Data Architect (Data Governance SME)

The Data Architect coordinates the development of large-scale, data-centric platforms by applying a wide range of big data and cloud technologies. They lead the development of data models, policies, rules or standards that govern which data is collected, and how it is stored, arranged, integrated, and put to use in data systems and in organizations. They participate in a hands-on manner within a team and operate with the contextual knowledge of the full portfolio.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in a data governance role.

Responsibilities and Contributions 

Organizational and Leadership Role 

• Leads the program or portfolio’s data architecture, working in close collaboration with the Practice Director(s) and Portfolio Director to align with the portfolio’s strategy and vision.
• Guides the strategy for data solutions and plans, navigating strict regulatory landscapes and addressing key risks and controls.
• Strengthens strategic relationships with peers, leaders, customers, users, and stakeholders, interfacing directly with our customers as a technical SME.
• Guides the planning and development of new features in collaboration with Designers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Engineers to ensure alignment with the product vision.
• Grows portfolio stakeholders’ technical understanding through coaching and mentorship.

Functional Role 

• Sets appropriate high-level architecture direction, keeping in mind scale, portfolio strategy, and technical reusability.
• Advises on and provides independent verification and validation of data management related activities, including data architecture, systems integration, data migration, data quality and data technologies
• Supports customers in defining a data roadmap that considers business, technical and functional requirements, and budget constraints.
• Oversees the migration of data from legacy applications to new system solutions, keeping the data accurate and in sync throughout the migration.
• Provides technical, strategic advice to clients and develops technical resources that support the creation and implementation of new data standards and data storage mechanisms.
• Develops, implements, and manages effective data governance models, processes, procedures, and documentation and promotes these policies.
• Develops and recommends data management policies, standards, practices and security measures to ensure effective and consistent data management operations.

Essential Skills, Experience, or Competencies  

Must-Have Skills

• Proven ability to understand and respond to customer needs and collaborate as part of a cross-functional team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of large databases, data warehousing environments.
• Experience with agile software development processes, especially as they relate to data movement and data integration.
• Expert in data architecture, data warehousing/lakes, and data governance.
• Proficient in creating conceptual, logical data models, data flows, and data management specifications.
• Proficient in leading data operations teams to develop architecture, policies, extract-transform-load (ETL) data pipelines, and data models.
• Ability to effectively diagnose, isolate and expediently resolve complex problems pertaining to data infrastructure.
• Expert in relational and non-relational databases.
• Proficient in working with real-time and batch centric Big Data patterns and solutions on the cloud.

Icing-on-the-Cake Skills 

• Certified Data Governance Professional (CDGP)