Data Architect

Enterprise Data ArchitectureDefine and maintain the enterprise data architecture strategy, principles, standards, and reference architectures.Design scalable Enterprise Data Platform (EDP) architectures supporting analytics, reporting, AI/ML, and enterprise applications.Develop conceptual, logical, and physical data architectures and data models.Define data architecture patterns covering data ingestion, integration, storage, processing, serving, analytics, and consumption.Establish standards for data modeling, data integration, data storage, data lifecycle, and data interoperability.Ensure architecture decisions align with enterprise technology strategy and business objectives.Conduct architecture assessments and identify opportunities for modernization and optimization. Cloud Data Platform ArchitectureArchitect and govern cloud-based data platforms using technologies such as:Microsoft AzureGoogle Cloud Platform (GCP)DatabricksDefine architecture patterns for data lakes, data warehouses, lakehouses, and modern data platforms.Evaluate cloud data services and recommend appropriate technologies based on scalability, performance, cost, security, and business requirements.Ensure cloud data platforms are designed for high availability, scalability, resilience, performance, and cost optimization.Establish standards for cloud data platform deployment and operationalization. SAP & Enterprise System IntegrationDefine architecture for integrating data from SAP and other enterprise applications into the Enterprise Data Platform.Work with SAP, ERP, CRM, and other enterprise system teams to understand source systems and data structures.Design robust batch and real-time data integration patterns.Ensure data integration architectures support enterprise transformation and ERP modernization initiatives.Evaluate integration approaches, interfaces, APIs, ETL/ELT pipelines, and data exchange mechanisms. Data GovernanceDefine, implement, and enforce enterprise-wide Data Governance frameworks, policies, standards, and operating models.Establish governance processes for data ownership, stewardship, classification, access, usage, retention, and lifecycle management.Define and enforce data architecture and governance standards across projects and implementation partners.Establish processes for managing critical data assets and business-critical datasets.Ensure governance practices align with organizational security, privacy, regulatory, and compliance requirements. Metadata, Lineage & Data CatalogDefine enterprise strategies for Metadata Management, Data Cataloging, and Data Lineage.Establish standards for technical, business, and operational metadata.Ensure end-to-end visibility of data lineage across source systems, data platforms, transformations, and consumption layers.Support implementation and adoption of enterprise data catalog and metadata management solutions.Improve data discoverability, traceability, and understanding across the organization. Data Quality ManagementDefine enterprise Data Quality frameworks, standards, KPIs, and processes.Establish data quality rules covering accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, uniqueness, and validity.Implement mechanisms for continuous monitoring and reporting of data quality.Work with business data owners and technology teams to identify and resolve critical data quality issues.Ensure data quality requirements are incorporated into data platform and integration designs. Architecture Review & Solution GovernanceLead and conduct architecture reviews for data platform and transformation initiatives.Review solution designs, technical architecture documents, data models, integration designs, and technology selections.Validate proposed solutions against enterprise architecture, security, governance, performance, and scalability standards.Identify architectural risks, dependencies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.Provide architecture guidance and technical direction to engineering teams and implementation partners.Ensure deviations from enterprise standards are properly assessed, documented, and approved. Enterprise Transformation & ModernizationProvide data architecture leadership for large-scale Enterprise Transformation, Data Modernization, Analytics, AI/ML, and ERP modernization programs.Translate business requirements into scalable enterprise data architecture solutions.Work with business and technology leadership to define target-state architecture and transformation roadmaps.Support migration from legacy data platforms to modern cloud-based architectures.Ensure data architecture supports future AI, GenAI, analytics, and digital transformation initiatives. Security, Compliance & RiskEnsure enterprise data architectures adhere to security, privacy, regulatory, and compliance requirements.Define appropriate approaches for data access control, encryption, data classification, and secure data sharing.Work closely with security and risk teams to address data-related security requirements.Identify and mitigate architecture and data governance risks.Ensure sensitive and critical data is appropriately protected throughout its lifecycle. Stakeholder & Partner ManagementCollaborate with business leaders, enterprise architects, data engineering teams, security teams, IT teams, and implementation partners.Facilitate architecture workshops and design discussions with senior stakeholders.Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.Provide technical leadership and direction to internal teams and external implementation partners.Drive alignment between business objectives, technology strategy, and data architecture.Manage architecture-related dependencies, risks, and escalations across enterprise programs.Required Technical SkillsMust-HaveStrong experience in Enterprise Data Architecture.Strong knowledge of Data Modeling – conceptual, logical, and physical.Experience designing and governing Enterprise Data Platforms.Strong experience with one or more cloud data platforms:AzureGCPDatabricksStrong understanding of Data Governance frameworks and operating models.Experience with Data Quality frameworks and management.Strong knowledge of Metadata Management, Data Catalog, and Data Lineage.Experience with SAP data and enterprise system integrations.Strong understanding of Data Lake, Data Warehouse, and Lakehouse architectures.Experience with enterprise-scale data integration and ETL/ELT architectures.Strong understanding of Cloud Architecture, Data Security, and Compliance.Experience leading architecture reviews and solution design governance.Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.Good to HaveExperience with Azure Data Factory / Synapse / Microsoft Fabric.Experience with Databricks Lakehouse architecture.Experience with GCP BigQuery / Dataflow / Dataproc.Knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and SAP data integration.Experience with enterprise Data Catalog / Metadata tools such as Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Alation, or equivalent.Knowledge of Master Data Management (MDM).Experience with Data Mesh / Data Fabric concepts.Knowledge of API-led integration and event-driven architectures.Exposure to AI/ML and Generative AI data architectures.Experience with large-scale ERP modernization or cloud migration programs.Leadership & Behavioral CompetenciesStrong architecture leadership and decision-making ability.Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.Ability to influence architecture decisions across multiple teams and business functions.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to work effectively with senior leadership, architects, engineering teams, vendors, and system integrators.Ability to manage multiple enterprise initiatives and competing priorities.Strong understanding of business requirements and ability to translate them into technology solutions.Comfortable working in complex, global, and transformation-driven environments.