Data Architect

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth. As Data Architect here, you’ll play a pivotal part in driving data integrity, governance and reuse in a relevant security context.

You will be responsible for designing and overseeing robust, scalable, and timely data constructs that inform WHS's operational, business intelligence, reporting, analytics and artificial intelligence systems in addition to customer channels.

What you will be doing:

• Developing and maintaining the Enterprise Data Architecture and blueprints aligned to business goals and operational needs.
• Using Retail Industry Data Models, define relevant standards for data designs, models, metadata, contracts and data quality.
• Designing conceptual and logical data models to support business applications, repositories and data movement.
• Leading the design and overseeing the implementation of our strategic data platforms (e.g. data repositories, lakes and warehouses).
• Collaborating with our service teams to ensure timely movement, optimal performance, scalability and reliability from both strategic and legacy data systems.
• Defining and overseeing the processes for data extraction, ingestion, translation and transformation with internal and external data sources.
• Defining appropriate and timely data flows to support business operations and decision-making.
• Establishing data governance frameworks, data stewardship roles, and master data management strategies.
• Ensuring data compliance with internal InfoSec and Compliance teams, as well as relevant laws and standards (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS, etc).
• Working closely with colleagues around the business and third parties to understand data requirements, approaches and options to ensure solutions meet business needs.
• Staying current with emerging technologies, solutions and approaches and where appropriate, evaluate their potential within the retail context.
• Continuously improving data processing, richness, availability, security, timeliness and performance to support data-driven innovations and cost efficiencies.

What we are looking for:

• 3 + years in Retail (FMCG, Hospitality, GM)
• 5 + years in Data Architecture
• Knowledge of Oracle and Teradata system advantageous
• Working knowledge in other technology teams also advantageous

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Private Medical
• Staff Discount Card for stores and online

About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we are proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!