DATA ARCHITECTURE JOB DESCRIPTION

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A Data Architect is responsible for designing how data is structured, stored, integrated, governed and used across an organisation. They create the frameworks, models and architecture that allow businesses to manage data effectively and use it for reporting, analytics, AI, decision-making and long-term data strategy.

Data architecture roles can vary significantly depending on the organisation, technology stack, data maturity and wider business goals. Some Data Architects focus on enterprise-wide data strategy and governance, while others work more closely with data engineering teams on platforms, models, integrations and cloud data environments.

At KDR Talent Solutions, we specialise in data recruitment and understand the skills, experience and market knowledge needed to hire Data Architects successfully. Whether you are recruiting a hands-on Data Architect, an Enterprise Data Architect or a senior data architecture leader, our team can help you define the role and connect with relevant talent.

A Data Architect designs the structure and flow of data across an organisation. Their work helps ensure that data is organised, accessible, secure and aligned with business needs.

The role often involves designing data models, defining architecture principles, supporting cloud data platforms, improving data integration, setting standards for data quality and working with teams across data engineering, governance, analytics and technology.

Data Architects also play an important role in helping organisations make better decisions about how data should be captured, stored and used. Without effective data architecture, businesses can struggle with inconsistent data, disconnected systems, poor reporting and limited confidence in their information.

The responsibilities of a Data Architect will depend on the size, structure and maturity of the organisation, but typical duties include:



• Designing data architecture frameworks, models and standards.
• Creating conceptual, logical and physical data models.
• Defining how data is stored, integrated, governed and accessed.
• Supporting the design of data warehouses, data lakes and cloud data platforms.
• Working with data engineers, analysts, governance teams and senior stakeholders.
• Improving data quality, consistency, security and accessibility.
• Supporting data integration across multiple business systems.
• Defining standards for metadata, data lineage and data ownership.
• Translating business requirements into scalable data architecture.
• Reviewing existing data structures and recommending improvements.
• Supporting cloud migration and platform modernisation projects.
• Documenting data flows, architecture decisions and technical requirements.
• Ensuring data architecture supports analytics, reporting, AI and machine learning use cases.
• Contributing to wider data strategy and governance initiatives.

A strong Data Architect needs a combination of technical knowledge, strategic thinking and communication skills. They must understand how data moves through a business and how to design structures that support both current requirements and future growth. Depending on the role, employers may also look for experience with tools and platforms such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, Synapse, SQL Server, Oracle, Informatica, Collibra, Microsoft Purview, Erwin, Sparx EA, dbt and Power BI.

Examples would be:

• Data modelling.
• Data strategy.
• Data warehousing.
• Data lakes and lakehouse architecture.
• Cloud data platforms.
• Database design.
• Data integration.
• Data governance.
• Metadata management.
• Data lineage.
• Master data management.
• Data quality.
• Enterprise architecture principles.
• SQL and database technologies.
• Stakeholder management.
• Documentation and communication.
  

Hiring a Data Architect can be challenging because the role often requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking and stakeholder influence. Before starting the recruitment process, employers should be clear on what the person needs to achieve.

Useful questions to ask include:

• Are you hiring someone to design a new data architecture or improve an existing one?
• Do you need hands-on data modelling experience?
• Will the role support cloud migration or platform modernisation?
• Does the person need experience with data governance or master data management?
• Will they work closely with data engineers, analysts, senior leaders or business stakeholders?
• Do you need a permanent employee, contractor or project-based specialist?

At KDR Talent Solutions, we help businesses define Data Architect roles properly, understand the market and connect with candidates who match the technical requirements and long-term goals of the team.

Data Architect jobs offer the opportunity to shape how organisations structure, manage and use data. These roles often sit at the centre of data strategy, platform design, governance, analytics and business decision-making.

KDR supports Data Architects looking for permanent and contract opportunities across a range of industries. Whether you are looking for your next Data Architect role, an Enterprise Data Architect position, a cloud data architecture opportunity or a senior data leadership role, our consultants can offer market insight, career advice and access to relevant opportunities.