Director - Digital FAAS - Data & AI - Dubai

EY; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Dubai is seeking a Senior Data Architect. You will design and implement data architectures for clients, engage with C-suite leaders, and manage a team of engineers. A strong background in data architecture, cloud platforms, and extensive experience in data governance are essential. Competitive tax-free salary and performance bonus offered.

Benefits

Competitive tax-free salary

Performance bonus

Opportunities for leadership growth

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or information management.
• Proven experience with cloud-native data platforms and ETL/ELT tools.
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex consulting environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of enterprise-wide data architectures for various industries.
• Engage with business units to translate data needs into technical solutions.
• Mentor a team of data engineers and solution architects.

Skills

Data architecture

Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)

Data governance

Data modeling

API management

Big data technologies (Kafka, Spark)

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering

Tools

Azure Synapse

Databricks

Snowflake

Informatica

Talend

dbt

Collibra

Alation

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Director
Department: FaaS - Digital Finance - Data & AI
Reports To: Partner – Data & AI Practice

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of enterprise-wide data architectures, driving our clients' digital and AI transformation initiatives. Based in Dubai, you will work with C-suite leaders and technical teams to architect scalable, secure, and business-aligned data ecosystems across industries including government, financial services, energy, and retail.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data Architecture Strategy:
  • Define enterprise and solution-level data architecture strategies.
  • Design modern data platforms (data lakes, warehouses, lakehouses) on cloud (Azure, AWS, GCP).
  • Champion data mesh, data fabric, or other advanced architectural patterns.
• Engage with Business & Technology Stakeholders:
  • Collaborate with business units to understand their data needs and translate them into technical solutions.
  • Support data governance, security, lineage, and catalog initiatives in partnership with Data Officers and CDOs.
• Architecture Delivery & Oversight:
  • Guide design of scalable data pipelines (batch/real-time), master data management, and analytics layers.
  • Oversee data platform modernization and cloud migration programs.
  • Provide architectural governance and quality assurance throughout project lifecycle.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building:
  • Mentor and manage a team of data engineers and solution architects.
  • Contribute to internal knowledge assets, accelerators, and reusable frameworks.
• Client Engagement & Business Development:
  • Support pre-sales and proposal activities by shaping data architecture solutions.
  • Build trusted relationships with client executives and technology teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or information management.
• Proven experience with:
  • Cloud-native data platforms (e.g., Azure Synapse, Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery)
  • ETL/ELT tools (e.g., Informatica, Talend, dbt)
  • Data governance tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation, Purview)
  • Big data and streaming technologies (e.g., Kafka, Spark)
• Strong knowledge of data modeling, API management, security/privacy frameworks (e.g., GDPR, NDMO).
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex consulting or enterprise environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in cloud (Azure, AWS, or GCP) architecture or data engineering.
• Experience working in the GCC region with clients in public sector, banking, or oil & gas.
• Familiarity with AI/ML lifecycle and integration of data platforms with analytics/ML pipelines.

What We Offer

• Competitive tax-free salary and performance bonus
• Exposure to cutting-edge data transformation projects in the region
• Fast-paced, collaborative, and diverse working environment
• Opportunities for leadership growth and continuous learning