Lead Data Architect

Description

This position may be worked on-site in Minnesota or North Dakota, or remotely from Texas, Illinois, or South Dakota. 

The Data Architect job family is responsible for designing, documenting, and evolving the data structures, models, standards, and architecture patterns that enable trusted, secure, and scalable use of data across the organization. Roles within this family partner closely with technology, analytics, risk, compliance, and business stakeholders to translate business needs into practical data solutions that support reporting, operations, decision-making, regulatory expectations, and long-term data strategy. As levels progress, responsibilities expand from supporting defined data architecture activities to leading complex initiatives, influencing enterprise standards, advising senior stakeholders, and advancing organizational data maturity.

Lead Data Architect 

• Own enterprise data architecture, standards, and design patterns.
• Lead architecture and solution design for the Azure Data Platform and Databricks ecosystem.
• Implement data governance, security, data quality, integration, and performance standards in alignment with enterprise governance requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Data Engineers.
• Serve as the backup and escalation point for the Data Engineering team.
• Participate in the design, development, and review of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and platform enhancements.
• Drive platform modernization, AI readiness, scalability, resiliency, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Partner with business and technology stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable, secure, and maintainable data solutions.
• Ensure data platform solutions adhere to regulatory, security, architecture, and governance requirements established by the appropriate oversight functions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend enhancements to improve data platform capabilities, engineering efficiency, and business value delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or Data Platform Engineering, including 5+ years designing and implementing enterprise-scale cloud data platforms.
• Strong hands-on expertise with Azure Data Services, Databricks, Spark, Python, SQL, ETL/ELT frameworks, and modern lakehouse/data warehouse architectures.
• Proven experience leading technical teams, implementing data governance and security controls, and delivering scalable data solutions in a regulated environment, preferably within banking or financial services.

Preferred Experience

• Financial services or banking industry experience.
• Experience with Snowflake, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, AI/ML platforms, and real-time data streaming technologies.
• Azure certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Data Engineer Associate, or Databricks certifications.
• Experience leading enterprise data modernization, cloud migration, or AI enablement initiatives.

Travel Requirement 

This position requires some travel to support business needs, including team collaboration, internal trainings, and cross-functional initiatives. The frequency and duration of travel will vary based on organizational priorities and team needs. 

Choice is #PeopleFirst, banking second.  

People don’t need just another bank. People need to be supported by a team of trusted partners who will get to know them and their business, understand their challenges, discover their dreams, and recognize the success in bringing people and banking together in our communities. 

In contributing to our culture, Choice team members are guided by our core values. 

• Embrace change and encourage innovation. 
• Know when to ask for help and know when to offer help. 
• Better the places we live. 
• Work hard. Do the right thing. Have a little fun. 

Our vision of Diversity at Choice is supported by our #PeopleFirst mission and our core values. 

Being #PeopleFirst means that Choice is committed to focusing attention and resources towards creating an environment where everyone feels respected and valued and can do their best work. Doing the right thing means encouraging employees to share their experiences and ideas, and to bring their whole authentic selves to work. Together, we can build an inclusive culture that seeks out, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We can use our diversity to fuel creativity and innovation and bring us closer to our customers and the communities we serve. Be welcome at Choice. We can see you here. 

Disclosure 

This job description is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  

All employment at Choice Financial Group is “at will” employment. This position description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. 

The base salary for this role is listed below. This pay range is posted to comply with wage transparency laws. The base salary may vary based on skill, ability, knowledge, experience, and geographic location. Full-time employees are also eligible for a competitive bonus and benefits package.