Senior Solutions Architect, Databricks Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in South Africa.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic architectural leadership for the organization's Databricks implementation and data modernization projects.

• Design and establish enterprise-scale data and analytics architectures that align with business and AI goals.

• Develop and execute architectural frameworks, standards, patterns, and best practices for the adoption of Databricks.

• Lead the Data Engineering team in solution design, scalability, performance enhancement, security, and governance.

• Evaluate existing SQL Server and Microsoft-based environments to define migration strategies to Databricks.

• Ensure that architectural decisions support future requirements for AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, and reporting.

• Assess and optimize platform utilization to enhance cost efficiency and maximize return on investment.

• Establish governance, architecture review processes, and implementation roadmaps.

• Provide executive-level insights and recommendations regarding technology direction, risks, opportunities, and investments.

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, technology leadership, engineering teams, and vendors to achieve successful outcomes.

• Oversee solution quality and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture principles and regulatory standards.

• Identify technical risks, dependencies, and potential challenges while implementing necessary mitigation strategies.

• Mentor engineering teams and foster architectural excellence throughout the program.

⛳️ Requirements

• In-depth expertise in Databricks architecture, implementation, and optimization.

• Strong grasp of enterprise data platforms and contemporary data architectures.

• Experience in designing and implementing Data Lakehouse architecture.

• Knowledge of data governance, security, compliance, and data management frameworks.

• Proficient in data migration strategy and execution.

• Familiarity with enterprise integration patterns and cloud-based architectures.

• Skills in enabling analytics, Business Intelligence, and AI/ML platforms.

• Experience with Microsoft Azure Data Services, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, SQL Server, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, DataOps and DevOps practices, as well as AI and Machine Learning platform architecture (preferred).

• At least 10 years of experience in Solution Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, or Data Architecture roles.

• Proven track record of delivering large-scale data transformation and modernization projects.

• Extensive experience in designing and implementing Databricks solutions within enterprise settings.

• Demonstrated success in supporting cloud migration and modern data platform initiatives.

• Background in Financial Services, Banking, Insurance, or other highly regulated environments.

• Strong understanding of data governance, security, compliance, and risk management frameworks.

• Experience in developing enterprise architecture standards, frameworks, and governance models.

• Relevant certifications in Databricks, Cloud Platforms (preferably Azure), TOGAF, or related fields are highly beneficial.

• Ability to align technology architecture with long-term business strategies.

• Strong commercial acumen with a focus on value delivery.

• Ability to influence technology direction at the executive level.

• Comfort engaging with C-suite executives and senior business leaders.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.

• Capability to simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

• Exceptional architectural design and decision-making skills.

• Strong emphasis on governance, standards, and best practices.

• Ability to ensure consistency across multiple teams and initiatives.

• Results-oriented with a focus on business impact and measurable outcomes.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.

• Ability to work independently while guiding large technical teams.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive work environment.

• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.

• Collaborative and innovative company culture.