Lead Data Architect

We are looking for a seasoned Snowflake Tech Lead / Architect with over 9 years of experience in data engineering and cloud-based data platforms. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing scalable, secure, and high-performance data architectures leveraging Snowflake. This position requires a deep understanding of data warehousing, cloud integration, and advanced data engineering practices to deliver robust enterprise solutions.

Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement scalable, secure, and cost-effective data architectures using Snowflake.
- Develop and optimize data warehouse solutions, data models, and complex SQL queries to ensure high performance.
- Build and maintain robust ETL/ELT pipelines supporting both batch and near-real-time data processing.
- Integrate data from diverse sources including databases, APIs, cloud storage, and enterprise applications.
- Optimize Snowflake query performance, warehouse utilization, and manage credit consumption efficiently.
- Implement data governance policies, security protocols, role-based access controls, data masking, and maintain data quality standards.
- Integrate Snowflake with various cloud platforms, data orchestration tools, and analytics solutions.
- Establish best practices for data architecture, coding standards, CI/CD pipelines, and deployment automation.
- Lead technical design reviews, troubleshoot complex data engineering challenges, and mentor data engineering teams.
- Collaborate closely with business stakeholders and cross-functional teams to translate requirements into effective technical solutions.
- Prepare and maintain architecture diagrams, technical specifications, and comprehensive implementation documentation.
- Work alongside data engineers, analytics teams, DevOps, and business units to deliver end-to-end data solutions.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 9 years of relevant experience in data warehousing and enterprise data solutions.
- Strong hands-on expertise in Snowflake architecture, development, and administration.
- Mandatory Snowflake certification, preferably SnowPro Advanced: Data Engineer or an equivalent advanced Snowflake certification.
- Advanced proficiency in SQL, including query optimization and complex data transformations.
- Solid understanding of data warehousing concepts, dimensional modeling, star and snowflake schemas, as well as data lake and lakehouse architectures.
- Proven experience designing and implementing ETL/ELT pipelines and large-scale data integration solutions.
- Hands-on experience with batch processing, incremental data loads, Change Data Capture (CDC), and data quality management.
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
- Experience with data orchestration and transformation tools like dbt, Airflow, Matillion, Informatica, or similar technologies.
- Strong knowledge of data security, governance, access controls, and enterprise data management practices.
- Experience working with Git, CI/CD pipelines, automated deployments, and software development best practices.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Exposure to Snowpark, Python programming, and advanced data processing frameworks.
- Familiarity with data observability, monitoring, lineage tracking, and automated data testing.
- Experience leading Snowflake migration projects from on-premises data warehouses or other cloud data platforms.
- Comfortable working in Agile delivery environments and managing technical deliverables.

Location: This role is based in Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi.

This opportunity is ideal for a technical leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about driving innovation in cloud data platforms. The role offers the chance to lead complex projects and collaborate with diverse teams to shape the future of enterprise data architecture.