Data Architect (databricks / data modelling essential)

The following is required to be considered for this position:

• BCom or BSc degree or equivalent in IT | Business qualification
• Minimum 7 years of experience in enterprise-level data architecture, solution design and modeling 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
• 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 Modeling and Semantic Layer Design:

• Proficient in conceptual, logical and physical data modeling using tools like Visio, Azure Synapse, Power BI and Databricks
• Experience designing semantic models for Power BI and Azure Analysis Services to support enterprise-wise reporting
• Skilled in dimensional modeling, 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 SLA’s and KPI’s 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, data retention working closely with the Data Centre of Excellence
• Worked with Microsoft Purview and other MDM tools to support data cataloging, 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 architect, data engineers, analysts, developers, and business stakeholders.
• Experience participating in architecture forums, steering committees, and governance bodies.

• 5+ years domain knowledge in Insurance (Short Term / Life / Microinsurance / Health Insurance)
• Experience in aligning data strategies with regulatory and operational needs in the insurance sector

Duties & Responsibilities

Architect Scalable Data Platforms:

• Design and implement enterprise-grade data architectures using Microsoft Azure technologies including Azure SQL, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Data Lake, Databricks, PySpark Notebooks and Dataverse
• Ensure platforms are secure, resilient and optimized for performance and cost
• Establish scalable data modeling practices, including conceptual, logical and physical models aligned with business domains

Lead Data Modernization Initiatives:

• Drive the transformation of legacy systems into cloud-native solutions from a data technology perspective
• Promote the adoption of modern data services and analytics tools across the organization
• Oversee migration strategies, including schema conversions, data mapping and validation processes

Govern Data Lifecycle and Compliance:

• Define and enforce standards for data sourcing, structuring, validation, storage and security, working closely with the Data Centre of Excellence
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, GDPR and internal governance frameworks
• Assist the business data architect with implementation of metadata management, data cataloging and sensitive data tracking initiatives
• Support discoverability and lineage tracking

Enable Business Intelligence and Analytics:

• Integrate tools such as Power BI, Azure Analysis Services and Azure Machine Learning to support decision-making, enabling the Data Teams in the Planning Units of the business
• Collaborate with business units to deliver actionable insights through data visualization and predictive modeling
• Support semantic modeling and KPI definitions to ensure consistent reporting across data teams

Support Application Development and Integration:

• Provide architectural guidance for .NET-based applications and data-driven solutions working with the Enterprise Solutions Architect
• Enable seamless integration across Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Dynamics 365 and SharePoint / Teams
• Ensure data contracts are well-defined for interoperability and reuse

Champion Automation and DevOps Practices:

• Implement CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code (Terraform) and automated data workflows using Azure Data Factory and Power Automate
• Promote DevOps culture and tooling across data engineering teams
• Monitor and optimize ETL pipelines, ensuring observability, reliability and scalability

Collaborate Across Teams and Stakeholders:

• Work closely with enterprise solutions architect, data architect, data engineers, developers, analysts and business teams to align technology with strategic goals
• Represent the business in architecture forums, steering committees and cloud governance bodies from a data technologies perspective
• Facilitate cross-functional data governance and stewardship initiatives

Mentor and Develop Talent:

• Guide junior architects and engineers in best practices and certification pathways
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the data technology space
• Encourage hands-on experience with data modeling tools, ETL frameworks and Azure services

Ensure Data Quality Management and Observability:

• Define and implement data quality frameworks to monitor accuracy, completeness, consistency and timeliness across data assets working closely with the Data Architect
• Implement observability tools such as Azure Log Analytics, Application Insights, Purview to track data lineage, usage patterns and health

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Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not received a response within 14 days of submitting your application.