Enterprise Data Architect

Senior Enterprise Data Architect Client:Fortune 500 Utility Client Location:Houston, TX Employment Type:Contract to hire – hybrid Job Summary The Senior Enterprise Data Architect defines and drives the enterprise-wide data architecture vision, strategy, and framework to support the client's business objectives. This role focuses on building a robust data foundation by collaborating with business stakeholders, data product teams, and IT partners to ensure data solutions deliver business value and align with strategic goals. The architect establishes data governance standards, data models, and integration patterns to enable scalable, secure, and efficient enterprise-wide data solutions. Additionally, this role provides thought leadership on emerging technologies, leads proof-of-concept initiatives, and guides teams to foster reusability and consistency across data design and delivery. Success in this role requires strategic vision, deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to translate business needs into impactful data architecture. Key Responsibilities · Define and maintain enterprise data architecture strategy, including data models, integration frameworks, governance standards, and lifecycle management. · Collaborate with business stakeholders and data product teams to translate requirements into technical data solutions aligned with business goals. · Develop and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models to ensure consistency and scalability across the organization. · Establish and enforce data governance processes to address quality, security, compliance, and metadata management needs. · Lead architectural reviews to ensure adherence to data standards, best practices, and enterprise policies. · Optimize the data landscape by reducing redundancies, improving integration, and enhancing accessibility and quality. · Promote reuse of data assets, schemas, and integration patterns to improve efficiency and accelerate delivery. · Evaluate emerging data technologies (e.g., cloud-native data platforms, AI-driven analytics, real-time processing) through proof-of-concept initiatives to inform strategy. · Manage enterprise data architecture tools and repositories (e.g., data catalogs, metadata management platforms) to support governance and discovery. · Guide and align data product teams and solution architects to ensure consistent application of architecture strategy. · Drive the Data Architecture Community of Practice to share best practices, promote innovation, and foster collaboration. · Develop and document data architecture standards and guidelines to support solution design across teams. · Communicate strategic data themes and business drivers clearly to technical and non-technical audiences. · Manage the data portfolio, identifying platform upgrade needs, training opportunities, and new technology implementations. · Support CenterPoint’s Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) by ensuring data availability and integrity during critical operations. Education & Certifications · Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field required; Master’s preferred. · TOGAF certification required. Experience & Skills · 12+ years of IT experience, including at least 7 years in data architecture or enterprise data management roles. · Deep expertise in data architecture, data modeling, governance, and integration standards. · Proven ability to collaborate across business units, data engineering, security, and infrastructure teams to deliver integrated solutions. · Strong knowledge of cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their strengths and limitations in enterprise data architecture. · Experience with data management tools (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Alation) and data modeling tools (e.g., ERwin, PowerDesigner). · Familiarity with data governance frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, or industry-specific regulations). · Understanding of change management, release management, and data lifecycle management processes. · Strong analytical skills and the ability to resolve complex data challenges and guide strategic decisions. · Experience in the electric and gas utility sector or other regulated industries is highly advantageous. Brooksource provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Job Types: Contract, Temp-to-hire Pay: $62.00 - $70.00 per hour Benefits: • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Vision insurance Work Location: Hybrid remote in Houston, TX 77001