Head of Data Architecture

at  OSB Group

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 be part of the data office leadership team as the owner of the data architecture for the group, delivering new designs and changes to existing and new business data solutions identified and agreed business requirements, providing leadership and guidance on data architecture.
This is an opportunity to shape the Architecture practice of the Group as we navigate a large scale banking transformation.

Your responsibilities will include…

• Establishing data architecture frameworks, standards and patterns that ensure consistent Bank-wide storage, consumption, and distribution of data
• Collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to educate and raise awareness of the Bank’s target data architecture and helping to champion the move to a data-centric approach
• Preparing, presenting and effectively communicating on data architecture issues and trends to senior forums and management committees
• Defining and maintaining the target data architecture and road map (including the build out of enterprise data platforms and increased use of cloud technologies)
• Recruiting and leading a small but high performing team of data architects and data analysts
• Working with clients, existing asset owners & their service providers and non BI development staff to clarify and deliver work stream objectives in timescales that deliver to the overall project expectations

Travel will be expected to our Chatham and Wolverhampton offices with presence in London being required on a more frequent basis
In return for your commitment:

We offer a base salary dependent on experience of between £100,000 - £120,000 and a competitive benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave allowance
• £7,500 car allowance
• Discretionary annual bonus opportunity of up to 40%
• Annual LTIP opportunity of up to 40%
• Contributory pension (8% employer 5% employee)
• Life Assurance (4x salary) plus Group Income Protection
• Access to Private Medical Insurance and Medical Cash Plan
• Maternity & Adoption Leave - Occupational Maternity/Adoption Pay provided at 100% of salary for the first 26 weeks
• Paternity Leave - 8 weeks of paid leave to be taken within 12 months of birth or adoption
• 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:

• Experience working at a senior level within a data architecture environment preferably within Financial Services
• Proficiency in data architecture, governance frameworks, and a deep understanding of modern data technologies and platforms
• Previous experience in cloud data transformation with Azure would be advantageous
• Significant experience of delivering presentations in forums and management committees
• Line management experience of a technical team across multi sites is essential

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.

• Establishing data architecture frameworks, standards and patterns that ensure consistent Bank-wide storage, consumption, and distribution of data
• Collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to educate and raise awareness of the Bank’s target data architecture and helping to champion the move to a data-centric approach
• Preparing, presenting and effectively communicating on data architecture issues and trends to senior forums and management committees
• Defining and maintaining the target data architecture and road map (including the build out of enterprise data platforms and increased use of cloud technologies)
• Recruiting and leading a small but high performing team of data architects and data analysts
• Working with clients, existing asset owners & their service providers and non BI development staff to clarify and deliver work stream objectives in timescales that deliver to the overall project expectation