Job Description

EY GDS - Associate Director – Data Architect

As part of our EY-GDS AI & Data team, we help our clients solve complex business challenges with the help of data and technology. We dive deep into data to extract the greatest value and discover opportunities in key business and functions like Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Energy and Auto, Supply Chain, HR and Finance.

The opportunity

Looking for a senior, client-facing Data Architect responsible for engaging C suite stakeholders, translating complex business challenges into data-driven architectures, and leading the design of modern cloud-native data platforms. This role requires exceptional consultative ability, deep technical expertise, and proven experience in architecting large-scale enterprise data ecosystems.

Should have a strong sector knowledge in at least one sectors – Healthcare, Consumer, Energy, Manufacturing, Auto or TMT.

Your key responsibilities

Cloud & Data Platforms

• Deep pre-sales expertise across cloud ecosystems: Azure, AWS, GCP.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Azure Data Services – Synapse, ADF, ADB, Azure SQL, Data Lake, Microsoft Fabric
  • Proficient in Snowflake/Databricks
  • Programming – Python, PySpark, SQL
  • Streaming – Kafka, Event Hubs, Spark Streaming
  • BI Tools – Power BI, Tableau

Data Architecture Mastery

• Comprehensive knowledge of:
  • Modern Data Platform and AI ready Data
  • Data modelling (Dimensional, Data Vault), Ontologies
  • Metadata management, data observability, and governance
  • Performance tuning, optimization, and distributed compute

Leadership & Consulting

• Exceptional ability to bridge business and technology, advising executives on data strategy, modernization, and value creation.
• Strong communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience in leading large-scale enterprise data transformations.

AI & Advanced Analytics Exposure

• Familiarity with AI/ML platforms such as Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, Azure OpenAI.
• Understanding of how to architect AI-ready data and integrate ML/LLM features into data platforms.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Strong understanding of cloud ecosystems (Azure, AWS, GCP) and distributed computing paradigms.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Azure Data Services: Synapse, ADF, ADB, Azure SQL, Data Lake, Microsoft Fabric
  • Programming: Python, PySpark, SQL
  • Streaming: Kafka, Event Hubs, Spark Streaming
  • BI Tools: Power BI, Tableau
• Comprehensive applied knowledge of:
  • Data modelling (dimensional, vault)
  • Data governance, metadata management, and data observability
  • Performance tuning
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to bridge business and technical teams.
• Exposure to AI/ML platforms: Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, Azure OpenAI.

To Qualify for the Role, You Must Have

• Minimum 16+ years of industry experience, with 7+ years in data architecture and analytics.
• Proven experience in enterprise-grade solution implementations.
• Experience in working & managing global stakeholders.
• Should have driven significant business outcomes as a part of their role.
• Strong understanding and hands-on experience in data strategy, cloud-native architectures, and analytics modernization.
• Have deep Pre-sales experience leading and supporting deals
• Experience in responding to RFPs/RFIs, creating technical documentation, and leading solution design workshops.

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Pre-sales, client management skills.
• Experience in solutioning and pre-sales engagements.
• Exposure to data mesh principles and domain-oriented data product design.
• Familiarity with data fabric, data mesh and multi-cloud data strategies.
• Familiarity with real-time analytics

What we look for

• People with technical experience and enthusiasm to learn new things in this fast-moving environment

What working at EY offers

At EY, we’re dedicated to helping our clients, from start–ups to Fortune 500 companies — and the work we do with them is as varied as they are.

You get to work with inspiring and meaningful projects. Our focus is education and coaching alongside practical experience to ensure your personal development. We value our employees and you will be able to control your own development with an individual progression plan. You will quickly grow into a responsible role with challenging and stimulating assignments. Moreover, you will be part of an interdisciplinary environment that emphasizes high quality and knowledge exchange. Plus, we offer:

• Support, coaching and feedback from some of the most engaging colleagues around
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you