on data architecture frameworks and policies, data modelling, and architecture governance to support the platform's deliverables, to begin with and extending thereafter to other initiatives. This requires close alignment with IT architecture, IT delivery, business architecture, business stakeholders, and other members of the Data Office across EMEA, AD, and globally.

Facts/ Scale

The data office has been established for three years and is growing significantly. The bank is at the preliminary stages of its data journey, and it is undergoing several programmes to change the way the bank works.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Frameworks, Policy, and Standards: Define data policy standards, policies, and guidelines to ensure data deliveries and architecture artifacts maintain integrity, quality, and consistency across the organisation.
• Data Modelling: Oversee enterprise data modelling and its global alignment.
• Architecture Governance: Establish data architecture forums and terms of reference (ToR); review and approve data architecture policies and standards. Facilitate communication and collaboration for the adoption and maintenance of data policies and frameworks. Drive the management and adoption of data policies and frameworks in EMEA and globally.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with IT teams and business stakeholders to gain alignment on data policies and standards. Contribute to data architecture discussions and lead decision‑making in this area.
• Industry and Technology Trends: Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in data architecture and management. Use this knowledge to build future‑focused data architecture capability roadmaps.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Proven ability to deliver enterprise data architecture policies and target states
• Experience establishing governance functions, drafting ToRs, and chairing forums
• Ability to create data flows across domains (target states, transition states, etc.)
• Competence in reviewing data architecture artefacts and making decisions based on policies and standards
• Experience with data modelling and industry standards (e.g., FSLDM, BIRD)
• Understanding of current data methodologies (e.g., Lake, Mesh, Fabric, Hybrid, Agentic)

Desirable:

• Enterprise data modelling experience
• Experience evaluating and recommending data architecture tools
• Hands‑on experience with Databricks, Snowflake, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with Collibra

Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV in order to be considered.