Senior Enterprise Architect (Data Platform Technology) - Birmingham Regional Centre - Arena Central

Senior Enterprise Architect (Data Platform Technology) - Birmingham Regional Centre - Arena Central

About the job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

Data is at the heart of everything we do at HMRC. As a Senior Enterprise Architect within the EA Data Platform Technology team, you'll shape the future of HMRC's data landscape, helping to deliver one of the UK's largest and most complex data transformation programmes.

The EA Data Platform Technology team resides across multiple office locations and forms part of the wider Enterprise Architecture team within the Chief Technology and Design directorate.

Job description

As part of the team, you'll play a critical role in defining and driving HMRC's Data Technology Strategy, championing modern technologies and guiding the evolution of our enterprise data platforms. Working closely with senior leaders, architects and business stakeholders, you'll influence strategic technology decisions that support the organisation's long-term objectives.

This is an opportunity to operate at enterprise scale, providing architectural leadership across reporting, analytics, AI and machine learning capabilities, data pipelines, and data storage platforms that support millions of customers and billions of transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain enterprise-wide data architecture strategies, principles, standards and roadmaps.
• Provide expert guidance and governance to solution architects, ensuring technology designs align with HMRC's strategic direction.
• Lead architectural thinking across enterprise reporting, analytics, AI/ML platforms, data ingestion, transformation and storage technologies.
• Engage with senior stakeholders across HMRC and wider government to influence technology strategy and investment decisions.
• Identify emerging technologies, industry trends and innovations, assessing their value and applicability to HMRC.
• Promote scalable, sustainable and reusable solutions that deliver value for money and support future business needs.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience in Enterprise Architecture or senior architecture roles, with a strong background in large-scale data platforms and enterprise technology environments.
• Experience developing and implementing architectural principles, policies, standards, reference architectures and technology roadmaps.
• Ability to identify emerging technologies and industry trends, evaluating their potential impact on organisational strategy.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience influencing strategic technology decisions, articulating options, risks and trade-offs, and making evidence-based recommendations.
• Ability to understand enterprise-wide impacts and balance immediate business needs with longer-term strategic objectives.

Technical Expertise

You'll have demonstrable knowledge and practical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Cloud-native data services and platforms.
• Data integration, transformation and metadata management technologies (such as Talend, Informatica or similar).
• Analytics and business intelligence tooling (such as SAS, Power BI, Pentaho or equivalent).
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning solutions, including customer insight, behavioural analytics and segmentation capabilities.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience contributing to discussions relating to commercial contracts, procurement and technology sourcing strategies.
• Experience designing enterprise-scale data platforms supporting operational, analytical, AI and machine learning workloads.
• Professional architecture qualifications such as TOGAF, CITP, or a willingness to work towards them.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a 'Further Location Preferences (optional)' field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Office Closures

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window)

These sites are:

• Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
• Telford Plaza, Telford - moving to Parkside Court, Telford

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Leeds Location

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC's Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Capability Allowance

The advertised role is part of the Government Digital and Data Profession and has access to a Capability-Based Allowance. Any allowance awarded will be based on an assessment, at interview, of your capability against the skills advertised for this role. Please see the attached candidate pack for more information.

The allowance values are set by HMRC, subject to remaining in a qualifying role, and are non-pensionable. This allowance is non-contractual, subject to an annual review and could be withdrawn at any time.

For both new entrants and existing civil servants, the total reward compensation offer is a combination of base salary and, if applicable, a capability-based allowance. New entrants to the Civil Service will start on the pay range minimum. For existing civil servants, our policies on level transfer and promotion will apply.

For more information please visit the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (opens in a new window).

About the Capability Assessment
Candidates will be assessed during the recruitment process against the skills in the Government Digital & Data Profession Capability Framework.

The assessment determines the candidate's capability level, each level corresponds to a different allowance value up to 12,000:

Accomplished
Proficient
Developing

Total renumeration (base salary + allowance) cannot exceed the GDaD Pay Framework Maximums. These are shown in the Candidate Pack attached.

Capability will be reassessed on an annual basis. Note - payment of the current year allowance will cease on 31/5/2026 and recommence after the 2026 pay award has been paid to HMRC employees (expected to be October), as salary changes must be considered when calculating the amount of GDaD allowance to pay. Once the allowance restarts, any arrears due will be backdated to the 01 June 2026 (or start date thereafter).

Candidates who are offered a post will be notified of their allowance and total salary package at the earliest opportunity and before their start date.

Throughout the application process, you will be assessed using the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework, Senior Enterprise Architecture role, against the technical skills listed.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• At interview, you will be asked questions regarding the technical skills listed in the person specification.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

A CV including education, professional qualifications and full employment history, giving details of key achievements for each role/job.

When giving details in your CV you should highlight your experience in line with the essential criteria listed in the advert, including details of the work and projects that you have been involved in, and your role therein.

Important information

Please attach your CV as a separate additional document in either PDF or word format no bigger than 5MB

Personal details that could be used to identify you including your name, contact details and address must be removed for your application to be considered.

Please do not include any personal details in your document title.

If your CV contains any personal details your application will be withdrawn.

Please evidence any Desirable Criteria where applicable (up to 250 words max). This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy holder where candidates have the same score at interview.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

At full sift your CV will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, your experience will be assessed in order to determine your suitability for the role.

You will also be asked questions regarding the technical skills listed in the person specification.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Please note that circumstances may arise that require the planned interview format to change. We will endeavour to provide you with as much notice of any change as possible.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: [email protected] - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - (insert vacancy ref) & vacancy closing date (insert date)'.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

Sponsorship

We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact the UBS Recruitment team via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our 'help' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the 'location preferences' section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).