Data Architect - Leader
Summary
Designs and implements modern data platforms using Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, and Azure for enterprise clients, focusing on scalable architectures, governance, and analytics.
Data Architect (Microsoft Fabric & Databricks)
Location: South Africa (Primarily Remote)
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: Highly Negotiable
A leading technology consulting and data solutions organisation is seeking an experienced Data Architect to join its growing Data & AI practice. This is an opportunity to work with enterprise clients on complex, high-impact projects while helping shape modern data platforms, architectures, and strategies.
The role is primarily remote, offering flexibility while collaborating with high-performing teams and engaging with strategic clients across multiple industries.
The Role
As a Data Architect, you will be responsible for defining and delivering modern data solutions that align with business strategy and enable data-driven decision-making. You will work closely with stakeholders, technical teams, and senior client leadership to design scalable, secure, and future-ready data platforms.
This position requires deep expertise across the full data lifecycle, including data ingestion, transformation, modelling, governance, analytics, and data platform architecture.
A strong background in Microsoft Fabric and Databricks is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and influence enterprise data strategy
- Design modern data architectures on Microsoft Azure and Fabric
- Architect and implement scalable data platforms, lakehouses, and data warehouses
- Design and optimise modern data pipelines and streaming solutions
- Establish data governance, quality, security, and MDM frameworks
- Develop integration and API-based data services
- Support analytics and reporting solutions through Power BI and related technologies
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients and senior stakeholders
- Drive architecture best practices and technology standards
- Mentor and guide technical teams and junior consultants
- Lead architecture engagements and provide technical direction across projects
Essential Requirements
Technical Skills
- Minimum 8+ years' experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or related disciplines
- Strong hands-on experience with:
- Microsoft Fabric
- Databricks
- Azure Data Factory
- Spark
- SQL and T-SQL
- Data Warehousing and Lakehouse architectures
- Power BI
- Synapse Analytics
- Experience designing enterprise-scale data platforms
- Strong understanding of architecture patterns including:
- Medallion Architecture
- Lambda Architecture
- Event-Driven Architectures
- Deep knowledge of Data Governance, Master Data Management (MDM), and Data Quality frameworks
- Experience delivering cloud-native analytics and data solutions
Leadership & Consulting Experience
- Proven experience leading and mentoring technical teams
- Previous responsibility for architecture direction and technical decision-making
- Strong stakeholder management and client engagement skills
- Ability to engage confidently with senior management and executive stakeholders
- Consulting experience within enterprise environments preferred
- Commercial awareness, including budgeting, planning, and resource allocation
What We're Looking For
- Strong problem-solving and solution design capabilities
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently
- Passion for modern data technologies and innovation
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to influence both technical and business stakeholders
- Track record of delivering high-quality solutions in complex environments
What's on Offer
- Primarily remote working environment
- Exposure to enterprise-scale projects and strategic clients
- Collaborative and highly skilled Data & AI team
- Strong focus on professional development and growth
- Highly negotiable salary package for the right candidate