Join England Rugby as a Data & Integration Architect

Working at the RFU means being a vital part of the 'bigger picture' at England Rugby: to be grounded in our mission to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union, and develop the sport for future generations. If this purpose resonates with you and you recognize the value that sport can bring to people's lives, we'd love to have you join our team.

Job Details

Job Title: Data & Integration Architect

Department: Technology

Reports To: Head of Architecture & Planning

Salary Banding: circa £70,000

Location: Twickenham/Hybrid

Employment Type: Permanent

Application Information

Please submit an anonymized CV and cover letter (i.e., exclude personal details). The closing date for applications is Monday 1st July at 5pm. The RFU reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Applications may be considered while this vacancy is advertised.

Role Overview

As the RFU becomes an increasingly data-driven organization, the Data & Integration Architect will play a crucial role in evolving our cloud-based Data Platform. You'll champion its use within our business teams in Commercial, Rugby, and Business Operations, establish governance and oversight, and ensure that data sources are seamlessly integrated across RFU's digital platforms.

Reporting to the Head of Architecture & Planning, you'll ensure our Data Platform meets current and future business and technology needs, delivering and owning design blueprints that enable our architecture to be built, operated, and supported efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all data architecture and integration at the RFU and enhance the maturity of our data handling processes.
• Serve as the SME on data collection across various platforms and define data flows from internal and external systems.
• Provide technical leadership in data architecture and information management at all organizational levels.
• Define and communicate baseline and target Data Platform Architecture supported by necessary artifacts, models, standards, and processes.
• Develop data models to support CRM and Analytics.
• Identify and address key data and information issues across business and technology teams.
• Share industry best practices in data architecture and information management, identify potential opportunities, and offer insights into emerging technologies that align with our strategic vision.
• Champion the value of data architecture governance and design deliverables across the RFU.

Required Behaviors & Knowledge

Your Approach to Life (Behaviors):

• Strategic thinker with strong influencing and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to build sustaining relationships and work collaboratively.
• Process-driven and able to perform well under pressure.
• Inspire confidence and create trust.
• Sound judgment and a creative thinker to achieve goals.
• Committed to driving forward inclusion in daily behaviors and role.

What You Know (Essential Requirements):

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Hands-on experience with RFU’s relevant technologies and methodologies, such as SQL, PostGreSQL, MongoDB, APIs, Microservices, Python, Kafka, CI/CD, and Kubernetes/Docker.
• Knowledge of primary domains like BI, Analytics & Reporting, Data Lakehouse, Data Mesh, Data Quality, Enterprise Data Models, and Machine Learning.
• In-depth understanding of business intelligence delivery, data management, and quality.
• Experience in full development lifecycle phases and agile delivery models.
• Proficiency in using models to describe data, information, systems, and technology strategy.
• Effective in leading and winning the trust of senior business and IT stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills for presenting plans and proposals with confidence.

Additional Information

We want you to have every opportunity to showcase your skills, abilities, and potential. If you need support during your application or require adjustments, please contact us at [email protected]. Your identity information, collected during