IT Data Architect

SUMMARY:

Role Purpose

The Technology Data Architect designs and governs enterprise-grade Azure data platforms, delivering secure, scalable, and high-performance solutions aligned to business and regulatory needs. The role drives data modernisation, analytics, automation, and integration, reporting to the Enterp...

POSITION INFO:
Role Purpose The Technology Data Architect designs and governs enterprise-grade Azure data platforms, delivering secure, scalable, and high-performance solutions aligned to business and regulatory needs. The role drives data modernisation, analytics, automation, and integration, reporting to the Enterprise Solutions Architect.   Duties Responsibilities Architect Scalable Data Platforms Design and implement Azure-based data solutions (Azure SQL, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Data Lake, Databricks, Dataverse). Ensure performance, resilience, cost optimisation, and security. Establish conceptual, logical, and physical data models aligned to business domains. Lead Data Modernisation Transform legacy systems into cloud-native architectures. Oversee migration strategies, schema conversion, data mapping, and validation. Promote adoption of modern analytics and data services. Data Governance Compliance Define and enforce standards for data lifecycle management. Ensure compliance with POPIA, GDPR, and internal governance frameworks. Support metadata management, lineage tracking, cataloguing, and sensitive data monitoring. Enable Analytics Business Intelligence Deliver integrated analytics solutions using Power BI, Azure Analysis Services, and Azure Machine Learning. Support semantic modelling and KPI standardisation. Collaborate with business units to deliver actionable insights. Application Integration Automation Provide architectural guidance for data-driven applications. Enable integration across Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Dynamics 365. Implement CI\/CD, Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform), and automated data pipelines (ADF, Power Automate). Data Quality Observability Implement data quality frameworks and monitoring standards. Leverage Azure Monitor, Purview, and related tools to ensure lineage, reliability, and performance. Leadership Collaboration Work across architecture, engineering, and business teams. Participate in governance forums and steering committees. Mentor junior architects and promote continuous learning. Qualifications Relevant 3–4 year IT or Business qualification (BCom, BSc, or equivalent) Relevant Microsoft\/Azure certifications advantageous   Experience 7+ years of enterprise data architecture experience Proven delivery of large-scale data platforms (cloud and hybrid) 5+ years insurance industry experience Strong expertise in: Azure data services (SQL, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Data Lake, Data Factory) Data modelling (dimensional, star\/snowflake schemas, semantic layers) Data governance, MDM, quality, and observability frameworks Power BI and automation tools Cloud security and compliance (POPIA, GDPR) DevOps, CI\/CD, Infrastructure-as-Code   Competencies Interpreting data: Applies strong analytical and technical expertise to design robust data models, evaluate quality, assess performance, and make sound architectural decisions. Examining information: Analyses complex data environments, integrations, and risks; solves architectural and migration challenges methodically. Upholding standards: Ensures compliance, security, governance, and architectural discipline across data platforms (critical in insurance and regulated environments). Convincing people: Influences engineers, architects, and business stakeholders to adopt standards, modern platforms, and best practices. Embracing change: Drives cloud modernisation and transformation initiatives; adapts architecture to evolving technologies and regulatory requirements.