Architect jobs in South Africa

Lead Data Architect

At Open Box Software, we don’t just deliver software - we help businesses unlock the power of data to drive smarter decisions. We’re looking for a Lead Data Architect to shape strategic, enterprise-scale data solutions and lead technical engagements that make a real difference. If you enjoy translating complex requirements into powerful architectures, love working with cloud-native technologies, and want to mentor and lead teams in delivering high-impact solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

This is your opportunity to join a collaborative and high-performing team that values technical excellence, personal growth, and creating genuine impact for our international clients.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and meticulous Lead Data Architect to spearhead client strategic engagement, design, proposal, and implementation of robust and scalable data solutions for our diverse client base. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in data architecture, a keen eye for detail, and an innovative approach to problem-solving. The Lead Data Architect will be instrumental in defining our data landscape, ensuring high-quality technical delivery, and guiding our engineering efforts.

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 requirements based on client needs.

• Strategic Vision: Capacity to consult with clients at a strategic level to develop an enterprise roadmap whilst 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 and 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