Data Architect Lead

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
WSP is a leading global engineering and professional services firm. We are a diverse and innovative team of over 55,000 people from various nationalities, united by our passion for creating sustainable and impactful solutions for our clients and communities. The Middle East Digital Team is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches to enhance our services and deliver exceptional value to our clients. We are now looking for a talented and passionate individual who shares our vision and wants to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team.
This role reports to the Head of Digital, Middle East & Africa.
We are seeking an experienced individual for the role of Data Architect Lead, responsible for shaping, designing and executing a cohesive data strategy and driving transformational improvements to our underlying data landscape across the Middle East organization.
Your new role, what's involved
As the Data Architect Lead, you will design, develop, and manage the data architecture that underpins WSP's AI and digital initiatives. You will collaborate closely with business stakeholders, design engineers, and developers to ensure our data infrastructure is scalable, reliable, and secure. Additionally, you will provide technical insights to advance AI initiatives across the group, utilizing the latest technologies and frameworks related to data management and architecture.
Key Success Factors:

• Present data strategies and technology solutions to drive transformational change in how we leverage and reuse data.
• Leverage a deep understanding of current technologies such as big data, data integration, data governance, cloud platforms, and data modeling tools.
• Contribute to proof-of-concept projects and define scaling plans across multiple technology domains.
• Apply subject matter expertise on data-led projects and demonstrate creativity and analytical skills in problem-solving.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of scalable data architectures and management systems, ensuring seamless integration across collaborative and enterprise platforms like SharePoint.
• Ensure efficient storage, accessibility, and security of our data assets, drawing on a strong background in data modeling and database management.

• Collaborate with the Information Security team to establish and enforce data management protocols, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with regional data residency requirements.
• Monitor data usage and compliance with organizational policies, developing data policies that cover access control, retention, and disaster recovery.

• Work with business units to translate client delivery data requirements into effective internal solutions.
• Conduct training and provide technical guidance on data management best practices.
• Stay informed on emerging data technologies to continually enhance our data architecture.

• Design and implement data architectures that support AI solutions using platforms like Azure, OpenAI, and TensorFlow.
• Develop data pipelines for generating and processing synthetic data, integrating cloud infrastructure for AI projects.
• Provide technical leadership to the AI & Innovation Accelerator team and evaluate new AI technologies that can enhance business performance.

• Senior Data Architect or Data Leader with at least 15 years of experience in Data Architecture, Management, and Integration.
• Strong communication skills in English and proven decision-making abilities.
• Comfort with ambiguity and an agile working style, fostering a collaborative approach.
• Experience in a Design Engineering environment is preferred.

• Over 15 years of experience in data architecture and management roles.
• In-depth knowledge of SharePoint architecture and experience with migration projects.
• Proficiency in SQL, ETL tools, and data warehousing; experience with PowerBI is a plus.
• Familiarity with AutoDesk AEC platform and experience in implementing data governance frameworks.
• Microsoft certifications in SharePoint or Azure Data Engineer are advantageous.

• 5+ years of experience designing AI solutions using relevant platforms and tools.
• Strong background in data science, machine learning, or AI, particularly with generative models.
• Knowledge of AWS and Azure AI/ML services, as well as proficiency in Python and its libraries.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.