Data Architect

Position: Data Architect Location: Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid – Minimum 3 days onsite per week) Job Type: Contract About the Role We are seeking an experienced Director of Data Management to lead our enterprise-wide data warehousing, data governance, and AI-driven data strategy initiatives. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining and executing the organization's data architecture roadmap while ensuring data quality, security, compliance, and operational excellence across all business units. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in AWS Redshift, Informatica IDMC, Data Governance, Data Warehousing, ETL/ELT Architecture, and enterprise-scale data platforms. This leader will partner closely with Technology, Product, Risk, Compliance, Finance, and Executive Leadership teams to drive data modernization, governance, and AI-enabled innovation. Key Responsibilities Data Strategy & Leadership • Define and execute the enterprise data strategy, architecture roadmap, and modernization initiatives. • Lead the design, development, optimization, and operational management of enterprise data warehouse solutions. • Establish and maintain enterprise data governance frameworks, policies, standards, and best practices. • Drive enterprise-wide initiatives related to data quality, metadata management, lineage, stewardship, and compliance. • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of data engineers, architects, and governance professionals. Data Architecture & Engineering • Architect and maintain enterprise data platforms including: • Operational Data Stores (ODS) • Enterprise Data Warehouses (EDW) • Data Lakes • Data Marts • Metadata Repositories • Design scalable and high-performance data pipelines using AWS Redshift, Informatica IDMC, Azure Data Factory, SQL, and cloud-native technologies. • Develop frameworks for ingesting structured and semi-structured data in both batch and real-time environments. • Create logical and physical data models supporting business intelligence, analytics, and reporting initiatives. • Optimize database performance, scalability, reliability, and availability across large-scale environments. Data Governance & Compliance • Lead implementation of data governance capabilities including: • Data Cataloging • Metadata Management • Data Lineage • Data Quality Monitoring • Data Stewardship Programs • Ensure compliance with regulatory and security standards including SOC 2, PCI DSS, BSA/AML, UDAAP, and other financial industry regulations. • Partner with Risk, Compliance, Security, and Audit teams to maintain strong governance controls. • Collaborate with the CISO organization to protect sensitive customer and enterprise data. AI & Innovation • Drive responsible AI adoption and governance across enterprise data platforms. • Partner with business teams to identify and implement AI-driven data management capabilities. • Evaluate emerging technologies and leverage AI tools to improve automation, data quality, governance, and operational efficiency. • Lead initiatives focused on AI governance, ethical AI practices, and data utilization standards. Delivery & Operations • Lead proof-of-concept evaluations and technology assessments. • Troubleshoot complex production issues and ensure platform reliability. • Establish testing strategies, automation frameworks, and CI/CD integration practices. • Oversee vendor relationships, project budgets, and technology investments. • Present data strategy, architecture, and governance initiatives to executive leadership and stakeholders. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field. • 10+ years of experience in Data Warehousing, Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or Analytics platforms. • 5+ years of leadership experience managing enterprise data teams. • Strong hands-on expertise with: • AWS Redshift • Informatica IDMC • Cloud-based ETL/ELT Architecture • SQL Performance Tuning • Data Modeling • Metadata Management • Data Quality Frameworks • Data Lineage Tools • Experience implementing enterprise Data Governance programs. • Strong understanding of Data Security, Privacy, and Compliance standards. • Experience with Python scripting and automation. • Experience building and supporting large-scale cloud data platforms. • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices (Jenkins, GitHub Actions). • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills. • Proven ability to lead enterprise-wide initiatives and influence cross-functional teams. Preferred Qualifications • Financial Services or FinTech industry experience. • Experience with AWS and Azure cloud platforms. • Microsoft Azure Data Engineer or other cloud certifications. • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks including: • FRB • BSA/AML • UDAAP • SOC 2 • PCI DSS • Experience with Generative AI, AI governance, and enterprise AI adoption initiatives. • Experience managing large-scale enterprise data modernization programs. Must-Have Skills (Non-Negotiable) • Strong hands-on experience with Informatica IDMC • Strong hands-on experience with AWS Redshift • Proven leadership and people management experience • Enterprise Data Warehousing and Data Governance expertise • Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills • Ability to drive strategic initiatives, not just operate as an individual contributor • AI literacy and experience leveraging AI technologies in data management environments