Senior Data Architect

Description:

ESB Networks is undergoing a Digital transformation, where Digital and Digital ways of working being placed firmly at the heart of everything Networks do. This digital transformation means the importance of data and its associated quality is now core to the future of everything Networks want to do as a business. From transforming how our customers interact with us, how our employees do their jobs to create a Digital DSO of the future will help decarbonisation strategy to be net carbon neutral by 2050.

In that context, the Networks Data Strategy identified a key new role of Senior Data Architect. It also aligns with a wider pan-ESB Data Strategy, more specifically the Data Architecture agenda which is a key tenet of ESB Networks move towards becoming a digital and data utility. With increased importance of our data comes the need for formalising the data architecture within ESB Networks – at a Conceptual, Logical and Physical level. With increasing volumes and increasing need for near-real time data to be available for analytics and decision making the role of Senior Data Architect has potential to grow into one of the most important roles within ESB Networks. Data architecture is a key component to support the delivery of our ambitious business plans.

Key Responsibilities

Get agreement on and drive the use /rollout of a common data modelling standard to support multiple projects / initiatives and the build out of a common data ‘hub’ for ESB Networks
In conjunction with the Data Governance Lead and the Data & Analytics Networks Spoke lead create a data model(s) that will be used across ESB Networks covering NNLC, Powering Ahead, Smart Meters and the day-to-day business needs. Be responsible for the delivery of this data model and ensure the implementation across ESBN.
Formulate implementations plan to drive rollout of a new (common) standard for exchange of Networks data - both internally and externally (Eg CIM)
Standard data modelling in Networks data hub(s) and all future use cases within it
Collaborate with core stakeholders, such as the Data Management Lead, Data Governance Lead, Enterprise Architecture and Networks IT Business Partner to support the definition, evolution, and application of the appropriate data model.
Co-ordinate data architecture direction and decision across multiple projects. Each project will have a dedicated data architect to work on day-to-day implementation, but overall direction must come centrally
Report on progress of data architecture implementation (as part of Data Strategy) on an on-going basis
Drive use of a data catalogue / dictionary to ensure consistent definition of key data elements
Investigate the use of metadata standards (eg Dublin CORE) for ESB Networks and make recommendations on same
Data lineage – introduce robust lineage to ensure we can trace back any data queries to source
Enable easier sharing of Networks data (internally and externally), where appropriate, in a more efficient and streamlined manner than currently possible
Be the guardian of ESB Networks data to maximise the reuse of existing data in a structured but controlled and governed way
Facilitate future data analytics use cases through standardisation of data structures, allowing maximum reuse and ultimately minimising /removing ‘local data silos’
This individual will be required to influence Senior Managers across ESBN to ensure all the teams adhere to a consistent approach across the huge quantities of data within ESBN.
Engagement with external parties such as other utilities and industry bodies will be a key element of this role.
Act as a thought leader in data modelling and keep up to speed on the evolving trends and approaches in this area
Ensure alignment with the Enterprise Services data management and data governance principles.
Collaborate with cloud, infrastructure, and security architects to design appropriate solutions in compliance with overall enterprise principles, policies and standards

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience
This is a new role within the organisation and therefore need someone with a proven record of establishing themselves within an organisation. An ability to come up with an implement a vision (both short and long term) will be required.
Essential
12+ years of working experience, ideally in a utility
Previous experience as a Senior Data Architect or equivalent is required
Technical background in the use of data for solving business problem solving is required
Excellent communications skills
Stakeholder management is a key part of the role, and the candidate must be comfortable in dealing with stakeholders at all levels in the organisation up to and including director level
While working as part of a team, must have an ability to be a self-starter and establish / drive the data architecture agenda across ESB Networks
Practical experience of data modelling from conceptual to physical design
Proven knowledge of data warehousing and data warehouse design process
In-depth knowledge of ETL design and build techniques
Experience with business intelligence, machine learning, and AI use cases.