Data Architect / Data Platform Lead

Position Purpose The Data Architect / Data Platform Lead is responsible for defining, governing, and evolving the enterprise data platform built on Microsoft Fabric. This role serves as the architectural owner of the long-term data platform vision, ensuring it scales securely, cost-effectively, and in alignment with business priorities. As a foundational member of the Data & AI team, this individual will shape the enterprise data platform roadmap and establish architectural standards that will guide the organization for years to come. Leadership Summary This role provides both technical and strategic leadership across data engineering, analytics, and AI teams. You will act as a trusted advisor to business and IT leadership, guide architectural decision-making, and mentor platform contributors. What You’ll Do • Design and oversee end-to-end data architecture across ingestion, storage, modeling, and consumption layers • Own the Microsoft Fabric platform architecture, including configuration, governance, and long-term evolution • Establish and enforce standards for data governance, security, metadata, and lineage • Define scalable platform patterns for API-based integrations and event-driven data flows • Partner with business and IT leaders to define platform roadmaps and delivery sequencing • Review and guide solution designs created by engineering and delivery teams • Ensure the platform supports enterprise analytics, self-service BI, and AI use cases • Drive alignment between business strategy and technical execution to deliver measurable outcomes • Balance innovation with stability, compliance, and cost efficiency What You Bring Experience & Education • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience • 7+ years of experience in data architecture, analytics platforms, or related leadership roles Technical Expertise • Enterprise data architecture and modern analytics platform design • Microsoft Fabric and cloud-based data ecosystems • Data governance, security, and compliance frameworks • Cost optimization, capacity planning, and platform scalability • Data modeling, metadata management, and data lineage Certifications (Preferred) • Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate (DP-600) • Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) • Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) • Enterprise architecture or data governance certifications are a plus Leadership & Communication Skills • Ability to lead architectural decisions in ambiguous environments • Strong strategic thinking, planning, and prioritization skills • Ability to balance long-term vision with near-term delivery needs • Proven ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams • Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate architectural direction, tradeoffs, and standards