Operational Data Architect

Operational Data Architect

Location: London, Norwich, Bristol, Eastleigh, Manchester, York, Perth, and Manchester

Salary: £115k circa (London) / 100k circa (National)

This is a great job for someone who is an experienced data architect who enjoys combining big‑picture thinking with hands‑on design. You’ll be comfortable simplifying complex operational data landscapes, modernising legacy data and integration patterns, and working closely with engineers and enterprise architects. You’ll thrive in a federated environment, influencing change through collaboration while delivering practical, high‑value improvements.

A bit about the job:

The Operational Data Architect designs and governs the architecture that underpins Aviva’s operational data flows and platforms. The role ensures operational data is accurate, trusted, secure, and efficiently delivered across systems, markets, and business functions. You’ll define and evolve target architectures for Operational Data Stores and operational data platforms, supporting key programmes such as Data Case for Change and Data Readiness for AI. Working closely with architecture, data governance, and engineering teams, you’ll balance short‑term delivery with long‑term strategic direction.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Operational Data Architecture Expertise - Expert ability to design, govern, and optimise operational data — including transactional data modelling, operational data lineage, data quality controls, and end‑to‑end operational data flow patterns. 
   
• Operational Data Store (ODS) Architecture & Engineering - Deep expertise in designing and governing Operational Data Stores (ODS), including structuring near‑real‑time data ingestion, ensuring performant storage patterns, decoupling consumption from source systems, enabling operational decisioning, and supporting downstream platforms such as AI, underwriting, and claims. 

• Master & Reference Data Platform Architecture - Strong experience architecting and governing MDM and reference data platforms—covering domain mastering, matching/merging rules, golden‑record creation, publish/subscribe distribution, metadata‑driven governance, and integration of MDM with operational systems. 

• OLTP & NoSQL Database Expertise - Hands‑on expertise with both OLTP relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle) and NoSQL datastores (e.g., DynamoDB, MongoDB, Cassandra). This includes schema design for transactional workloads, ACID properties, indexing, query optimisation, and high‑volume performance tuning, combined with NoSQL skills such as flexible schema modelling, partitioning, replication strategies, and scaling distributed data systems.

• Designing Performant, Resilient Operational Data Flows - Capability to architect scalable, resilient, compliant data‑flow and storage architectures that minimise duplication and ensure operational systems reliably serve business‑critical functions. 

What you’ll get for this role: 

Our purpose - with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too.  And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you.  We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague.  

• Starting salary £115k circa (London) / 100k circa (National) (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications) 
• Bonus opportunity – 12% annual salary Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s. 
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in. 
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days 
• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it 
• Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts 
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme 
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave  
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work  
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others 
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools 

Take a look to learn more.  Put a salary into this calculator to see what your total Aviva Reward could be. 

Aviva is for everyone: 

We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. 

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues. 

To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here 

We'd love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, or if you have any queries in relation to the vacancy, please give Chloe Nettley a call on 07795207964 or send an email to chloe.nettley@aviva.com