Data Architect

Leftfield is partnering with a confidential client to hire a Data Solutions Architect to join their client's AI and Big Data Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. The center is a hub for cutting-edge innovation across Strategy, Governance, Data Science, AI Engineering, Data Architecture, and Visual Insights. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative journey at the intersection of data, AI, and fintech across markets.

As a Data Solutions Architect , you will lead enterprise-wide data strategy and architecture initiatives, playing a critical role in scaling data-intensive applications and ensuring best practices across data ecosystems. This is a high-impact role that requires deep technical expertise, business acumen, and strong stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead data architecture design, implementation, and optimization across the enterprise.
• Coordinate across teams to deliver consistent and scalable data products.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical data solutions.
• Promote and implement data-as-a-product mindset across the organization.
• Champion best practices in data privacy, governance, security, and compliance.
• Partner with global teams, cybersecurity, and business leaders to ensure secure and meaningful use of data.
• Enable data-driven decision-making through efficient API development, modeling, and harmonization.
• Mentor and support engineering teams in resolving architectural and technical challenges.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in data architecture and delivering scalable data-intensive applications.
• Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native data technologies.
• Proficient in relational, NoSQL, graph databases, vector stores, and data warehousing (Kimball, Inmon, Data Vault).
• Hands-on experience with decentralized Data Mesh and MLOps is desirable.
• Proven track record in the fintech sector is a strong advantage.

Expected Milestones

Month 1:

• Assess current data ecosystem and identify short-term improvements.
• Build strong relationships with data governance, security, and engineering teams.

Month 3:

• Present a high-level 6–12 month roadmap.
• Propose architectural solutions to support agile development and scalability.

Month 6:

• Refine and scale enterprise architecture based on feedback.
• Drive strategic initiatives that align data architecture with business objectives.

What Sets You Apart

• Exceptional problem-solving and architectural solutioning skills.
• Ability to bridge technical and business stakeholders effectively.
• Proven impact in the fintech sector and innovation-driven teams.
• Passion for learning and growing in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.