Data Architect

We are recruiting for a Data Architect role.

• Review and enhance the on-premises Data Warehouse environment and lead in the enhancement of the data warehouse performance, ETL / ELT optimizations, query optimizations, data partitioning, delta tables and capacity management

• Design and maintain a Modern Data Architecture using Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Lake, One Lake, Synapse, Databricks, and Power BI etc.
• Develop and enforce Medallion Architecture standards:
• Architect scalable ingestion pipelines for batch, streaming, and real-time data.
• Define data modelling standards (star schema, modelling, semantic models).

• Oversee ingestion from operational systems, APIs, databases, and third‑party sources.
• Implement ETL/ELT pipelines using Fabric Data Factory, Azure Data Factory. Synapse Pipelines and Databricks
• Optimize storage, compute, and query performance across the data estate.

• Implement data governance frameworks aligned to POPIA and organizational policies.
• Define and enforce Data quality rules, Metadata standards, Data lineage and Access control and role‑based security
• Ensure secure integration with on‑premises systems (hybrid architecture).
• Implement enterprise governance covering Microsoft Purview, Data catalogue, Metadata management, Business glossary, Data ownership, Data stewardship, Data quality, Lineage, Classification, Information protection and Data retention
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework and Electoral Commission’s Security Policies

• Build and maintain semantic models for Power BI and enterprise reporting.
• Enable self‑service analytics through governed datasets.
• Collaborate with business units to translate requirements into data solutions.

• Drive adoption of Microsoft Fabric and cloud‑native data capabilities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies (AI, ML, real‑time analytics).
• Lead the implementation of hybrid data warehouses (legacy and modern architectures)

It is crucial that the proposed candidate should demonstrate the following experience and Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in:

• Enterprise Data Architecture
• Data Warehousing
• Azure Data Platform
• Microsoft Fabric
• Power BI
• Data Engineering
• Cloud Architecture
• Enterprise Integration
• SQL Server
• Lakehouse architecture
• Medallion Architecture
• Enterprise‑scale analytics
• Preferred experience within government or other highly regulated environments.
• API & Integration Standards – Understanding how different software systems communicate via REST/SOAP APIs and middleware.
• Quality Assurance (QA) – Knowledge of automated testing frameworks and manual testing protocols.
• Database Management – A functional understanding of SQL/No
  
  SQL structures to oversee data migrations and integrity during updates.
• Good knowledge and handling of project and program management methodology and techniques.
• Familiarity with Microsoft technologies used for application development will be advantageous
• Be able to engage in formal and informal knowledge transfer.
• Be able to lead a team and manage project delivery.
• Have ability to communicate clearly – verbally and in written form.
• Demonstrate experience in troubleshooting and problem‑solving technical issues; and
• Good presentation skills

The combination of the following qualifications and experience be an advantage, consideration will be given to similar or related qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Engineering or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (Advantage).
• TOGAF Certification (Advantage).
• Microsoft Certified:
  Azure Solutions Architect Expert (Preferred).
• Microsoft Certified:
  Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate.
• Microsoft Certified:
  Azure Data Engineer Associate.
• Microsoft Certified:
  Power BI Data Analyst Associate.
• Microsoft Certified:
  Azure Administrator Associate (Advantage).
• Experience – 8+ years in software environments, with a proven track record of in Enterprise Data Architecture, Data Warehousing, Azure Data Platform, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Data Engineering, Cloud Architecture, Enterprise Integration, SQL Server

• Enterprise Data Architecture> 8 years
• General IT Knowledge> 10 years
• Data Warehousing> 8 years
• Azure Data Platform> 3 years
• Microsoft Fabric> 3 years
• Lakehouse and Medallion Architectures> 3 years
• Microsoft Power BI> 5 years
• Enterprise Integration> 5 years
• SQL Server> 10 years
• Data Engineering> 3 years
• Cloud Architecture> 3 years
• Design tools (e.g. Visio)> 5 years

• Git> 12 months
• Azure Dev Ops> 12 months
• CI/CD> 12 months
• Microsoft Purview> 12 months
• Microsoft Entra > 12 months