Data Architect / Canonical Data Model Lead

ISP Data Architect / Canonical Data Model (CDM) Lead

Own ISP's enterprise data architecture and Canonical Data Model (CDM), defining the structural backbone for how data is represented, integrated, mastered, and consumed across ISP.

The role establishes consistent entity structures, governed source-to-canonical mappings, identity resolution standards, and repeatable data movement patterns into the Unified Data Spine.

The role prevents re-fragmentation, enables certified KPIs, and underpins the Unified Student Profile (USP) and Unified Customer/Household Profile (UCP).

Scope & Complexity

• Enterprise wide, multi country environment
• Operates across ERP, HRIS, SIS, CRM, EdTech, Finance, Learning and regional platforms
• Acts as enterprise authority for canonical modelling and data architecture standards
• Balances architectural integrity with pragmatic delivery

ISP Principles

• Begin with our children and students: our children and students are at the heart of what we do, and their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are essential for learners and learning.
• Treat everyone with care and respect: we look after one another, embrace similarities and differences, and promote the well being of self and others.
• Operate effectively: we focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference.
• Are financially responsible: we make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
• Learn continuously: getting better is what drives us; we positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Canonical Data Model Ownership

• Define and maintain the enterprise CDM for priority domains
• Own entity, attribute, relationship, and hierarchy standards
• Maintain canonical definitions catalogue
• Ensure CDM aligns to business language and KPI semantics

Source to Canonical Mapping & Transformation

• Define SoR mapping principles
• Approve source to canonical mappings
• Define transformation and enrichment patterns
• Prevent bespoke enterprise data models

Identity Resolution Architecture (with MDM Lead)

• Define matching, linking, and hierarchy logic
• Define identifier strategy (natural vs surrogate keys)
• Ensure alignment between identity architecture and survivorship rules

Data Architecture Patterns

• Define reference patterns for Ingestion, Transformation, Semantic modelling, Lineage & metadata, Access control

Governance & Gating

• Review designs through Design Authority
• Approve canonical model changes via Data Governance Council
• Enforce "no bespoke data models" principle
• Provide patterns, templates and guidance to engineering teams
• Partner with BI Product Owner on semantic layer alignment
• Partner with Cyber Security & Privacy Manager on secure data design

Decision Rights

• Approve canonical model changes
• Approve source to canonical mappings
• Define reference data architecture patterns
• Reject non compliant designs

Key Responsibilities (Day to Day)

• Maintain CDM artefacts and catalogue
• Maintain SoR inventory
• Maintain identity resolution standards
• Support programme delivery with architectural input
• Provide governance input to Design Authority and programme gating

Key Deliverables (First 6 Months)

• CDM v1 for priority domains
• Definitions catalogue
• Source to canonical mappings for Wave 1 systems
• Identity resolution architecture document
• Data movement pattern catalogue
• Reference semantic layer model

Success Measures / KPIs

• % priority datasets using CDM
• Reduction in duplicate entity definitions
• Faster onboarding of new data sources
• Improved KPI consistency

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• 8-10+ years enterprise data architecture experience
• Strong canonical modelling background
• Experience with modern data platforms and integration patterns
• Strong communication with business and engineering audiences
• Systems thinking
• Pragmatic architecture
• Clear documentation
• Influence without authority

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years' employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.