Lead Data Architect

Senior Director, Data ArchitectureLocation: Hybrid – Manhattan, New YorkCompensation: $225,000 – $275,000 base + bonus + 401(k) match + comprehensive benefitsOverviewA leading global property & casualty insurance organization is seeking a Senior Director, Data Architecture to lead the design and evolution of its enterprise data ecosystem. Reporting into senior data leadership, this role will define and execute a forward-looking data architecture strategy that enables scalable growth, advanced analytics, and regulatory compliance across a complex, global insurance environment.This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for building modern, cloud-based data architectures, establishing best practices, and ensuring consistent, high-quality data across core insurance domains including policy, claims, underwriting, and finance.Key ResponsibilitiesData Architecture Strategy & GovernanceDefine and execute the enterprise data architecture vision aligned to business and data strategyEstablish scalable, secure, and resilient architectures for data platforms, integration, and analyticsDevelop and enforce standards, frameworks, and best practices for data modeling, governance, and architectureArchitecture Leadership & DeliveryProvide architectural oversight across major data initiatives, including platform modernization and digital transformationTranslate business and technical requirements into scalable data solutionsGuide engineering and delivery teams through the full lifecycle of data architecture and implementationDevelop current and future-state architecture roadmaps across key insurance data domainsInsurance Data Domain ExpertiseLead the design and standardization of data models across policy, claims, underwriting, and financial systemsIntegrate core insurance platforms with enterprise data environments and third-party data sourcesSupport actuarial, underwriting, finance, and product teams with robust, scalable data solutionsModernization & InnovationDrive adoption of modern data technologies including cloud-native platforms, lakehouse architectures, and real-time data processingEnable advanced analytics and machine learning through optimized data infrastructureEmbed data governance, lineage, quality, and security practices across all solutionsLeadership & Stakeholder EngagementBuild and lead a high-performing data architecture function, including architects, modelers, and technical leadsPartner closely with engineering, analytics, product, and business stakeholders to deliver impactful data solutionsAct as a senior advisor, promoting adoption of modern data practices and driving organizational changeQualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related field12+ years of experience in data architecture, data modeling, and enterprise data management5+ years in leadership roles, building and scaling data architecture teamsDeep experience within P&C insurance, including core data domains (policy, claims, underwriting, finance)Proven track record delivering large-scale data transformation and modernization initiativesExpertise with modern data platforms and tools (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, Spark, AWS, Azure, GCP)Strong experience with data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical), governance, lineage, and metadata managementExperience designing cloud-native, distributed, and real-time data architecturesPreferredFamiliarity with insurance platforms such as Guidewire, Duck Creek, or MajescoExperience with medallion/lakehouse architecture and advanced analytics environmentsCloud or data architecture certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP)Background working in global or highly regulated environmentsIf you are interested in learning more or would like to be considered, please reach out to the James Search Group team directly or apply via LinkedIn with your resume.Our client is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.