Job Description :

We are looking for an experienced Data Architect to lead data architecture and modernization initiatives for a US - based standards development and certification organization. The role will involve defining enterprise data ownership models, designing shared data domains, modernizing legacy SQL Server environments, and architecting migrations to Microsoft Azure.

The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in data architecture, conceptual and logical data modelling, SQL Server, and Azure data platforms, along with the ability to lead client discussions and drive architectural alignment.

Responsibilities :

- Define master data ownership models, system - of - record boundaries, and data governance structures, securing stakeholder alignment through RACI and ownership matrices.

- Design conceptual and logical data models from scratch, including temporal data history and party/role modelling patterns.

- Reverse - engineer legacy SQL Server environments and develop strategies to decouple monolithic databases into services using strangler - style architecture patterns.

- Architect and lead migrations from SQL Server virtual machine environments to Azure managed services, including Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance, ensuring minimal downtime.

- Drive data architecture and modernization decisions across the programme, ensuring scalability, performance, security, and maintainability.

- Conduct client workshops, present technical models to business and technical stakeholders, and facilitate architectural decision - making.

- Collaborate with engineering, infrastructure, and business teams to ensure successful implementation of the target data architecture.

- Leverage AI - assisted tools such as Claude, GitHub Copilot, and Cursor securely for schema analysis, code analysis, and architecture - related activities.

Requirements :

- 10 - 14 years of overall experience, including at least 4 years in data architecture and data modelling.

- Strong hands - on expertise in SQL Server 2016+, including advanced T - SQL, query performance tuning, partitioning, and database security.

- Proven experience in conceptual and logical data modelling, master data management, data ownership, and enterprise data architecture.

- Strong experience with Azure data services, particularly Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance.

- Experience architecting and executing SQL Server - to - Azure migrations using tools such as Azure Migrate and Database Migration Service (DMS), including near - zero - downtime migration strategies.

- Understanding of legacy database modernisation, monolithic database decoupling, and service - oriented architecture patterns.

- Experience with database DevOps and schema management tools such as Liquibase, Flyway, or SSDT, along with CI/CD pipelines.

- Hands - on experience with enterprise data modelling tools such as erwin or ER/Studio.

- Practical experience using AI assistants securely for database schema and code analysis.

- Strong stakeholder management, communication, presentation, and client - facing workshop facilitation skills.