At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.  

So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!

The Data and Platform Engineering team are the foundation for the Data Office function. Responsible for designing, building, and maintaining PfP's data platform we extract data from source, transform it into a usable format, load it into consumer models and marts and build and manage the infrastructure to do all this work.  

Data Engineering are transforming the way PfP consumes data, transitioning from On Premise to Google Cloud. This is an exciting time to join a growing business function and gain hands on experience working with market leading technology such as BIG Query, Looker, Data Flow, and more. 

More about your role  

The Data Architect is a leading role in our data engineering team.  

Responsible for overseeing the end-to-end design and optimisation of our data architecture.  

The primary focus will be lead the design, documentation (HLD) and development of our data architecture ensuring that it aligns with business objectives, scalability requirements, and industry best practise. 

The Data Architect will ensure that Database / Data Model designs (conceptual, logical and physical) are documented and optimised for storage, retrieval, query performance and cost. The Data Architect will ensure that Data Governance policies and best practices are adhered to and that we have a high level of compliance to legislation / standards and promote data quality and security. The Data Architect will develop and document data integration strategies to facilitate seamless data flow in and out of the data platform with a key focus on quality, integrity, reliability, and robustness. 

The role will require close links to be established into the Infrastructure and Application Architect functions to ensure that the Data Office is kept abreast of changes and that data engineering requirements are built into the fabric of PfP's overall architecture. 

More about you  

You are an experienced and talented data solutions architect with a proven track record and hands on experience with Google Cloud Platform, Azure or AWS. You are an innovative thinker who is used to researching new technologies to find the best solution to a challenge. You approach problems logically, breaking them down into deliverable outcomes and documenting your proposals via High Level Designs in a comprehensive manner. 

You will also take a protective stance to ensure that risks to the platforms are minimised in line with business appetite and are well versed in data security / GDPR requirements. 

You are self-motivated with excellent leadership skills, capable of driving innovation and mentoring team members. 

At Places for People, we prioritise our dedication to safer recruitment. Therefore, a basic DBS check is mandatory for this position.  

Experience & Skills 

• A proven track record of working as a Data Architect or similar role with strong track record. 
• Good understanding of Google's Big Query platform. 
• Expertise in data platform architecture, configuration, and optimisation with a focus on MPP databases like Google BigQuery. 
• Strong knowledge of data modelling, schema design, ERD and optimising for query performance. 
• Strong knowledge of database design principles, data warehousing concepts, and ETL/ELT processes. 
• Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills with an eye for identifying opportunities for improvement. 

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.   

We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:   

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more. 

What's next?

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team recruitment@placesforpeople.co.uk 

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.

If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk. 

Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.

If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.

Safeguarding

At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect. 

We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment. 

By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities