Principal, Enterprise Data Architect

$156,500 - $273,700/Yr

Vizient - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Senior

Chicago, IL

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Principal, Enterprise Data Architect role at Vizient, Inc. is designed for an experienced professional who will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise data architecture. This position focuses on creating scalable data pipelines, governance frameworks, and high-performance analytics, while integrating advanced AI/ML technologies. The architect will work collaboratively with various teams to ensure data-driven innovation and compliance with data regulations.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, reliable, and high-performance enterprise data architectures that align with organizational goals.
• Create and maintain a strategic roadmap for data systems, ensuring compliance with data governance, security, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain data governance frameworks that ensure the integrity, privacy, and security of organizational data.
• Lead initiatives to ensure compliance with data regulations (e.g., HIPPA).
• Oversee complex data engineering practices, including ETL/ELT processes, data pipelines, and integration strategies for real-time and batch data processing.
• Develop and maintain enterprise-wide data models, schemas, and metadata repositories to enable cross-functional access and usability.
• Architect and optimize cloud-based data solutions on platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Leverage Databricks to enhance data engineering workflows, ensuring scalability and efficiency in handling big data environments.
• Lead the integration of AI and ML technologies into the data infrastructure.
• Provide guidance on best practices for deploying and scaling machine learning models, including Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Continuously evaluate and optimize data systems for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
• Implement innovative solutions to support advanced analytics, big data, and real-time processing needs.
• Collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and business leaders to ensure alignment on data architecture and technical solutions.
• Provide technical leadership across the organization, promoting data-centric decision-making.
• Mentor and guide junior data architects and engineers.
• Stay ahead of emerging industry trends and technologies to continuously innovate the organization's data architecture.
• Develop comprehensive documentation for data architecture strategies, governance practices, and engineering workflows.
• Clearly communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Relevant degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Management Information Systems or a related field preferred.
• Master's degree desired.
• 10 or more years of experience required in enterprise data architecture and data engineering.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing large-scale data solutions for cloud and hybrid environments.
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience working with Microsoft Azure cloud data and application technologies.
• Databricks data platform experience is strongly desired.
• Knowledge of data governance, data lifecycle management, and compliance regulations (e.g., HIPPA).
• Hands-on experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark) and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, and other relevant programming languages.
• Experience with data warehousing, data lakes, and advanced analytics tools.
• Familiarity with AI/ML ecosystems and the ability to support their integration within the data infrastructure.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with a proven track record of guiding teams through complex technical challenges.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on innovative and effective solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Certifications in relevant technologies or methodologies (Azure, Databricks) is highly desirable.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with other cloud platforms and data technologies as a substitute for Azure and Databricks.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan including health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Incentive eligibility based on performance.