Data Solutions Architect

Job Title

Data Solutions Architect (Microsoft Fabric & Databricks)

Area

Gauteng, CT or Durban

Work Arrangement

Hybrid/ Remote

Salary

R75k - R85k Dep on Exp.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Data Solutions Architect to design and guide the delivery of modern enterprise data platforms using Microsoft Fabric and Databricks. This role combines technical architecture, client engagement, and strategic input to help organisations build scalable, secure, and high-performing data ecosystems.

The position is a hybrid role that blends:

• Delivery of billable architecture and solution design for client projects
• Pre-sales and business development collaboration
• Participation in data strategy and advisory engagements

You will work closely with the Head of Business Development and Head of Data Strategy to shape client solutions, support proposal development, and architect platforms that drive real business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Design scalable lakehouse architectures leveraging Microsoft Fabric and Databricks
• Develop end-to-end data platform architectures covering ingestion, storage, processing, and consumption
• Implement medallion architecture patterns for structured data pipelines
• Define semantic models and data consumption layers for analytics and reporting
• Architect data platforms across Azure and AWS cloud environments
• Define networking, identity, and platform security structures
• Implement Infrastructure-as-Code solutions using Terraform / Terragrunt
• Design CI/CD processes to support modern data engineering practices

Security, Governance & Compliance

• Develop role-based access control frameworks for enterprise data environments
• Structure and implement Unity Catalog governance models
• Establish data classification and governance standards
• Ensure alignment with organisational security and compliance policies

Integration & Data Flow Design

• Design integration frameworks connecting enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM, SaaS platforms, and APIs
• Architect real-time and event-driven data pipelines

Pre-Sales & Client Strategy

• Participate in client discovery and requirements workshops
• Translate business needs into robust architectural designs
• Contribute to RFP responses and solution proposals
• Support effort estimation, sizing, and commercial planning
• Present architecture approaches and technical strategies to senior stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's degree in one of the following or a related discipline:

• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Data Science
• Information Technology
• Business Analytics
• Data Management

Experience

• 8-12+ years designing and delivering enterprise-scale data platforms
• Demonstrated experience building lakehouse architectures
• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and/or Databricks
• Advanced experience working with Azure cloud services (AWS exposure beneficial)
• Experience using Terraform or other Infrastructure-as-Code frameworks
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

Preferred Experience

• Consulting or professional services background
• Participation in pre-sales activities or RFP responses
• Experience working with large enterprise organisations
• Deep understanding of medallion architecture patterns
• Experience implementing DevOps and CI/CD pipelines for data platforms