Lead Data Architecture

About the Role 

As the Lead Data Architect, you will be responsible for supporting the companies' ambition to become a data driven commercial insurer. You will lead the design and delivery of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions’ data architecture strategy. Working closely with business and technical stakeholders to establish common data standards, democratise data assets, drive simplification of the integration landscape, and enhance data governance capabilities. The role combines team leadership with hands-on expertise in enterprise canonical modelling, physical model design, data architecture, principal definition, and governance.  

The role partners closely with technology, analytics, security, and business leaders to translate strategic objectives into a coherent, future-proof data architecture. You will need strong analytical and conceptual thinking, with the ability to recognize competing requirements and constraints, to balance and negotiate trade-offs. 

The role is very much focused on constantly improving the data landscape aimed at democratizing our data assets.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and mentor a team of data architects across the globe to contribute to long-term objectives to democratise data for business and technical consumption and reduce technical debt. 

• Manage and promote Data Architecture artefacts (Canonical Model, Physical Models, Data Catalogue, Domain Data flows, Master Data and Meta Data management)  

• Embed data quality, lineage, cataloguing, and observability into architectural designs.  

• Improve operational rigor with clarified standards and principles (SOPs, audit robustness, development/design standards, testing, release management, incident management). 

• Establish and enforce data architecture standards, reference architectures, and design patterns. 

• Engage Data Architecture across multiple topics, from Data Integration and Data Analytics to AI 

• Collaborate with Data Governance teams to run frameworks and best practices, improving data quality and issue management. 

• End-to-end data analysis, from business analysis and data modeling through to data quality assurance, on major global programs in a fast-moving Agile environment. 

• Complex SQL-based data analysis. 

• Create full transparency of data for customers to know what is available and how to use it. 

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10+ years in data architecture roles, with at least 2 years in team lead positions. 

• Expert in conceptual, logical, and physical data modelling; experience with CASE tools (e.g., SAP Sybase PowerDesigner). 

• Hands-on experience designing and building modern data architecture, including data warehouse, Lakehouse and end-to-end enterprise data platforms. 

• Strong knowledge of SQL or PySpark for complex data analysis  

• Experience in SDLC and Agile/SCRUM environments. 

• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders. 

• Experience in information & data governance and regulatory compliance requirements.  

• Experience with modern data platforms (Palantir Foundry, Databricks, Snowflake, or similar enterprise-scale solutions) 

• Industry experience in Insurance/Re-Insurance is highly desirable. 

• Proven track record of delivering results and impact in complex, global environments. 

Personal Attributes 

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills. 

• Collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, global environment. 

• Commitment to innovation and breaking down silos to enable a data-driven culture. 

• Dedication, flexibility, and openness to continuous learning. 

• Comfort operating in ambiguity and large-scale transformation environments 

Why Join Us? 

This is an opportunity to shape the future of data architecture at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, enabling our ambition to become a truly data-driven commercial insurer. You will work in a dynamic, global environment that values curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration. 

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations