Lead Data Architect

Open Box Software; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent software solutions firm in Cape Town is seeking a skilled Lead Data Architect to shape enterprise-scale data solutions. In this strategic role, you will guide client engagements, implement modern data architectures, and ensure high-quality technical delivery. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in data architecture, particularly with Azure technologies, and possess strong leadership and communication skills. This role offers the opportunity to work with innovative technologies in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of hands-on experience in data architecture.
• 5 – 8 years solid experience in data and analytics, data modelling, data governing.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing complex data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the implementation of enterprise-level data architectures.
• Provide senior technical guidance to implementation teams.
• Create high-quality architectural diagrams and documentation.

Skills

Data Warehousing (Kimball Methodology)

Data Lakes (Medallion Architecture)

Azure data services

Data governance

Data engineering

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Fabric

ETL / ELT processes

Job description

Overview Lead Data Architect at Open Box Software

We are looking for a data-focused leader who can shape strategic, enterprise-scale data solutions and lead technical engagements that deliver high-impact results.

If you enjoy translating complex requirements into powerful architectures, working with cloud-native technologies, and mentoring teams to deliver high-quality data solutions, we'd love to hear from you.

This role involves guiding client engagements, defining data landscapes, ensuring high-quality technical delivery, and supporting our international clients with innovative data architectures.

Responsibilities

Architectural Design & Implementation: Design, propose, and oversee the implementation of enterprise-level data architectures, including data warehouses (Kimball methodologies), data lakes (Medallion architecture), data governance processes, master data solutions and modern data platforms (Azure, Microsoft Fabric).

Technical Leadership & Guidance: Provide senior technical guidance to implementation teams, ensuring adherence to best practices, high-quality code, and scalable solutions.

Technical Estimation & Scoping: Develop accurate and detailed proposal documents of varying complexity along with the requisite accurate effort estimations for technical delivery.

Documentation & Visualization: Create clear, comprehensive, and high-quality architectural diagrams, technical specifications, and discovery workshop documentation.

Develop consistency within this arena to streamline service offerings and provide an exceptional client experience.

Technology Evaluation & Recommendation: Research, evaluate, and recommend cutting-edge data technologies and tools to enhance our service offerings and client solutions.

Quality Assurance

Champion a culture of high-quality technical delivery to ensure robust and maintainable data solutions.

Innovation

Actively seek out-of-the-box solutions and creative approaches to complex data challenges, fostering a forward-thinking technical environment.

Meaningful Client Engagements

Engage with clients and build meaningful relationships to support the sales process as well as successfully eliciting requirements for varying client needs.

Strategic Vision

Consult with clients at a strategic level to develop an enterprise roadmap while incorporating technical architecture to support varying outcomes.

Experience

Minimum of 3 - 5 years of hands‑on experience in data architecture, 5 – 8 years solid experience in data and analytics, data modelling, data engineering, reporting, data management and data governance. Proven consulting experience of between 2 – 4 years delivering commercial proposals covering simple through to complex client requirements and project sizes. A strong portfolio of successfully delivered enterprise-level data solutions.

Technical Acumen

Deep expertise in Data Warehousing (Kimball Methodology) and Data Lake (Medallion Architecture) principles and implementation.

Extensive practical experience with Azure data services and Microsoft Fabric.

Proficiency in designing and implementing complex data pipelines and ETL / ELT processes.

Strong understanding of data governance, security, and compliance best practices.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

Exceptional analytical skills with a proven ability to think creatively and solve complex technical problems.

Attention to Detail

Meticulous attention to detail in design, client presentations, documentation, and implementation.

Communication

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Team Success

Values team-based delivery through working well with different stakeholders both internally and externally.

Creativity

Can generate new content for client facing presentations of a high standard that encourage meaningful client engagements and support sales-related activities.

Preferred Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering or equivalent.

Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified : Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Data Engineer Associate).

Experience with other cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) is a plus.

Familiarity with DataOps and MLOps principles is a plus.

CDMP Master or Practitioner is a plus.

Personal Traits: Friendly and humble, Conscientious, Empathetic and self-aware, Considerate, Self-motivated, Strong work ethic, Sound decision-making ability, Team player.