Job Description

Salary £66,336 - £72,150 per annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Preston

Do you want to shape how data is used to improve lives across Lancashire? At Lancashire County Council, data plays a critical role in delivering better services, driving innovation and making informed, ethical decisions. We’re looking for an experienced Data Architect to lead the design and evolution of our data landscape, ensuring it is robust, secure and fit for the future.

You’ll work at the heart of our Digital Strategy & Delivery service, collaborating with technical teams and senior stakeholders to turn complex data challenges into scalable, impactful solutions that align with our enterprise architecture and organisational values.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and leading the implementation of scalable, secure data architectures that integrate with existing digital and business systems.
• Defining clear data models, standards and schemas to support a unified and trusted view of Council data.
• Working closely with the Data Engineering team to shape data pipelines, integration approaches and technology choices.
• Ensuring strong data governance, including data quality, security, privacy and regulatory compliance.
• Advising stakeholders across the organisation, translating complex technical concepts into clear, practical business insight.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in data architecture and design within a large or complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of modern data architectures, including cloud, hybrid and enterprise-scale data platforms.
• Experience of leading complex data initiatives and supporting digital transformation at a strategic level.
• A deep understanding of data governance, privacy, security and ethical data management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re passionate about data, driven by quality and ethics, and motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference in public services, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to help shape Lancashire County Council’s data future and be part of a supportive, innovative and collaborative organisation.

Closing Date: 31/05/2026

Why join us?

By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

Please ensure you upload a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria for the role.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

& Person Specification