Data Architect

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

The Data Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing GRID’s data architecture to support advanced analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence needs across our digital platforms.
This role ensures that data is structured, stored, and accessed in a way that maximizes efficiency, security, and scalability and is available in real-time.
The Data Architect will lead GRiD’s data management strategy, focusing on the design of data models, integration of diverse data sources, and creation of a unified data ecosystem that supports both operational and analytical needs.

Responsibilities

Data Architecture Design & Development:

• Develop, implement, and optimize scalable data architecture solutions, including data lakes, warehouses, and data marts, with a focus on supporting advanced analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence.
• Design data models to support both transactional and analytical processes, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and accessibility.
• Define and enforce best practices for data governance, data lineage, metadata management, and data quality across platforms.

Data Integration & ETL/ELT Processes:

• Develop and manage ETL/ELT processes, integrating data from various sources, including on-premises databases, third-party platforms, and cloud storage.
• Build and maintain robust data pipelines to enable seamless data flow and integration across the organization.
• Ensure data is processed in near real-time where possible, enhancing responsiveness for customer insights and analytics needs.

Data Management & Centralization:

• Establish and maintain a centralized data management system that consolidates data from multiple sources, providing a single source of truth.
• Create a data catalog and knowledge management system to allow easy data access and improve data discoverability across teams.

Data Security & Compliance:

• Design and implement data security frameworks, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations, including GDPR and CCPA.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and compliance teams to safeguard sensitive data and ensure adherence to best practices for data privacy and protection.

Performance Optimization & Monitoring:

• Continuously monitor and optimize data architecture performance, including storage, retrieval, and query execution.
• Develop data metrics, analytics, and reporting systems to support business decision-making.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Support:

• Work closely with data science, analytics, and business intelligence teams to understand their data needs and translate them into architectural solutions.
• Act as a bridge between technical and non-technical teams, providing data architecture expertise and facilitating alignment with business goals.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Data Architecture, Data Engineering, or Database Management is highly preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or database management.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing large-scale data solutions across multiple database and cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Extensive experience with data modeling, ETL/ELT processes, data pipeline development, and data centralization for analytics.

Advantageous (Preferred, not required)

• Proficiency in SQL, Python, and data management tools (e.g., Talend, Informatica, Apache Spark).
• Experience with cloud data warehouses (e.g., Redshift, Snowflake, BigQuery) and big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark).
• Working knowledge of data governance frameworks, data security standards, and data privacy regulations.

Data Architecture and Cloud Infrastructure:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
• Google Professional Cloud Architect
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Data Engineering and Management:

• Google Professional Data Engineer
• AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) from DAMA International

Big Data and Database Technologies:

• Cloudera Certified Data Professional (CCDP)
• MongoDB Certified DBA or Developer
• Oracle Certified Master or Professional (OCM/OCP) in Oracle Database

Data Governance and Security:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)

Project and Agile Management (Preferred):

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Skills

Action Planning, Business Requirements Analysis, Computer Literacy, Database Administration, Database Reporting, Data Compilation, Data Controls, Data Management, Data Modeling, Executing Plans, Gaps Analysis, Information Technology (IT) Support, IT Architecture, IT Implementation, IT Network Security, Market Analysis, Test Case Management, User Requirements Documentation

Competencies

Action Oriented

Business Insight

Cultivates Innovation

Drives Results

Ensures Accountability

Manages Complexity

Optimizes Work Processes

Persuades

Education

NQF Level 9 – Masters

Closing Date

29 May 2025 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

The Old Mutual Story!