Data Architect

About Vancity

Vancity is a member-owned credit union built on the principles of inclusion and social justice. A relentless commitment to their values has helped them challenge the status quo and break down barriers since day one in 1946. They have bold commitments to make Vancity net-zero by 2040 across all mortgages and loans and are pursuing strategies on Indigenous banking and to improve the financial resilience of their members.

Vancity is the largest private sector Living Wage Employer in Canada and has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Employers in Canada. If you’re interested in joining their team of 2,700 diverse individuals and accessing competitive rewards and benefits, all while knowing you are part of a greater movement, then apply today!

About the workplace

At Vancity, we are embarking on a significant transformation to migrate our data and analytics platforms to Azure Cloud. This migration will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including Azure Databricks, Unity Catalog, Apache Spark, Python, Purview, CI/CD pipelines, and most importantly, Data Governance frameworks. As part of this initiative, we are seeking an experienced Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of a cloud-native data ecosystem that enables efficient, scalable, secure, and compliant data management.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a major transformation in a leading Canadian financial institution, working alongside cross-functional teams to innovate and deliver world-class data solutions while ensuring robust data governance practices are in place.

This is a permanent, full-time role that will enjoy hybrid working arrangements. We are open to candidates based out of BC, Alberta, and Ontario. Vancouver-based candidates may be expected to come into office at least once per week.

A typical day would involve:

• Cloud Data Architecture Design: Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of data solutions within Azure Cloud, using technologies such as Azure Databricks, Apache Spark, Unity Catalog, and Purview. Build architectures that are secure, scalable, compliant, and cost-efficient, with an emphasis on data governance at every stage.
• Data Governance Framework: Work in conjunction with the Data Governance team to implement and enforce robust data governance frameworks across the data lifecycle, ensuring that all data processes align with regulatory requirements (e.g., PIPEDA, OSFI, FINTRAC), internal policies, and industry best practices. Utilize Unity Catalog & Purview for cataloging, lineage, and compliance tracking to ensure data integrity, traceability, and accessibility.
• Data Pipeline Architecture & CI/CD Integration: Architect automated, scalable, and governance-compliant data pipelines using Apache Spark and Databricks Notebooks. Implement CI/CD practices to ensure seamless deployment, version control, testing, and monitoring of data workflows.
• Cloud Migration Strategy: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute the migration of existing data infrastructure to Azure Cloud, ensuring that governance, security, and compliance are maintained throughout the migration process.
• Data Access & Security Management: Leverage Unity Catalog to define, enforce, and monitor data access policies, ensuring that data is available only to authorized users and teams. Work closely with security and compliance teams to integrate security controls and encryption mechanisms into the architecture.
• Databricks & Spark Implementation: Design, implement, and manage data pipelines using Databricks Notebooks and Apache Spark for batch and real-time data processing. Ensure the architecture scales and performs optimally while maintaining data governance standards.
• Data Quality and Lineage: Work with the data engineering and analytics teams to implement strong data quality checks and ensure that data lineage is fully traceable through Purview and other tools, enabling both technical and business users to trust the data being processed and consumed.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Partner with data engineering, data science, business intelligence, and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of cloud data architecture and governance frameworks into the broader enterprise ecosystem. Lead by example and mentor junior team members on best practices related to cloud data governance and architecture.
• Automation and Optimization: Implement best practices for automating data pipeline deployments and monitoring using CI/CD pipelines. Continuously optimize data workflows and query performance while ensuring compliance with governance policies.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Document all data models, architecture, and best practices. Share knowledge with team members and stakeholders to promote a culture of learning, transparency, and continuous improvement in data governance practices. Contribute to the documentation of data governance processes.

You have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or a related field, with significant hands-on experience in cloud-based solutions.
• Expertise in Azure Cloud, with significant experience in Azure Databricks, Apache Spark, Unity Catalog, and Purview for data governance and security.
• Proven experience designing and implementing data governance frameworks that ensure data is properly classified, accessible, and compliant with security and privacy regulations.
• Hands-on experience in developing and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated data workflows and deployments.
• Experience with data cataloging, metadata management, and data lineage in a cloud environment, especially using Purview.
• Preferred certifications: Azure Data Engineer Associate or Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, Databricks Certified Associate Developer or Data Engineer certification.
• Experience influencing senior leadership and driving data strategy at the enterprise level
• Experience in the financial services industry and familiarity with the regulatory environment governing financial data would be an asset.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Python & PySpark for data engineering, scripting, and automation within Databricks Notebooks and Azure.
• Strong experience with Apache Spark for distributed data processing in both batch and streaming contexts.
• Expertise in data governance, including data classification, metadata management, access controls, and compliance management using Purview and Unity Catalog.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, Git, and Jenkins for deploying and managing data pipelines and workflows.
• Solid understanding of data security frameworks and experience working in highly regulated environments such as banking or finance.

You are:

• A strong communicator: You have the strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with cross-functional teams, including data engineering, business intelligence, compliance, and security teams.
• An analytical problem-solver: You have excellent problem-solving skills, with a focus on designing scalable and compliant data solutions. You're also able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and lead complex data transformation projects.
• A leader: You have the ability to mentor and guide junior team members on best practices for cloud data governance, architecture, and engineering.

We value lived experience, so if you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if you feel your skills don't perfectly align with those listed.

The salary range for this role is $81,200 to $122,000 annually. Base pay offered may vary depending on factors such as relevant qualifications, skills, previous experience, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards package, employees may also be eligible for our annual incentive program, subject to program eligibility requirements.

Posting Deadline: Posted until filled

A career at Vancity is more than just a job, you’re joining a tradition of change-makers who are creating lasting change for our communities. Beyond base pay, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package to ensure our employees are empowered to thrive:

We offer:

• We are the largest private-sector Living Wage Employer in Canada and have been consistently recognized as one of the Top Employers in Canada.
• Our permanent employees qualify for attractive benefit packages that can be customized and changed each year to meet their evolving needs.
• New employees receive between three to four weeks of vacation allowance per calendar year, and the number of vacation days grows
• In addition to the 10 statutory holidays in British Columbia, Vancity provides an additional three statutory holidays. We offer care days for periods of short-term personal illness or emergency family illness.
• We have flex credits for our health care & dental benefits offer three levels of coverage for you to select from. These benefits will also be effective immediately based on your hire date.  
• We understand that retirement means different things to different people and at Vancity we will offer you a Defined benefits pension plan that pays you a retirement income for life.

At Vancity we’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace to help our people and communities thrive and prosper. Diversity in our workforce is integral so that we can truly represent, understand and respond to our community needs and deliver on our member experience.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@vancity.com for confidential support. In-person assistance is also available. We will collaborate with you to ensure your needs are met promptly and effectively.