ZURU - Head - Data Architecture

Position Overview :

This role is responsible for defining and delivering ZURUs next-generation data architecturebuilt for global scalability, real-time analytics, and AI enablement.

You will lead the unification of fragmented data systems into a cohesive, cloud-native platform that supports advanced business intelligence and decision-making.

Sitting at the intersection of data strategy, engineering, and commercial enablement, this role demands both deep technical acumen and strong cross-functional influence.

You will drive the vision and implementation of robust data infrastructure, champion governance standards, and embed a culture of data excellence across the organisation.

Position Impact :

In the first six months, the Head of Data Architecture will gain deep understanding of ZURUs operating model, technology stack, and data fragmentation challenges.

Youll conduct a comprehensive review of current architecture, identifying performance gaps, security concerns, and integration challenges across systems like SAP, Odoo, POS, and marketing platforms.

By month twelve, youll have delivered a fully aligned architecture roadmapimplementing cloud-native infrastructure, data governance standards, and scalable models and pipelines to support AI and analytics.

You will have stood up a Centre of Excellence for Data, formalised global data team structures, and established yourself as a trusted partner to senior leadership.

What are you Going to do ?

Lead Global Data Architecture: Own the design, evolution, and delivery of ZURUs enterprise data architecture across cloud and hybrid environments.

Consolidate Core Systems: Unify data sources across SAP, Odoo, POS, IoT, and media into a single analytical platform optimised for business value.

Build Scalable Infrastructure: Architect cloud-native solutions that support both batch and streaming data workflows using tools like Databricks, Kafka, and Snowflake.

Implement Governance Frameworks: Define and enforce enterprise-wide data standards for access control, privacy, quality, security, and lineage.

Enable Metadata & Cataloguing: Deploy metadata management and cataloguing tools to enhance data discoverability and self-service analytics.

Operationalise AI/ML Pipelines: Lead data architecture that supports AI/ML initiatives, including demand forecasting, pricing models, and personalisation.

Partner Across Functions: Translate business needs into data architecture solutions by collaborating with leaders in Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, R&D, and Technology.

Optimize Cloud Cost & Performance: Roll out compute and storage systems that balance cost efficiency, performance, and observability across platforms.

Establish Data Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing data team across India and NZ, and drive alignment across engineering, analytics, and governance.

Vendor and Tool Strategy: Evaluate external tools and partners to ensure the data ecosystem is future-ready, scalable, and cost-effective.

What are we Looking for ?

- 8+ years of experience in data architecture, with 3+ years in a senior or leadership role across cloud or hybrid environments.

- Proven ability to design and scale large data platforms supporting analytics, real-time reporting, and AI/ML use cases.

- Hands-on expertise with ingestion, transformation, and orchestration pipelines (e.g Kafka, Airflow, DBT, Fivetran).

- Strong knowledge of ERP data models, especially SAP and Odoo.

- Experience with data governance, compliance (GDPR/CCPA), metadata cataloguing, and security practices.

- Familiarity with distributed systems and streaming frameworks like Spark or Flink.

- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence both technical and business teams.

- Experience building and leading cross-regional data teams.

Tools & Technologies :

Cloud Platforms : AWS (S3, EMR, Kinesis, Glue), Azure (Synapse, ADLS), GCP.

Big Data : Hadoop, Apache Spark, Apache Flink.

Streaming : Kafka, Kinesis, Pub/Sub.

Orchestration : Airflow, Prefect, Dagster, DBT.

Warehousing : Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Databricks Delta.

NoSQL : Cassandra, DynamoDB, HBase, Redis.

Query Engines : Presto/Trino, Athena.

IaC & CI/CD : Terraform, GitLab Actions.

Monitoring: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK, OpenTelemetry.

Security/Governance: IAM, TLS, KMS, Amundsen, DataHub, Collibra, DBT for lineage.

What do we Offer ?

- Competitive compensation.

- Annual Performance Bonus.

- 5 Working Days with Flexible Working Hours.

- Medical Insurance for self & family.

- Training & skill development programs.

- Work with the Global team, Make the most of the diverse knowledge.

- Several discussions over Multiple Pizza Parties.