This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.
General Information
Salary
The national salary range is £71,381 - £80,419, London salary range is £75,674 - £85,257. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
02-Jun-2026
Post Type
Loan
Civil Service Grade
Grade 6
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
17670
Descriptions & requirements
Job description
Principal Data Architect – Loan
Location: National*
Closing Date: 2nd June
Interviews: w/c 15th June
Grade: 6
(MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain this grade on lateral transfer)
Salary **: (for more information, please see below):
London: £75,674 - £93,025 (which may include an allowance up to £17,351)
National: £71,381 - £88,900 (which may include an allowance up to £17,519)
Working pattern: full-time, part-time, flexible working
Contract Type: Loan – Fixed term, 12 months
Number of vacancies: 1
Vacancy number: 17670
*We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your local office. Office locations can be found ON THIS MAP
Please note that unless you are an existing member of staff at Justice Digital, Data and Science, the only London location being recruited to is 10 South Colonnade, E14 4PU. We are no longer recruiting to 102 Petty France, SW1H 9AJ.
The Role
Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. Please click on the link for details.
We’re recruiting for a Principal Data Architect here at Justice Digital, Data and Science, to be part of our warm and collaborative Data Architecture team.
This role aligns against the Chief Data Architect role from the Government Digital and Data Framework
We’re establishing a dedicated Data Architecture function to support the Ministry of Justice’s growing and evolving needs – enabling delivery of strategic and transformational priorities, such as the independent sentencing review recommendations. This is an exciting opportunity for a Principal Data Architect to shape the department’s architecture from the ground up, leading an end-to-end journey from concept to implementation.
As a Principal Data Architect, you’ll lead the Data Architecture strategy within one of our business areas, and help define how data is structured, governed, and made accessible across prisons, courts, probation, and more. As a Principal Data Architect, you’ll report to the Chief Data Architect and work in close partnership with the Heads of Data teams across multiple portfolios, ensuring our data foundations are robust, interoperable, and future-ready. You will build and lead a team of talented data architects, work closely with engineers, analysts, and digital teams, and shape the future of how we design, govern, and manage data at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
This role sits within the newly established Chief Technology Office (CTO), which leads the Ministry’s technology strategy and delivery across prisons, agencies, probation services, and the MoJ corporate centre. The CTO works across the Chief Digital and Information Office (CDIO) to shape principles, processes, design patterns and roadmaps that underpin resilient, secure and cost-effective technology solutions. As part of this team, you’ll contribute to shaping a compelling 3–5 year vision, enable and support strategic and analytical initiatives for the Director of CDIO, and help model modern ways of working. You will champion rapid prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and performance-driven prioritisation.
You’ll receive a range of excellent benefits when you join our department, including:
- A generous employer pension contribution of 28.97% through the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
- 25 days of annual leave, (increasing to 30 days once you have reached 5 years of service), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday.
- Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working, working part time or compressed hours. Designed to support a positive work–life balance.
- Employees are allocated 10% of their working time for personal and professional development.
- A £1k per person learning budget is in place to support all our people, with access to best-in-class conferences and seminars, accreditation with professional bodies, fully funded vocational programmes and e-learning platforms.
- Compassionate maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies, with up to 26 weeks leave at full pay, 13 weeks with partial pay, and 13 weeks further leave. And maternity support/paternity leave at full pay for 2 weeks, too!
You can find more details of the Benefits we offer here. To help picture your life at MoJ Justice Digital, Data and Science please take a look at our blog.
Additional Information
This is a 12-month Fixed Term/Loan role with the potential to be extended/made permanent.
Please note: This role is offered on a loan basis. Candidates who are currently on permanent contracts must obtain approval from their home department before applying. Any successful appointment will be managed as a loan move.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a team of Data Architects, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Enable and support professional development through mentoring, coaching, and clear career pathways.
- Champion data architecture as a strategic enabler across the organisation.
- Define and embed architectural standards, principles, and patterns for data across MoJ systems.
- Oversee data model development and alignment across programmes, ensuring reusability and consistency.
- Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture and data governance frameworks.
- Stay close to emerging tools, technologies, and methods, bringing fresh thinking from industry and government.
- Represent MoJ in government-wide data architecture communities and working groups.
- Ensure consistent standards are understood and applied within the wider profession, and support profession leads in driving continuous improvement
across Justice Digital.
- Ensure we attract, develop and retain high calibre talent within the profession, building the digital capability, skills and competencies needed within Justice
Digital and across the MoJ
If this feels like an exciting challenge, something you are enthusiastic about, and want to join our team please read on and apply!
Person Specification
Essential:
- Deep expertise in data architecture or related fields (e.g. technical architecture, data engineering).
- Demonstrable knowledge of cloud-based architecture (e.g., Azure / AWS / GCP) and appropriate tech stack, including open-source tools.
- Proven experience leading technical direction and delivering data architecture solutions across large, complex organisations, with a customer-centric mindset that aligns strategies to business outcomes.
- Ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across technical and non-technical domains, applying commercial and financial understanding to shape strategy.
- Track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing technical teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance.
We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.
Six Months in – Building the Women in Engineering Working Group.
Our values are Purpose, Humanity Openness and Together. Find out more here about how we celebrate diversity and an inclusive culture in our workplace.
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 and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
Salary Information**
Base salary for this role is from £71,381 to £80,419 (National) or from £75,674 to £85,257 (London).
- New entrants to the Civil Service joining the MoJ are expected to start at the minimum of the pay band.
- Existing Civil Servants moving on a level transfer will retain their current base salary or move to the minimum of the pay band for the role, whichever is higher.
- Existing Civil Servants who are promoted will either move to the bottom of the new grade’s pay band or receive a 10% uplift, whichever provides the greater increase.
- Candidates may also be eligible for a non‑pensionable Government Digital & Data Allowance of up to £17,351 per year (London) or £17,519 (National). This is a temporary allowance, reviewed annually and may be retained, amended, or withdrawn.
The final offer will reflect the skills and experience you demonstrate during the assessment process.
How to Apply
In Justice Digital, Data and Science, we recruit using a combination of the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability and Success Profiles Frameworks. We shall assess a combination of your Experience, Technical skills and Behaviours during the assessment process.
Stage 1 - Application and sift:
To apply for this position, you must submit the following as part of your application:
- A CV detailing your career history (including any relevant qualifications). Your CV will be assessed against the essential criteria outlined within the Person Specification of this advert.
- A Personal Statement (no more than 750 words) which should outline your experience and skills, giving clear examples of work undertaken. It should specifically address the following 3 criteria listed below, using a separate paragraph for each.
- Deep expertise in data architecture or related fields (e.g. technical architecture, data engineering).
- Demonstrable knowledge of cloud-based architecture (e.g., Azure / AWS / GCP) and appropriate tech stack, including open-source tools.
- Proven experience leading technical direction and delivering data architecture solutions across large, complex organisations, with a customer-centric mindset that aligns strategies to business outcomes.
A diverse sift panel will review the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess the sift criteria specified above. We operate an anonymous shortlisting process. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement do not include your name or any other identifying details.
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply - Application Guidance
Stage 2 - Interviews:
Successful candidates who meet the required standard will then be invited to a panel interview held via Microsoft Teams. At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements - Experience, Technical and the following Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a 5-minute presentation during the interview stage, which will assess your Technical Skills: Demonstrable knowledge of cloud-based architecture (e.g., Azure / AWS / GCP) and appropriate tech stack, including open-source tools.
Details of the presentation will be sent across prior to interview.
Appointments are made strictly in merit order. In the event that two or more candidates receive identical interview scores, the “Demonstrable knowledge of cloud-based architecture” will be applied as the primary lead criterion to determine the final merit order.
Should you be unsuccessful in the role that you have applied for but demonstrate the capability for a role at a lower level, we reserve the right to discuss this opportunity with you and offer you the position without needing a further application.
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, from which further appointments may be made.
Use of 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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Terms & Conditions
Please review our Terms and Conditions which set out how we recruit and provide further information related to the role and salary arrangements.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact digitalanddatarecruitment@justice.gov.uk
Additional Information
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity).
For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.
Diversity & 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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
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) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
- 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) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
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.
Contact Information
MoJ:
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference 17670
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference 17670
Allowance
London: £75,674 - £93,025 (which may include an allowance up to £17,351)
National: £71,381 - £88,900 (which may include an allowance up to £17,519)
Job Description Attachment
-
Principal Data Architect - Loan - JD.docx (Job Description Attachment)
Application form stage assessments
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
A Personal Statement (no more than 750 words) which should outline your experience and skills, giving clear examples of work undertaken. It should specifically address the following 3 criteria listed below, using a separate paragraph for each.
- Deep expertise in data architecture or related fields (e.g. technical architecture, data engineering).
- Demonstrable knowledge of cloud-based architecture (e.g., Azure / AWS / GCP) and appropriate tech stack, including open-source tools.
- Proven experience leading technical direction and delivering data architecture solutions across large, complex organisations, with a customer-centric mindset that aligns strategies to business outcomes.
- Deep expertise in data architecture or related fields (e.g. technical architecture, data engineering).
- Demonstrable knowledge of cloud-based architecture (e.g., Azure / AWS / GCP) and appropriate tech stack, including open-source tools.
- Proven experience leading technical direction and delivering data architecture solutions across large, complex organisations, with a customer-centric mindset that aligns strategies to business outcomes.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
Expected w/c 15th June
Behaviours
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Seeing the Big Picture
Technical
Demonstrable knowledge of cloud-based architecture (e.g., Azure / AWS / GCP) and appropriate tech stack, including open-source tools.
Proven experience leading technical direction and delivering data architecture solutions across large, complex organisations, with a customer-centric mindset that aligns strategies to business outcomes.
Level of security checks required
DBS Basic
Security Clearance (SC)
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.