Principal Data Architect

Allianz UK
Guildford
1 day ago
Create job alert
Role Description

As a Principal Data Architect, you will play a crucial role in the delivery of Allianz's strategic data architecture across diverse lines of business and business functions.


You will advocate for sound data architecture principles and employ a collaborative approach to problem‑solving. Your expertise and proven track record in successful data architecture delivery will be vital when leading the Data Architecture for a large‑scale Transformation Programme.


Your ability to communicate effectively across various roles, seniorities and departments will enable you to provide thought leadership to the Chief Data Office (CDO) function, work in close collaboration with the Head of Data Architecture, your colleagues in the Data Architecture team and across various data and business functions.


This role is a hybrid role based in our Guildford office, with travel to our Bournemouth office once a month.


Salary Information

Pay: Circa £95,000. Pay is based on relevant experience, skills for the role and location. Salary is only one part of our total reward package.


Key Accountabilities

  • Strategic Leadership: Provide thought leadership in data architecture, influencing the CDO function and driving data‑driven decision‑making across the organization.
  • Transformation Programme Leadership: Lead the Data Architecture efforts for a large‑scale Transformation Programme, ensuring the data architecture supports the programme's objectives and delivers substantial value to the organization, incorporating AI‑driven solutions to optimise processes and deliver innovative results.
  • Architecture Design: Develop and oversee the delivery of comprehensive data architecture designs, ensuring alignment with UK business goals and regulatory requirements, while integrating AI technologies to facilitate intelligent data processing and analysis.
  • Collaboration and Mentoring: Work closely with business and technical teams, and mentor junior architects to foster a culture of learning and innovation.
  • Technology Exploration: Explore and evaluate new data technologies and capabilities, including AI, Gen AI and Agentic AI, collaborating with Data Architects and other business and data functions to integrate them into the organisation's data ecosystem.
  • Cloud and Beyond: While cloud data architecture is a component, the role requires a broader focus on integrating various data technologies and platforms, including big data, relational/non‑relational stores and open‑source software, and AI‑driven technologies to enhance data management and utilisation.
  • Governance and Compliance: Ensure data architectures adhere to global and local regulations, security, risk and compliance standards.

Experience

  • Extensive experience in data architecture, with a proven track record of leadership and successful delivery within large organisations.
  • Expertise in leading data architecture efforts for large‑scale transformation programmes, with a focus on delivering strategic value.
  • Proficiency in Cloud technologies (AWS, Azure) and a comprehensive understanding of data technologies, including big data platforms (SPARK, Kafka), relational/non‑relational databases (Postgres, MongoDB, Cassandra), open‑source languages (Java, Python, Scala), adoption of LLM in the solution.
  • Experience in mentoring and developing junior architects and promoting a culture of continuous learning.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.

What We Will Offer You

Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from – so you can pick a package that’s perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group and fantastic career development and training. That’s on top of enjoying all the benefits you’d expect from the world’s number one insurance brand, including:



  • Flexible buy/sell holiday options
  • Hybrid working
  • Annual performance related bonus
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Development days
  • A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet
  • Retail discounts
  • Volunteering days

Our Ways of Working

Do you need flexibility with the hours you work? Let us know as part of your application and if it’s right for our customers, our business and for you, then we’ll do everything we can to make it happen. Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity and you to thrive – your work‑life balance is important to us.


Integrity, Fairness, Inclusion & Trust

At Allianz, we believe in fostering an inclusive workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to equal opportunities, gender equity and balanced gender representation is demonstrated by our numerous accreditations: EDGE certified for gender inclusion, Women in Finance Charter members, Disability Confident employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion, Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter signatories and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard employer.


Accessible Application for All

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we support candidates with disabilities or long‑term health conditions through the Offer an Interview Scheme, for those meeting the essential skills for the role. Contact our Resourcing team to opt into this scheme or for assistance with your application, including larger text, hard copies or spoken applications.



For any inquiries or to submit your application, please contact: Matthew Irvine.


We reserve the right to close the ad early if we reach enough applications.


Closing date: 02/04/2026


94189 | IT & Tech Engineering | Professional | Non‑Executive | Allianz UK | Full‑Time | Permanent


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Data Architect

Principal Data Architect

Principal Data Architect - MS Partner - London - £110,000

Principal Data Architect DV Cleared

Principal Data Architect

Principal Data Architect DV Cleared

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Data Science Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Data Science Job?

If you’re trying to break into data science — or progress your career — it can feel like you are drowning in names: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, Spark, AWS, Scikit-learn, Jupyter, Tableau, Power BI…the list just keeps going. With every job advert listing a different combination of tools, many applicants fall into a trap: they try to learn everything. The result? Long tool lists that sound impressive — but little depth to back them up. Here’s the straight-talk version most hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 You don’t need to know every data science tool to get hired. 👉 You need to know the right ones — deeply — and know how to use them to solve real problems. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many data science tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is not “27” — it’s more like 8–12, thoughtfully chosen and well understood. This guide explains what employers really value, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your toolbox so your CV and interviews shine.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Data Science Job Applications (UK Guide)

If you’re applying for data science roles in the UK, it’s crucial to understand what hiring managers focus on before they dive into your full CV. In competitive markets, recruiters and hiring managers often make their first decisions in the first 10–20 seconds of scanning an application — and in data science, there are specific signals they look for first. Data science isn’t just about coding or statistics — it’s about producing insights, shipping models, collaborating with teams, and solving real business problems. This guide helps you understand exactly what hiring managers look for first in data science applications — and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you leap to the top of the shortlist.

The Skills Gap in Data Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Data science has become one of the most visible and sought-after careers in the UK technology market. From financial services and retail to healthcare, media, government and sport, organisations increasingly rely on data scientists to extract insight, guide decisions and build predictive models. Universities have responded quickly. Degrees in data science, analytics and artificial intelligence have expanded rapidly, and many computer science courses now include data-focused pathways. And yet, despite the volume of graduates entering the market, employers across the UK consistently report the same problem: Many data science candidates are not job-ready. Vacancies remain open. Hiring processes drag on. Candidates with impressive academic backgrounds fail interviews or struggle once hired. The issue is not intelligence or effort. It is a persistent skills gap between university education and real-world data science roles. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build successful careers in data science.