IT Data Architect

Guardrisk; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardrisk, part of Momentum Group Limited, seeks an experienced Technology Data Architect to design and govern enterprise Azure data platforms. You will drive data modernization, analytics, automation, and regulatory alignment while reporting to the Enterprise Solutions Architect.

You will lead data governance, modeling, security, and BI delivery, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enable scalable, compliant data solutions across cloud and hybrid environments.

Qualifications

• 3–4 year IT or Business qualification (BCom, BSc, or equivalent)
• Relevant Microsoft/Azure certifications advantageous
• 7+ years enterprise data architecture experience
• Proven delivery of large-scale data platforms (cloud and hybrid)
• 5+ years insurance industry experience

Responsibilities

• Architect Scalable Data Platforms: design and implement Azure-based data solutions (Azure SQL, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Data Lake, Databricks, Dataverse).
• Lead Data Modernization: transform legacy systems into cloud-native architectures; oversee migration strategies and data mapping.
• Data Governance & Compliance: define standards for data lifecycle and ensure POPIA/GDPR compliance.
• Enable Analytics & BI: deliver integrated analytics using Power BI, Azure Analysis Services, and Azure ML.
• Application Integration & Automation: provide architectural guidance for data-driven applications and CI/CD (Terraform).
• Data Quality & Observability: implement data quality frameworks and monitoring with Azure Monitor and Purview.

Skills

Azure data services

Data modeling

Data governance

Power BI

Security & compliance

DevOps

Education

BCom/BSc or equivalent

Tools

Azure Data Factory

Databricks

Synapse

Cosmos DB

Data Lake

Job description

Guardrisk, part of Momentum Group Limited, is South Africa’s leading provider of cell captive business and alternative risk transfer solutions, offering tailor-made risk financing and access to professional reinsurance markets. As the market leader, we specialize in innovative cell captive structures that allow clients to operate their own insurance products within a ring-fenced facility, including underwriting, actuarial, legal, compliance and financial reporting services – without the costs and complexities of establishing an insurance company. Registered for most statutory classes of non-life and life insurance, we provide customized cover and strategic risk solutions. Our services cater to corporates that are serious about risk management, those facing complex or high-cost risks, and businesses looking to offer their own branded insurance products.

Disclaimer As an applicant, please verify the legitimacy of this job advert on our company career page.

Role Purpose

The Technology Data Architect designs and governs enterprise-grade Azure data platforms, delivering secure, scalable, and high-performance solutions aligned to business and regulatory needs. The role drives data modernization, analytics, automation, and integration, reporting to the Enterprise Solutions Architect.

Qualifications

• Relevant 3–4 year IT or Business qualification (BCom, BSc, or equivalent)
• Relevant Microsoft/Azure certifications advantageous

Experience

• 7+ years enterprise data architecture experience
• Proven delivery of large-scale data platforms (cloud and hybrid)
• 5+ years insurance industry experience

Strong expertise in:

• Azure data services (SQL, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Data Lake, Data Factory)
• Data modeling (dimensional, star/snowflake schemas, semantic layers)
• Data governance, MDM, quality, and observability frameworks
• Power BI and automation tools
• Cloud security and compliance (POPIA, GDPR)
• DevOps, CI/CD, Infrastructure-as-Code

Duties & Responsibilities

• Architect Scalable Data Platforms
  • Design and implement Azure-based data solutions (Azure SQL, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Data Lake, Databricks, Dataverse).
  • Ensure performance, resilience, cost optimization, and security.
  • Establish conceptual, logical, and physical data models aligned to business domains.
• Lead Data Modernization
  • Transform legacy systems into cloud-native architectures.
  • Oversee migration strategies, schema conversion, data mapping, and validation.
  • Promote adoption of modern analytics and data services.
• Data Governance & Compliance
  • Define and enforce standards for data lifecycle management.
  • Ensure compliance with POPIA, GDPR, and internal governance frameworks.
  • Support metadata management, lineage tracking, cataloging, and sensitive data monitoring.
• Enable Analytics & Business Intelligence
  • Deliver integrated analytics solutions using Power BI, Azure Analysis Services, and Azure Machine Learning.
  • Support semantic modeling and KPI standardization.
  • Collaborate with business units to deliver actionable insights.
• Application Integration & Automation
  • Provide architectural guidance for data-driven applications.
  • Enable integration across Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Dynamics 365.
  • Implement CI/CD, Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform), and automated data pipelines (ADF, Power Automate).
• Data Quality & Observability
  • Implement data quality frameworks and monitoring standards.
  • Leverage Azure Monitor, Purview, and related tools to ensure lineage, reliability, and performance.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Work across architecture, engineering, and business teams.
  • Participate in governance forums and steering committees.
  • Mentor junior architects and promote continuous learning.
• Competencies
  • Interpreting data: Applies strong analytical and technical expertise to design robust data models, evaluate quality, assess performance, and make sound architectural decisions.
  • Examining information: Analyses complex data environments, integrations, and risks; solves architectural and migration challenges methodically.
  • Upholding standards: Ensures compliance, security, governance, and architectural discipline across data platforms (critical in insurance and regulated environments).
  • Convincing people: Influences engineers, architects, and business stakeholders to adopt standards, modern platforms, and best practices.
  • Embracing change: Drives cloud modernization and transformation initiatives; adapts architecture to evolving technologies and regulatory requirements.