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
AdvancedInteracting with Others
Communication
AdvancedInteracting with Others
Transdisciplinary Thinking
AdvancedThinking Critically
SkillsFuture Skill Levels
3 levelsBasic
Recognise and understand fundamental concepts. Apply skills in routine situations with guidance.
Intermediate
Apply skills in varied situations independently. Analyse problems and adapt approaches as needed.
Advanced
Lead and innovate in complex situations. Evaluate strategies, guide teams, and drive improvements.
Technical Skills & Competencies (TSC) Levels
6 levelsFollow
Carry out routine tasks under close supervision. Follow established procedures and guidelines.
Assist
Perform tasks with some independence. Assist in non-routine situations and apply established techniques.
Apply
Apply skills and knowledge independently in varied situations. Analyse problems and adapt approaches.
Analyse
Analyse complex situations and develop solutions. Guide and mentor junior colleagues.
Strategise
Set strategic direction and drive innovation. Evaluate trade-offs and make high-impact decisions.
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 6Governance and Compliance
Drive professional, legal and ethical accountability and responsibility within and across organisations
Data Governance
Level 6Governance 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 6Strategy 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 6Business 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 6Development and Implementation
Establish an integration strategy and a clear vision for an integrated ICT architectural design.
Change Management
Level 5Business 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 5Development and Implementation
Design advanced statistical and computational models, and spearhead the application of algorithms and modelling techniques to new domains
Data Design
Level 5Design 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 5Development 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 5Operations 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 5People Development
Drive employee developmental programmes in alignment to business needs
Quality Standards
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Establish and control quality expectations in line with organisation directions and selected benchmarks
Security Architecture
Level 5Design 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 5Stakeholder and Contract Management
Define a strategic stakeholder management roadmap, and lead critical discussions and negotiations, addressing escalated issues or problems encountered
Strategy Planning
Level 5Business and Project Management
Formulate the strategies and policies that are forward- looking and focuses on bottom line results
Business Needs Analysis
Level 4Business and Project Management
Investigate existing business processes, evaluate requirements and define the scope for recommended solutions and programmes
Configuration Tracking
Level 4Development and Implementation
Develop policies, processes and guidelines for the organisation's configuration management and tracking
Emerging Technology Synthesis
Level 4Business and Project Management
Evaluate new and emerging technology and trends against the organisational needs and processes
Manpower Planning
Level 4Business 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 4People Development
Develop performance management programmes
European Skills Framework
ESCOSkills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential
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