Data Architect - Leader

SUMMARY:
If you are an experienced Data Architect with strong Microsoft Fabric and Databricks expertise, combined with proven team leadership experience, we''d love to hear from you.

POSITION INFO:
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