Head of Data Architecture

The opportunity

Digital & Technology at University of the Arts London (UAL) is on an exciting journey, transitioning from a ‘classic’ IT approach to a user-centred product approach to technology. We are investing in our people, and the processes enabled by digital, to evolve and transform the student and staff experience at UAL.

The Head of Data Architecture is a new senior leadership role within the Architecture and Data team, responsible for establishing and leading a new Data Architecture function within the Digital & Technology directorate. The Head of Data Architecture will play a critical role in delivering the university’s 2032 Strategy by enabling data-driven decision-making, enhancing analytics capabilities, and embedding a culture of data governance and stewardship.

You will be tasked with building a high-performing team and developing a robust operating model that supports the university’s strategic goals. This includes designing and implementing a comprehensive data governance framework, ensuring data quality, and creating secure, scalable data systems that support planning, performance, and innovation across UAL.

Working closely with senior leaders, academic colleges, and professional services, you will ensure that data is treated as a strategic asset; accessible, reliable, and aligned with institutional priorities. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives on driving cultural change, shaping enterprise-wide data strategies, and delivering impactful solutions in a complex environment.

About you

Experience

• Proven experience in leading data architecture functions and driving enterprise-wide data strategies.
• Strong expertise in data modelling, data warehousing, data lakes, master data management, and analytics.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend new tools and platforms for data management and analytics.
• Familiarity with TOGAF, DAMA-DMBOK2, and architecture frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of an organisation, whether non-technical or technical
• Ability to lead high-performing teams and drive strategic change.

What we offer

To recognise the hard work of our staff and their contributions, we provide a wide range of benefits – please check our careers site/Canvas for further information as conditions and exclusions apply:

▪ 34 days of annual leave and 2 days off to volunteer plus bank holidays
▪ Flexible and Dynamic working options available from the first day
▪ Discounted Medical Insurance including Digital GP service, therapies, in-patient and day-case treatment
▪ Free counselling and advice via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
▪ Sector-leading Equal Parental Leave policy (6 months full pay for both parents) 
▪ Defined-benefit LGPS pension scheme
▪ In-house training and development including apprenticeships and free places on creative courses
▪ Interest free loans on travel and tech, discounts on gym memberships, nursery fees, eye care and much more
▪ Various opportunities to attend student shows and exhibitions

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That's why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.