Enterprise Data Architect

The Enterprise Data Architect (EDA) defines and evolves the organization’s end‑to‑end data architecture, ensuring that data assets, platforms, and flows are governed, structured, and leveraged in a consistent and secure way. He/She bridges business strategy, data governance, security, and technology by setting the principles, guardrails, standards, and data operating frameworks that shape how data is created, shared, integrated, and consumed across the company.

As part of the Enterprise Architecture team — working alongside Business, Application, Data & Technology (incl. Security) Architects — the EDA acts as a trusted advisor to management and a key connector across domains.

The EDA ensures architectural alignment in critical programs and provides the frameworks and enabling guardrails for documenting, managing, and maintaining the organization's conceptual and logical data assets.

He/She works closely with Business stakeholders, the Architecture community, the CISO, and Data Governance & Analytics teams to drive data architecture maturity, establish clear roadmaps, and embed data security, quality, and compliance throughout the enterprise.

Your Mission

Build a coherent, secure, and future‑ready enterprise data architecture that enables trustworthy data, analytics at scale, and consistent information interoperability across the business.

You will:

1) Set & Socialize Data Architecture Frameworks and Guardrails

• Define and maintain enterprise data architecture standards, reference models, and reusable data patterns (conceptual/logical models, canonical definitions, data flows, lineage).

• Establish guardrails, principles, and guidelines for data modelling, data exchange, documentation, and platform usage.

• Translate data strategy into practical playbooks, templates, and guidance that business and IT teams can adopt consistently.

• Ensure data security, privacy, and compliance are embedded by design in all data-related architectures.

2) Lead Data Architecture Governance & Alignment

• Contribute to and help run the architecture validation framework, ensuring data decisions align with enterprise principles.

• Drive consistent alignment between Data Governance, CISO and Enterprise Architecture governance.

• Participate in enterprise governance processes covering both technology and business aspects of data architecture.

• Provide early architectural guidance and perform effective challenge in major programs to ensure adherence to the target state.

3) Own and Drive Data Roadmaps

• Define and maintain multi‑year roadmaps for all data-related capabilities (data platforms, analytics, data governance, quality, MDM, metadata, integration).

• Identify data architecture opportunities across different domains and propose actionable improvements.

• Ensure data‑related initiatives align with enterprise vision, long-term architecture, and platform strategy.

4) Data Asset Management & Documentation

• Define and maintain the approach on the conceptual and logical data models, data glossary, and enterprise data asset inventory.

• Provide guardrails and oversee the implementation of documentation standards, ensuring clear definitions, lineage, ownership, and relationships across data objects.

• Promote consistency in information concepts across domains, enabling reusable APIs, analytics, and integration patterns.

5) Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong partnerships across IT, Business, Security, Data Governance, and Analytics teams to ensure alignment on data architectural standards and practices.

• Act as a key partner to the Data Science community, supporting trustworthy data foundations and staying informed on analytical and AI evolution.

• Foster a collaborative architecture culture by sharing insights, patterns, and best practices across teams.

Requirements

Who You Are

An experienced data‑oriented architect who can connect strategy, governance, and technology, and guide teams toward a secure and coherent enterprise‑wide data landscape.

Experience

• University degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Management, Engineering, or related fields.

• 7-10 years of experience, with significant exposure to enterprise data architecture, data management, or analytics platforms.

• Experience with enterprise‑level data initiatives, governance, and modelling across complex organizations.

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of Enterprise and Data Architecture concepts, frameworks, and best practices.

• Deep familiarity with Data Platforms & Analytics technologies (Azure, SAP, etc.).

• Expertise in data modelling, conceptual/logical design, data flows, lineage, and enterprise data models.

• Knowledge of TOGAF, DAMA DMBOK, BIZBOK and their application in enterprise environments.

• Understanding of Business Capabilities, Value Streams, and processes and their relationship to data.

• Experience with modelling tools (ArchiMate; ARIS preferred).

Soft Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills (Languages: Dutch or French, and English)

• Energetic, engaging, and outcome‑oriented.

• Able to collaborate effectively across teams, challenge constructively, and bring clarity to complex discussions.

Our offer

At SNCB, you’ll join an open corporate culture and contribute to our digital transformation. You’ll work in a role with real social impact and plenty of room to make your own mark. Alongside a healthy work-life balance and a competitive salary, we offer:

• hybrid working, with a balanced weekly mix of office and remote work, combined with flexible hours

• 35 days of annual leave

• a mobility package with a company car (also available via our mobility plan) or alternative mobility choices, complemented by a public transport season ticket

• a target bonus

• a comprehensive insurance package, with hospitalisation and dental care for the whole family

• coverage of outpatient medical costs

• group insurance, including a supplementary pension (cafeteria plan)

• meal vouchers & eco vouchers

• net allowances for hybrid working and an internet allowance