Data Architect

Position Summary

Data Architect will lead the design and governance of our enterprise data architecture. This role will play a key part in shaping and optimizing how data flows through our organization—from SAP source systems through our cloud-native analytics platform, Databricks. You’ll be responsible for designing scalable, secure, and high-performing data models that serve as the foundation for analytics, reporting, and AI/ML initiatives across finance, supply chain, operations, and commercial domains.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Define and implement end-to-end data architecture standards, including data modeling, data integration, metadata management, and governance across the enterprise.
• Design scalable data models across Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers of a Databricks Lakehouse using Delta Lake and Unity Catalog and DLT.
• Lead data modeling efforts for critical business domains (e.g., finance, materials, logistics, customer) with deep understanding of SAP source systems such as ECC or S/4HANA (e.g., tables like ACDOCA, BKPF, BSEG, MARA, LIPS).
• Collaborate with data engineers to optimize ingestion and transformation processes across streaming and batch pipelines.
• Establish canonical models and semantic layers that power downstream BI tools and self-service analytics.
• Define and enforce data quality, data lineage, and data security policies in coordination with governance teams.
• Work with business stakeholders, product managers, and analysts to translate analytical use cases into high-quality data models and architecture patterns.
• Provide architecture oversight and best practices guidance on data integration tools (e.g., Fivetran), data cataloging, and performance optimization.
• Review and approve physical and logical data model changes across teams to ensure consistency and maintain architectural integrity.
• Partner with IT security and compliance teams to implement PHI/PPI/PII masking strategies and data access controls via Unity Catalog.
• Adheres specifically to all company policies and procedures, Federal and State regulations, and laws. 
• Display dedication to position responsibilities and achieve assigned goals and objectives.
• Always represent the Company in a professional manner and appearance.
• Understand and internalize the Company’s purpose,
• Display loyalty to the Company and its organizational values.
• Display enthusiasm and dedication to learning how to be more effective on the job and share knowledge with others.
• Work effectively with co-workers, internal and external customers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listen to and objectively consider ideas and suggestions from others; keep commitments; keep others informed of work progress, timetables, and issues; address problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions; address others by name, title, or other respectful identifier, and respect the diversity of our work force in actions, words, and deeds.
• Comply with the policies and procedures stated in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program by always working in a safe manner and immediately reporting any injury, safety hazard, or program violation.
• Ensure conduct is consistent with all Compliance Program Policies and procedures when engaging in any activity on behalf of the company. Immediately report any concerns or violations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree.

Required Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of SAP ERP data models, especially core financials, logistics, and materials domains.
• Expertise in dimensional modeling, star/snowflake schemas, and modern data warehousing patterns.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python, with the ability to guide data engineers on best practices.
• Strong understanding of data governance, lineage, and security frameworks.
• Ability to communicate architectural concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Knowledge:

• Exposure to SAP BW, S/4HANA CDS views, or native SAP data warehousing solutions.
• Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, or Looker and how they integrate with semantic models.
• Understanding of AI/ML and how architecture supports model deployment and data science workflows.

Required Experience:

• Must have seven (7) years [eleven (11) for non-degreed candidates] of experience in data architecture or data engineering, with a focus on enterprise-scale data.
• Strong hands-on experience with Databricks, including Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, and Lakehouse architecture.
• Proven experience in conceptual, logical, and physical data modeling using tools like ER/Studio, Erwin, Lucidchart, or dbt.
• Experience working in cloud environments such as Azure, AWS, or GCP.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with Fivetran, Informatica, or SAP data integration tools.
• Experience with data mesh principles and domain-oriented data product design.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across engineering, analytics, and business teams.
• Highly analytical, structured thinker with a passion for elegant, scalable solutions.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving clarity in complex environments.
• Must have strong organizational skills
• Must have a detail orientation and the proven ability to prioritize work
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills
• Must have the ability to work with limited supervision and as part of a team
• Sound decision-making abilities

Physical requirements

Vision, hearing, speech, movements requiring the use of wrists, hands and/or fingers. Must have the ability to view a computer screen for prolonged periods and the ability to sit for extended periods. Must have the ability to work the hours and days required to complete the essential functions of the position, as scheduled.  The employee occasionally lifts to 20 lbs. and occasionally kneels and bends. Must have the ability to travel occasionally. Working condition include normal office setting.

Mental Demands

Learning, thinking, concentration and the ability to work under pressure, particularly during busy times.   Must be able to pay close attention to detail and be able to work as a member of a team to ensure excellent customer service.  Must have the ability to interact effectively with co-workers and customers, and exercise self-control and diplomacy in customer and employee relations’ situations.  Must have the ability to exercise discretion as well as appropriate judgments when necessary.  Must be proactive in finding solutions.

Direct Reports

No

EEO Statement

FFF Enterprises and Nufactor are an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on the following characteristics: race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, age (40 years and over) qualified veteran and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment. These categories are defined according to Government Code section 12920. The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.