Job Description:
Intermediate Data Architect
Location: Cape Town
Contract: 12 Months
We are looking for an experienced Intermediate Data Architect to join a leading organisation and play a key role in shaping scalable and secure data architecture that supports advanced analytics, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance.
This role is ideal for a data professional passionate about cloud data platforms, enterprise data modelling, and modern data ecosystems.
Role Purpose
The Data Architect will be responsible for designing and maintaining on-premise and cloud-based data architectures to enable secure, scalable, and compliant data solutions aligned with business strategy. The role will ensure data assets are structured, governed, and optimized to unlock value across the organisation, including customer service, risk and compliance, and AI-driven initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Translate business requirements into scalable data architecture solutions
Develop and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models
Design cloud-native and hybrid data platforms using AWS
Architect modern data lake, lakehouse, and data warehouse environments
Define data ingestion, processing, storage, and analytics frameworks
Oversee implementation of data pipelines, APIs, and reusable data products
Ensure alignment with data governance, lineage, and metadata frameworks
Collaborate with data engineers and governance teams to implement architecture standards
Embed security, encryption, access control, and disaster recovery frameworks into designs
Support digital transformation and AI initiatives through robust data platforms
Required Skills & Knowledge
Strong data modelling expertise
Experience designing cloud data architectures (AWS / Azure)
Deep understanding of data lake, lakehouse, and data warehouse architectures
Knowledge of financial services data domains (customer, product, transaction, risk, regulatory)
Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Understanding of cybersecurity principles and data protection frameworks
Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
Qualifications & Experience
BSc in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
8+ years experience as a Data Architect
3+ years experience designing cloud-based data platforms
Financial services industry experience preferred
AWS Certified Data Analytics / Solutions Architect (advantageous)
TOGAF, DAMA, or CDMP certifications (advantageous)