Infocomm TechnologyData and AI

Data Architect

The Data Architect designs systems to facilitate access to and finding of information. He/She plans, designs, develops and tests internal information-delivery solutions and data models with the focus on providing positive user experience. He works with end users to specify requirements, create and implement designs to meet internal and client-facing objectives. He develops information management standards and practices, in compliance with data privacy policies and ethics and governance frameworks. He works in a team setting and is proficient in database systems, scripting and programming languages required by the organisation. He is also familiar with the relevant software platforms on which the solution is deployed on. The Data Architect integrates diverse needs and perspectives from internal and external clients, and possesses a creative mind to develop new and fresh ideas and solutions. He possesses strong leadership and communication abilities and is able to influence key stakeholders and clients he interfaces with.

What Does a Data Architect Do?

Key Responsibilities & Tasks

Identify business needs

  • Determine data engineering requirements across all systems, platforms and applications based on artificial intelligence solutions
  • Advise the business on data requirements based on information and insights desired
  • Establish and implement data ethics, privacy and security guidelines and policies for potential new business cases that involve data engineering processes
  • Advise on latest machine learning libraries, strategies, and products in database and data processing software based on business requirements

Design data architecture

  • Define the desired state of information flows through the organisation to determine the organisation’s data architecture
  • Assess existing systems to evaluate their usability, usefulness, visual design and content
  • Guide the alignment of information management standards with the enterprise architectural plan and information security standards
  • Develop strategies for seamless and low-risk migration of data between systems
  • Communicate the data architecture, design and recommendations to stakeholders

Bring artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) models into production

  • Formulate strategies for code compilation for model production
  • Formulate AI/ML development pipeline strategies and infrastructure for the organisation
  • Provide technical guidance for scaling and pre-deployment of AI/ML models

Deploy AI/ML models

  • Create deployment blueprints for AI/ML models
  • Provide technical guidance for deployment and optimisation of AI/ML models
  • Ensure deployed AI/ML models are aligned with the organisation’s core values and comply with data governance and ethics guidelines

Manage people and organisation

  • Develop strategies for resource planning and utilisation
  • Review operational strategies, policies and targets across teams and projects
  • Review the utilisation of resources
  • Oversee the development of learning roadmaps for teams and functions
  • Establish performance indicators to benchmark effectiveness of learning and development programmes against best practices
  • Implement succession planning initiatives for key management positions

Do You Have the Skills for This Role?

A Data Architect needs 3 core competencies. Here's what's required and at what level.

Must-Have Skills (Advanced)

Developing People

Advanced

Interacting with Others

Communication

Advanced

Interacting with Others

Transdisciplinary Thinking

Advanced

Thinking Critically

SkillsFuture Skill Levels

3 levels
1

Basic

Recognise and understand fundamental concepts. Apply skills in routine situations with guidance.

2

Intermediate

Apply skills in varied situations independently. Analyse problems and adapt approaches as needed.

3

Advanced

Lead and innovate in complex situations. Evaluate strategies, guide teams, and drive improvements.

Technical Skills & Competencies (TSC) Levels

6 levels
1

Follow

Carry out routine tasks under close supervision. Follow established procedures and guidelines.

2

Assist

Perform tasks with some independence. Assist in non-routine situations and apply established techniques.

3

Apply

Apply skills and knowledge independently in varied situations. Analyse problems and adapt approaches.

4

Analyse

Analyse complex situations and develop solutions. Guide and mentor junior colleagues.

5

Strategise

Set strategic direction and drive innovation. Evaluate trade-offs and make high-impact decisions.

6

Transform

Lead industry transformation. Establish standards, shape policy, and provide expert advisory.

Technical Skills & Competencies

A Data Architect requires 20 technical skills at specific proficiency levels.

Data Ethics

Level 6

Governance and Compliance

Drive professional, legal and ethical accountability and responsibility within and across organisations

Data Governance

Level 6

Governance and Compliance

Establish policies for data security and usage, facilitate industry consensus around data ethics, and provide expert advice on data transfer across geographies

Data Strategy

Level 6

Strategy Planning and Implementation

Define a coherent data strategy and spearhead new approaches to enrich, synthesise and apply data, to maximise the value of data as a critical business asset and driver

Project Management

Level 6

Business and Project Management

Direct the management and authorise ownership of multiple large, complex programmes and projects, ensuring alignment with strategic business priorities

System Integration

Level 6

Development and Implementation

Establish an integration strategy and a clear vision for an integrated ICT architectural design.

Change Management

Level 5

Business and Project Management

Develop business readiness plan and direct business activities, processes and resources to facilitate changes and transitions, and plan change control procedures for IT initiatives

Computational Modelling

Level 5

Development and Implementation

Design advanced statistical and computational models, and spearhead the application of algorithms and modelling techniques to new domains

Data Design

Level 5

Design and Architecture

Establish a strategy for the creation of large-scale data models and structures and spearhead the implementation of database technology, architectures, software and facilities

Data Engineering

Level 5

Development and Implementation

Lead the creation of data management procedures and oversee the integration of data, ensuring optimisation of the organisation's data pipeline

Database Administration

Level 5

Operations and User Support

Establish strategy and guidelines for database management and administration, directing processes, resources and IT investments to optimise database performance

Learning and Development

Level 5

People Development

Drive employee developmental programmes in alignment to business needs

Quality Standards

Level 5

Governance and Compliance

Establish and control quality expectations in line with organisation directions and selected benchmarks

Security Architecture

Level 5

Design and Architecture

Establish organisational guidelines and principles for the design of security architecture and controls, and drive the enhancement of organisation-wide security systems

Stakeholder Management

Level 5

Stakeholder and Contract Management

Define a strategic stakeholder management roadmap, and lead critical discussions and negotiations, addressing escalated issues or problems encountered

Strategy Planning

Level 5

Business and Project Management

Formulate the strategies and policies that are forward- looking and focuses on bottom line results

Business Needs Analysis

Level 4

Business and Project Management

Investigate existing business processes, evaluate requirements and define the scope for recommended solutions and programmes

Configuration Tracking

Level 4

Development and Implementation

Develop policies, processes and guidelines for the organisation's configuration management and tracking

Emerging Technology Synthesis

Level 4

Business and Project Management

Evaluate new and emerging technology and trends against the organisational needs and processes

Manpower Planning

Level 4

Business and Project Management

Conduct project level manpower forecasts to bridge gaps between manpower demand and supply, and facilitate development of recruitment strategies

People and Performance Management

Level 4

People Development

Develop performance management programmes

European Skills Framework

ESCO

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Career Paths from Data Architect

Explore related roles in Infocomm Technology that share similar skill requirements.

Will AI Threaten Your Job?

54
Low riskModerate RiskHigh risk

Most at risk

create data setsLDAPwrite database documentation

Most resilient

build business relationshipssystems theoryapply ICT systems theory
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Quick Facts

TrackData and AI
Core Skills3
Technical Skills20
Key Tasks21

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