Data Architect

About the team

Our data architecture team is a tight-knit group of experts dedicated to driving innovation and excellence. We work collaboratively to set standards, tackle challenges, and shape the future of data architecture in banking. Join us and be part of a dynamic team making a difference.

About Us

The OSB Group is a FTSE 250 specialist mortgage lender, primarily focused on carefully selected segments of the mortgage market.

Our specialist lending is supported by our Kent Reliance and Charter Savings Bank retail savings franchises. Diversification of funding is provided by sophisticated securitisation platforms. OSB’s unique cost-efficient operating model is supported by our wholly-owned subsidiary OSBIndia.

Alongside passion for our products and customers, we're passionate about our people and want to continue building a collaborative and engaging environment.  Being dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we encourage differences and recognise that individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights and enhance the way we work.  This is supported by our Diversity, Community and Environment Employee Engagement Networks and our commitment to the Women in Finance Charter and Women in Leadership Programme. 

What you will be doing

In this role, you will have the opportunity to create data architecture solutions to solve business challenges. A data architect is responsible for designing and managing data systems and architecture primarily on Microsoft Azure. The job involves working closely with business stakeholders, data engineers, and other IT professionals to ensure the effective storage, processing, and analysis of data.

Your responsibilities will include…

• Architect and design end-to-end data solutions on-premises and in Azure, ensuring alignment with business goals and requirements.
• Provide data architecture support and guidance for new software / solutions
• Create robust and scalable data models that meet business needs while following industry best practices.
• Work with business analysts, data engineers, and other stakeholders to understand data requirements.
• Integrate various data sources (on-premises, cloud-based, and third-party) into the Azure environment.
• Utilise Azure services like Azure Data Lake, Azure SQL Database, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Databricks for data storage, transformation, and analysis.
• Ensure data security, privacy, and compliance with relevant regulations (GDPR, Basel etc.).
• Implement metadata management and lineage tracking to understand data flow across the architecture.
• Consider data quality and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Optimise data storage and retrieval strategies to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with data pipelines and data access.
• Solution design which may range from new ETL functionality or ETL configuration, Relational or Dimensional Data Modelling.
• Collaborate with other teams like data engineers, analysts, and business intelligence teams to ensure data architecture is suitable for reporting and analytics needs.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation of data architecture, data models, and technical solutions.
• Keep up with the latest Azure updates and emerging technologies.
• Continuously improve the architecture based on feedback, evolving requirements, and technological advancements.
• Help maintain, and support gradual decommissioning of on-prem SQL databases and data warehouse eco system.

In return for your commitment

We offer a base salary dependent on experience of between £75,000 - £83,000 and a competitive benefits package including:

• Discretionary annual bonus opportunity of up to 15%
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension (8% employer 5% employee)
• Life Assurance (4x salary) plus Group Income Protection
• Access to Private Medical Insurance and Medical Cash Plan
• Additional benefits such as Hybrid working, Cycle Purchase scheme, Technology Purchase scheme, Season Ticket Loan, Holiday purchase / sell schemes, Employee Perk Portals, Payroll giving and Save as you Earn scheme

Could you be the one?

We are looking for talented individuals who have the experience and knowledge set out below:

• Proven experience as a Data Architect or similar role with strong expertise in Azure-based data solutions working within a regulated environment
• Experience working with Azure data services such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Databricks, and Azure Blob Storage
• Experience with data modelling, ETL/ELT processes, and cloud-native data processing frameworks.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and NoSQL databases
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks, data security practices, and cloud data architecture best practices
• Experience in big data technologies such as Databricks, Kafka, and data lakes
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach to work
• Certifications (Preferred but not required):
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

We also believe that your career and how you progress is as unique as your individual personality. We continually support our people so they can become the best version of themselves.

What to do next

If this sounds like you, please apply now! For internal applications please visit the internal careers page to apply.

Alternatively, if you wish to have an informal and confidential chat please get in touch. Contact details can be found on our careers page.

If shortlisted from your initial application we operate a personalised recruitment process. Interviews are a two way street, we aim for them to be relevant and conversational to get the best out of you!

OSB Group are dedicated to diversity in the workplace and committed to treating all our employees and job applicants equally.  We embrace equal opportunities and are opposed to discrimination on any grounds.

As part of our public commitment to the Women in Finance Charter, we have introduced our own initiatives to attract, develop and advance senior women in our sector. We don’t stop there though, we have broadened our approach to encourage diversity and inclusion at all levels and in all roles. Our leadership and Executive Committee are right behind us, to the extent that our Diversity Champions sit at Board level and on a monthly basis receive updates on our progress. 

Whilst we are an organisation that values face-to-face interaction to build and nourish our culture, we also acknowledge that people are not just productive in an office and tied to the 9 to 5.  Flexible-working opportunities are important for establishing a healthy work-life balance so if you see a role of interest we are happy to be asked about flexibility and explore together if we can make it work.

All applicants must have rights to work in the UK and be willing to undertake the relevant pre-employment screening checks should your application be successful.