South Africa: Data Architect

JOB DESCRIPTION: Job Title: Data Architect (Data Modelling) Employment Type: 1 Year Contract Work Location: Remote JOB CONTEXT: We’re on the lookout for a Data Architecht who thrives in a high-performance, fast-paced technology environment. In this role you will drive the creation and continuous evolution of enterprise-grade dimensional models using Kimball best practices, crafting intuitive fact tables, dimensions, conformed dimensions, and smart surrogate key strategies that power meaningful analytics. Youll ensure these models are finely tuned for peak performance on Amazon Redshift , optimizing distribution styles, sort keys, and query patterns so insights are delivered quickly and efficiently. Youll also take ownership of reviewing and elevating existing modelsrefactoring them to improve usability, boost performance, and support future growth across the organization. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Senior Data Modelling & Design Lead the design and maintenance of enterprise-grade dimensional models using Kimball standards. Design fact tables, dimensions, conformed dimensions, and surrogate key strategies. Ensure models are optimized for Redshift performance (distribution styles, sort keys, query patterns). Review and refactor existing models to improve usability, performance, and scalability. Hands-on SQL & Redshift Expertise Write and optimize complex SQL queries on Amazon Redshift for analysis, validation, and performance tuning. Profile source data to validate assumptions and inform modelling decisions. Support downstream analytics and BI teams with query optimization and model usage guidance. Partner with data engineers and analysts to align modelling decisions with ELT implementation. Stakeholder Engagement & Workshops Facilitate requirements and modelling workshops with business stakeholders and data knowledge workers. Translate business concepts, KPIs, and metrics into well-defined dimensional structures. Act as a trusted advisor to business and analytics teams on data interpretation and usage. Communicate complex data concepts clearly to non-technical audiences. Data Quality, Governance & Standards Define and enforce modelling standards, naming conventions, and design patterns. Document data definitions, business rules, and assumptions. Support data lineage, impact analysis, and enterprise data consistency. Contribute data governance and best-practice frameworks. Leadership & Mentorship Provide guidance and mentoring to junior modelers and analysts. Review data models and SQL developed by others. Influence architectural and design decisions across the data platform. QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS; Relevant qualification in a related field, e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Business Analytics, Information Management. 8 10 years experience within a Data role. Telecommunications experience 5 years experience. Banking experience 5 years experience. Experience with AWS data ecosystem (S3, Glue, Athena, etc.). Familiarity with BI tools and semantic layers. Exposure to data governance, metadata, or data catalog tools. Experience in Agile / product-oriented data teams. MANDATORY SKILLS REQUIRED: Core Expertise: Extensive experience in enterprise data warehousing. Advanced expertise in Kimball dimensional modelling. Proven experience designing models used at scale across multiple business domains. Strong understanding of analytical and reporting use cases. Technical & Querying Skills: Advanced SQL skills , with a strong focus on Amazon Redshift and other data/analytic platforms. Experience optimizing queries for performance in columnar data warehouses. Strong data profiling and validation skills. Solid understanding of ELT/ETL processes and data pipelines. Stakeholder & Communication Skills: Proven ability to run effective modelling and requirements workshops. Experience working closely with data knowledge workers , analysts, and decision-makers. Ability to challenge requirements constructively and propose better modelling approaches. Beneficial Skills Experience with AWS data ecosystem (S3, Glue, Athena, etc.). Familiarity with BI tools and semantic layers. Exposure to data governance, metadata, or data catalog tools. Experience in Agile / product-oriented data teams. PACKAGE & REMUNERATION: Compensation will be determined based on qualifications, applicable banking experience, and previous earnings.