AWS Data Architect

Assessment & Qualifications Department

Hybrid Work – Offices are based in London / Oxford / Manchester / Rotherham

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (plus target bonus of 8%)

Overview:

The position required is for a Data Architect, who is responsible and accountable for the overall design of databases across capabilities, including governance and advising on best practise for database design to other teams. This would suit someone who has experience in complex multi domain large scale data architectures spread across many databases. The new architecture being built is based on a Microservice methodology, and relies on pub/sub designs, so you should have a good level of understanding in this domain, along with understanding of using serverless technologies such as API Gateway, ECS and Lambda. The main database technologies used are DynamoDB and AWS Aurora, so ideally you have used these in previous roles.

About UK Assessment & Qualifications:

We are responsible for the delivery of nearly 4 million examination results per annum, including A-Level, GCSE, BTEC and T-levels for students in UK and International centres. Our in-house systems process every learner from registration to marking and certification, in a highly regulated business. We currently operate a hybrid estate of predominantly bespoke systems, with an ongoing strategic transformation programme to migrate from on-prem to cloud based, cost effective, scalable and resilient services.

Technology:

• AWS based Aurora, DMS, Lambda, S3, SNS\SQS pub\sub, Quicksight

• Jenkins\Terraform – Infrastructure as code

• MS SQL Server – Table\Index Design and Optimization

• MySQL – Table\Index Design and Optimization

• Oracle – Table\Index Design and Optimization

• PostgreSQL – Table\Index Design and Optimization

• Python – Script writing

• SQL – Script design and writing to interrogate data

• Tableau knowledge

Other Skills:

• AWS Certification in Architecting

• Business Intelligence – Design and best practice

• Change Data Capture experience

• Database Design – Understanding the optimal structure

• Data Modelling – Being able to construct optimal models and understand existing diagrams

• Excellent Communication & Planning

• Event driven architecture experience

• Microservice architecture understanding of best practise

• Teams and other Microsoft office apps.

Key Job responsibilities include:

• Developing and being the custodian of diagrams representing key data entities and their relationships

• Have overall ownership of multiple data models and have a broad understanding of how each model fulfils the needs of the business to help other teams to interpret business needs

• Defining\Documenting data flows, i.e., which parts of the organization generate data, which require data to function, how data flows are managed, and how data changes in transition

• Provide guidance and advice to data analysts who are undertaking the design of data models

• Turning business problems into data design. You can design data architecture by dealing with specific business problems and aligning it to enterprise-wide standards and principles

• Provide and define guidance for the upgrade, management, de-commission and archive of data and databases in compliance with corporate data policy

• Interacting with software engineering and DBA teams in order to understand their database requirements for new products or features and release processes

• Work with technical\solution architects to make sure that an organisation’s platforms are designed in accordance with the appropriate corporate data architecture standards

• Develop and ensure commonality of entity vocabulary/data dictionary across capabilities\systems

• Provide governance to support the management of data lifecycles\retention to ensure compliance with legislation and corporate polices

• Design and plan strategies around backup and disaster recovery, database maintenance, upgrades, versions and auditing requirements, and work with operational teams to ensure these are in place

• Translate business requirements into technical specifications, including data streams, integrations, transformations, databases, and data warehouses

• Provide governance\review for engineering teams to ensure they are working to the standards set for the data design

• Undertake Research & development to explore new technologies

• Participates in prototyping and proof of concept system development and benchmarking

• There will also be attendance to various senior stakeholder meetings to explain why designs have been chosen, as well as committing to deadlines, so good communication & planning skills are essential, with the ability to put things into non-technical terms for the wider audience.

• This would suit a data architect with a data science background preferably, who is looking to work on fast moving projects; previous experience of working on large data volumes, big data, as well as optimal patterns for data loading strategies is also essential. A proven track record in delivering projects is required.

Your benefits and rewards:

• 25 Days annual leave (increasing by 1 day with every year of continuous service up to 30 days); annual leave trading, +/- 5 days

• Annual Bonus

• Private Pension plan scheme where we pay in double what you contribute, up to 16% depending on your age

• Life, private medical and dental care insurance options, plus free eye tests

• Stock/share purchase options

• Maternity, paternity, and family care leave as well as flexible working policies

• An employee wellbeing assistance programme

• Cycle to work program, volunteering days, gym membership concessions in selected office locations, along with retail and leisure discounts

Hours will be standard Mon-Fri 8am till 4.30pm, although there will occasionally be a requirement for working later due to delivery timelines.

Work will generally be remote, although there will be a need to attend a Pearson office periodically.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: TECHNOLOGY

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 10716