Principal Information Architect

Job summary

As Principal Information Architect within our Digital Team, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining the Trust's enterprise information architecture. Following a major programme to modernise our digital infrastructure, you will lead the way in harnessing advanced technologies--including Power BI, Fabric, Azure, and cloud platforms--to support both clinical and non-clinical systems. This is a unique opportunity to drive data-driven transformation, enabling high-quality care and operational excellence across Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

Lead the design and delivery of robust, flexible, and extensible enterprise information architecture solutions, ensuring future evolution and integration with external systems.
Oversee technical development, including schema, data structures, and ETL processes, with a focus on real-time reporting and data integrity.
Manage and mentor a team of BI Developers, fostering a culture of self-sufficient analytical capability and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with stakeholders across the Trust to deliver timely, accurate reporting for clinical outcomes, quality improvement, and national NHS datasets.
Ensure compliance with national and local standards, and maintain operational expenditure for digital resources and infrastructure.
Champion the use of modern tools and methodologies, including Agile, DevOps, and cloud technologies, to deliver innovative solutions.

About us

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to delivering outstanding mental health and learning disability services. Our Digital Team is at the forefront of technological innovation, having recently completed a comprehensive infrastructure modernisation programme. You'll work in a supportive, collaborative environment that values compassionate leadership, professional development, and the Trust's "Better by Experience" values. We welcome diversity, encourage new ideas, and offer flexible working arrangements to help you thrive.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Act as the Trusts expert in enterprise information architecture, supporting data use and analysis for all systems.
Lead the technical design and implementation of data models, ETL/ELT processes, and integration with key clinical and non-clinical systems.
Develop and maintain documentation, policies, and procedures relating to information architecture, ensuring alignment with evolving guidelines and technologies.
Communicate complex technical concepts to a range of audiences, including senior leaders, and deliver formal presentations as required.
Manage resources, budgets, and procurement for digital tools and infrastructure, with a focus on cost improvement and value for money.
Support staff development through supervision, training, and appraisal, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the team and services.
Uphold high standards of data quality, security, and information governance, and lead audit and testing programmes to ensure compliance.
Build strong relationships with internal and external partners, including system suppliers and ICS organisations, to deliver integrated solutions.

Person Specification

Qulifications, Experience, Technical , Leadership & Management, Analytical & Problem Solving

Essential

Formal supervisory or line management experience within a technical or data team.
Proven ability to communicate highly technical issues to non-technical audiences, both orally and in writing.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make clear, reasoned judgements on complex architecture design.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft technologies (e.g., Power BI, Fabric, Azure, SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS).
Expertise in data warehouse design and development using industry-recognised methodologies.
Leadership experience in the design of information architecture supporting inter-system connectivity and data sharing.
Significant experience in a database/information role, covering multiple changes and the whole project lifecycle.
Degree level or equivalent qualification/experience in Information Management & Technology (IM&T) or a related field.

Desirable

MA/MSc in a related subject or discipline.
Previous NHS experience and knowledge of NHS data standards.
Experience with AI/ML applications and cloud-based database technologies.
Experience of training others in areas of personal competence.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer name

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Northdown, Swandean Hospital

Arundel Road

Worthing

BN13 3EP

Employer's website

https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/

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