Senior Data Architect

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Zenitech

A strategic technology partner, designing and implementing creative technologies that transform businesses. Find out how we can transform your business now

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The Role

Zenitech is looking for a Senior Data Architect to join our Delivery team - with a unique opportunity to also serve as a Competency Centre Manager (CCM) for the Data & AI domain. In this hybrid role, you will spend approximately 50% of your time designing and developing cutting-edge Data/AI solutions for Zenitech and its clients, and 50% leading the Data & AI Competency Centre, helping to shape the direction, growth, capability development, and performance of our engineering community.

This position is ideal for a senior technologist who enjoys staying hands-on with innovative projects while simultaneously leading people, developing capability strategies, and ensuring exceptional delivery standards.

What you will do

As a Data Architect:

  • Act as a hands-on Data Architect in client engagements, from early discovery through to solution design and delivery.
  • Lead the design of modern data architectures including data lakes, data warehouses, pipelines, and cloud-native solutions (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
  • Define scalable, secure, and reliable data strategies and reference architectures.
  • Guide clients through the application of AI/ML techniques to solve real-world business problems.
  • Participate in pre-sales activities, workshops, and proposal development alongside our Sales and Technology teams.
  • Grow the tech community by developing data & AI capabilities ready to meet market demands.

As a Competency Centre Manager (CCM):

  • Own the short and medium-term strategy for the Data & AI Competency Centre, ensuring alignment with Zenitech’s business goals and delivery excellence.
  • Oversee the capability, skills development, and resourcing of AI & Data engineers to meet current and future market demands.
  • Work closely with Sales, Client Success, Recruitment, and Resourcing teams to support business development, delivery planning, and talent attraction.
  • Define and monitor key KPIs and metrics for the Competency Centre’s performance.
  • Drive performance, career progression, and learning culture.
  • Maintain market competitiveness in the AI & Data talent pool through continuous skills benchmarking and salary band reviews.
  • Ensure proactive bench management, engineer rotation, and smooth resourcing transitions.
  • Foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Engage in staff engagement initiatives to reduce attrition and support long-term retention.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Data Architect or Lead Data Engineer with hands-on expertise in:
    • Data engineering (ETL, ELT, batch and streaming data pipelines)
    • Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
    • Data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, etc.)
    • Knowledge on AI/ML lifecycle, tools, and practices
  • Experience delivering complex data projects for clients across various industries.
  • Familiarity with data governance, privacy regulations, and enterprise architecture frameworks.
  • Proven experience in a leadership/managerial role within a software or technology services company.
  • Track record of managing teams of engineers/consultants.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills – experience working with HR, Resourcing, Sales, and Delivery teams.
  • Experience with performance management, training, mentoring, and coaching.
  • Excellent communication and senior stakeholder management skills
  • A strong focus on machine learning, Generative AI, and business intelligence.
  • Excellent English skills, strong communication, and ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical and management stakeholders.
  • Experience in agile environments and a collaborative mindset for cross-functional teamwork.

What we offer

  • Hybrid / flexible working model and flexible working hours
  • Private Medical and/or Health Insurance (location dependant)
  • Length of Service Awards
  • Referral programme
  • The option of a cafeteria package, meal tickets or team lunches (location dependant)
  • A culture of continuous growth, supported by our People Lead system and various training resources for your personal development
  • Agile mindset, simplified processes, and a great atmosphere where commitment and autonomy are celebrated
  • A community-first mindset working with talented people across technology products and consulting
  • Charity events and programs

(*) As we hire permanent employees for this role, we offer remote opportunities only in Romania, Lithuania and Hungary.

Additional benefits based on location:

Hungary:
  • 20 vacation days, increasing according to labour law
  • Extensive cafeteria package: SZÉP card (a multipurpose cash replacement item for accommodation, meal, leisure & entertainment purposes)
  • Commuting allowance
Lithuania:
  • 20 vacation days
  • 2 emergency days
  • Pension plan
  • Opportunity to work abroad for up to 180 days per year
  • Discounts from the benefit platform

Romania:

  • 24 vacation days, increased based on the work tenure
  • 2 emergency days
  • Meal tickets
  • Opportunity to work abroad for 1 month

About us

Zenitech is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to reshaping the global digital landscape. Headquartered in the UK, Zenitech operates internationally, with offices in Lithuania, Romania, and Hungary.

We use a bespoke approach depending upon where the client is on their digital journey, comprising a combination of access to dedicated R&D labs, technology implementation advice, and specialist nearshore development talent. As an international community of individuals who are open to learn from each other, we collectively define and input into the digital future of the clients’ businesses.

Why Zenitech?

  • Impactful Projects: Drive meaningful change through digital transformation projects and have an opportunity to make an impact on many different industries.
  • Collaborative Culture: Be part of a diverse, inclusive team committed to growth, innovation, and continuous learning.
  • Professional Growth: Zenitech supports continuous learning and development through the People Lead system, helping you advance your skills and career.

Diversity and Inclusion

Zenitech celebrates diversity in all its forms. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued for their unique contributions and perspectives. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know—we’re here to help. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging can be found here.

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* Salary range is an estimate based on our AI, ML, Data Science Salary Index 💰

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Category: Architecture Jobs

Tags: Agile Architecture AWS Azure BigQuery Business Intelligence Consulting Databricks Data governance Data pipelines ELT Engineering ETL GCP Generative AI KPIs Machine Learning Pipelines Privacy R R&D Snowflake Streaming

Perks/benefits: Career development Equity / stock options Flex hours Flex vacation Health care Team events

Region: Europe
Country: Romania

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