Data Architect (Band 8a) – The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Manchester (Hybrid – Home/Office Based)
Salary: £55,690 – £62,682 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Fixed Term – 24 Months
Hours: Full Time – 37.5 Hours per Week
Closing Date: 21 January 2026
Employer: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (NHS)
About The Role
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting an experienced Data Architect (Band 8a) to join its Business Intelligence & Software Development – Data Engineering Team.
This role is central to the Trust’s Data Engineering Modernisation Programme, supporting the design and delivery of scalable, high-quality data solutions that enable advanced clinical and operational reporting. You will also contribute to the Joint Analytics for Cancer, a flagship initiative designed to unlock the full potential of oncology data.
This position is offered on a 24-month fixed-term contract and supports flexible working, with a requirement to attend the office one day per week and for specific meetings.
Previous experience within the NHS or healthcare is not essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and deliver enterprise-level data architecture solutions
- Lead development of tools and platforms for high-volume, high-velocity datasets
- Provide expert guidance on:
- Data ingestion and orchestration
- Data modelling and mining
- Cloud data services
- Unstructured health-related datasets
- Support automation and scheduling of complex data pipelines
- Advise on acquisition and integration of data from diverse internal and external sources
- Promote best practice in data governance, security, and integrity
- Translate complex technical outputs into insights understood by non-technical stakeholders
- Support Trust-wide software development and data-driven services
- Maintain thorough documentation and change control processes
- Mentor and support colleagues in scripting, modelling, and modern data techniques
- Respond to urgent and emerging data requirements at local or national level
Working at The Christie
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating more than 60,000 patients each year. Based in Manchester, the Trust serves Greater Manchester and Cheshire and acts as a national specialist cancer provider.
The Christie is internationally recognised for:
- One of the world’s largest radiotherapy departments
- Over 300 early-phase clinical trials annually
- World-first research breakthroughs spanning more than 100 years
The organisation actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and flexible working, supported by staff networks and development opportunities.
Qualifications
Essential
- Master’s degree or equivalent qualification and/or significant relevant experience
Desirable
- Microsoft Certifications
Experience Requirements
Essential
- In-depth experience with at least one modern mainstream data platform
- Strong experience working with large relational datasets
- Implementation of data warehouse solutions
- Experience handling unstructured data
Desirable
- Business intelligence and data visualisation delivery
- NHS or healthcare data experience
- Azure DevOps and database project experience
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Strong understanding of data architecture principles and strategy
- Knowledge of cloud-based data management platforms
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Desirable
- Python programming experience
- Knowledge of distributed data processing, Agile, and DevOps methodologies
Leadership, Governance & Project Management
- Line management and staff development (where applicable)
- Financial and resource management within allocated budgets
- Contribution to procurement, supplier evaluation, and business cases
- Participation in project boards and system implementations
- Ensure compliance with NHS policies, ITIL, data protection, and information governance
- Support business continuity planning and risk management
Sponsorship Information
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is an approved sponsoring organisation.
Applications are welcomed from candidates requiring visa sponsorship, subject to current government eligibility requirements.
Pre-Employment Checks
Appointment is subject to NHS Employment Check Standards, including:
- Identity verification
- Right to work checks
- DBS/criminal record checks (where applicable)
- Occupational health assessment
- Employment history and reference validation
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Christie is committed to:
- Equal opportunities and fair representation
- Welcoming applications from Black, Asian and ethnic minority candidates
- Supporting applicants with disabilities
- Guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria
How to Apply
Apply online via NHS Jobs before 21 January 2026
Informal enquiries:
Corinne Fisher
Data Engineering Lead
corinne.fisher3@nhs.net
Why Join The Christie?
- Competitive NHS Band 8a salary
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant cancer data initiatives
- Inclusive, values-driven organisation
- Access to NHS benefits and professional development
