Data Architect

SUMMARY:
Our esteemed client in Sandton is urgently looking for a Technology Architect – Data Technologies

The purpose of this role is to architect and govern enterprise-grade data platforms that leverage the Microsoft Azure ecosystem to deliver secure, scalable, and high-performance solutions. The Technology Data Architect will play a pivotal role in maintaining and developing the data landscape, ensuring that data technologies are aligned with business goals, regulatory requirements, and operational excellence.

POSITION INFO:
This role will lead the design and implementation of cloud-native data architectures using medallion and modern data lake architectures, integrating services such as Azure SQL, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Data Lake, Databricks, PySpark Notebooks, Power BI, and Dataverse. The Role will also drive innovation in data analytics, automation, and application development, while fostering collaboration across IT, business, and governance teams. Formal Education: Appropriate 3\/4 year IT\/Business qualification - B Com or B Sc degree or equivalent Additional qualifications\/Certifications beneficial Experience: Technology Architecture - Data Technologies Minimum 7 years of experience in enterprise-level data architecture, solution design and modelling of insurance-based data technologies. Proven ability to lead large-scale data platform implementations across hybrid and cloud environments. Expertise in designing scalable, secure and cost-effective data architectures in the cloud aligned with business and regulatory requirements. Microsoft Azure Data Technologies Extensive hands-on experience with: Azure SQL Database Azure Synapse Analytics Azure Cosmos DB Azure Blob Storage Azure Data Lake Storage Azure Data Factory Azure Stream Analytics Azure Analysis Services Azure Machine Learning Strong understanding of Azure-native data integration, transformation and analytical capabilities. Data Modelling and Semantic Layer Design Proficient in conceptual, logical and physical data modelling using tools like Visio, Azure Synapse, Power BI and Databricks. Experience designing semantic models for Power BI and Azure Analysis Services to support enterprise-wide reporting. Skilled in dimensional modelling, star\/snowflake schemas and metadata management. Data Quality and Observability Implemented data quality frameworks and observability practices using Azure Monitor, Purview and custom telemetry tools, working closely with the Data Architect. Experience with anomaly detection, data validation rules and lineage tracking to ensure trust and transparency. Defined and monitored data SLAs and KPIs across business-critical pipelines. Master Data Management (MDM) Experience implementing and integrating Master Data Management solutions to ensure consistency of key business entities across systems. Defined governance models and stewardship processes for managing golden records, resolving data conflicts and data retention, working closely with the Data Centre of Excellence. Worked with Microsoft Purview and other MDM tools to support data cataloguing, lineage and reference data management. Business Intelligence & Automation Proficiency in Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and Microsoft 365 tools. Experience designing interactive dashboards and automating business workflows. Cloud Security & Governance Familiarity with Azure Security Center, Azure Monitor, Azure Policy and Azure Backup. Experience implementing security best practices and compliance frameworks (POPIA, GDPR). Hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview and\/or other data governance tools. DevOps & Infrastructure as Code Experience with Azure DevOps, CI\/CD pipelines, Terraform and Machine Learning Ops. Ability to manage infrastructure and deployments using automated tooling and IaC principles. Cross-Functional Collaboration Demonstrated success working with enterprise solutions architects, data engineers, analysts, developers and business stakeholders. Experience participating in architecture forums, steering committees and governance bodies. Insurance Domain Knowledge 5+ years of domain knowledge in Insurance (Short Term \/ Life \/ Microinsurance \/ Health Insurance). Experience in aligning data strategies with regulatory and operational needs in the insurance sector. Core Technical Competencies: Data Storage & Management SQL Server Azure SQL Database Azure Synapse Analytics Azure Cosmos DB Azure Blob Storage Azure Data Lake Storage Data Analytics & BI Power BI Azure Analysis Services Azure Machine Learning Azure Data Factory Azure Stream Analytics Data Cataloguing, Data Quality Management and Governance Microsoft Purview Azure Data Catalog Data Quality Frameworks Data Lineage Master Data Management (MDM) Data Observability Automation & Integration Power Apps Power Automate SharePoint Dynamics 365 Azure Logic Apps Azure Data Share Cloud Infrastructure & Security Azure Arc Azure Bastion Azure Backup Azure Monitor Azure Policy Azure Security Center DevOps & Infrastructure as Code Azure DevOps CI\/CD Pipelines Terraform MLOps Azure Cost Management Data Modelling & Semantic Layer Design Dimensional Modelling Star\/Snowflake Schemas Semantic Models for BI Metadata Management