Director, Google Cloud Data Architect

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Google Cloud Data Architect to lead the design, optimization, and strategy of enterprise data solutions for CME on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This role requires a deep understanding of the end-to-end data ecosystem, including operational and analytical stores, AI/ML integration, data lifecycle management, compliance, cost optimization, and modern cloud-native tools. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership and ensure alignment between data strategies and business objectives.

This is a hybrid job and will require being in the office a minimum of 2 days a week.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and oversee enterprise-scale data architectures leveraging GCP services such as BigQuery, Dataflow, Cloud Storage, and Pub/Sub, Vertex AI, etc., ensuring performance, scalability, and security.
2. Provide strategic guidance on cloud-native tools and workflows, with familiarity in Kubernetes, Terraform, Kubernetes Configuration Controller (KCC), Argo Workflows, and CICD frameworks.
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate data workflows with operational and analytical stores, ensuring system interoperability and reliability.
4. Design and implement AI/ML pipelines, integrating advanced analytics into the data ecosystem for predictive and prescriptive insights.
5. Assess and adopt new GCP services and modern technologies to enhance the organization's data capabilities and future-proof the architecture.
6. Develop and enforce strategies for data lifecycle management, including retention, archival, and disposal, ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory standards. Full understanding of data catalog.
7. Lead cost optimization initiatives to maximize resource efficiency and eliminate waste across the data platform.
8. Establish and promote best practices for data quality, metadata management, lineage tracking, and security, ensuring robust data governance.
9. Support teams in implementing coding best practices using Python, Java, or similar languages for architectural assessment and optimization.
10. Apply a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and application stacks to align data architecture with enterprise systems and solutions.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
2. 10+ years of experience in data architecture or engineering, with at least 3+ years of hands-on experience with GCP.
3. Strong understanding of Kubernetes, Terraform, KCC, Argo Workflows, and CICD frameworks to evaluate and guide implementation strategies.
4. Expertise in key GCP services like BigQuery, Cloud SQL, IAM, KMS, GKE, GCS, Pub/Sub, Vertex AI, etc.
5. Strong understanding of Data Governance, Data Security and Data Lifecycle management.
6. Strong programming skills in Python, Java, or similar languages.
7. Robust understanding of operational and analytical data stores and their integration within the enterprise ecosystem.
8. Robust understanding of semantic layer with tools like Looker, Tableau.
9. Experience in evaluating emerging technologies and aligning them with organizational goals.
10. Strong knowledge of SDLC processes, data lifecycle management, and governance frameworks.
11. Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer or Cloud Architect certification preferred.

Key Competencies:

1. Analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on scalability and efficiency.
2. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to engage effectively with technical and business teams.
3. Proven ability to guide and influence cross-functional teams to deliver strategic outcomes.