Lead Data Architect (m/f/x/d, hybrid set up)

About Swiss Re Corporate Solutions

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is the commercial insurance arm of the Swiss Re Group. We provide innovative insurance solutions to large and midsized multinational corporations worldwide, helping our clients manage risk and build resilience in an increasingly complex world.

As part of our ambition to become a data-driven commercial insurer, we are strengthening our Data Architecture capability to support strategic business transformation, modern data platforms, and enterprise-wide data governance.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Architect to act as the senior Design Authority within the Corporate Solutions Data Architecture team.

Reporting to the Head of Data Architecture & Data Engineering, this role provides architectural leadership across a globally distributed team of Data Architects and Data Modellers. The Lead Data Architect is responsible for ensuring the consistent application of architecture standards, reviewing and assuring solution designs, and providing guidance on complex cross-domain data architecture challenges.

The role combines strong business engagement, architecture governance, conceptual, logical and physical modelling expertise, and deep knowledge of modern data platforms. Working closely with business, technology, and governance stakeholders, the Lead Data Architect will help ensure that strategic initiatives deliver scalable, governed, and reusable data solutions.

The role is strategically located in Zurich to enable close collaboration with key stakeholders across Group Data Services (GDS), CorSo Data Governance, CorSo Operational Model Excellence (OMEX), Data & Technology Finance (DT Finance), Business Architecture, and strategic Digital & Technology product teams.

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.
• Act as delegated Design Authority for Data Architecture across Corporate Solutions.
• Review and assure solution architectures, data models, integration designs, and solution contracts against established architecture principles and standards.
• Provide architectural guidance and decision support for complex business and technology initiatives.
• Manage and promote Data Architecture artefacts (Canonical Model, Physical Models, Data Catalogue, Domain Data flows, Master Data and Meta Data management). Driving consistency and reuse across data architecture deliverables.

• Coordinate architecture activities across business domains including Customer, Underwriting, Claims, Finance, Reserving, and Operations to embed data quality, lineage, metadata management, cataloguing, and observability into architectural designs.
• Ensure consistency of conceptual, logical, canonical, and physical data models across domains.
• Partner with CorSo Data Governance, OMEX, and Group Data Services to ensure compliance with data governance standards and governance frameworks.

About the Team

The Data Architecture team plays a critical role in enabling Corporate Solutions' ambition to become a data-driven commercial insurer.

The team is responsible for ensuring consistent, scalable, and governed data architecture across the insurance value chain, supporting underwriting, claims, finance, operations, customer management, and strategic transformation initiatives.

Working closely with Data Engineering, Data Governance, Business Architecture, and Product teams, the function provides the architectural foundation that enables trusted, accessible, and high-quality data across Corporate Solutions.

About You

You are a highly experienced Data Architect with a strong track record of delivering enterprise-scale data architecture solutions in complex organisations. You are equally comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, reviewing solution designs, and coaching other architects.

You bring a pragmatic approach to architecture, balancing governance and standards with delivery outcomes and business value.

Demonstrable interest in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI technologies to improve Data Architecture practices, including data modelling, documentation, architecture governance, metadata management, and design productivity.

Required Experience

• Minimum 10+ years in Data Architecture, Information Architecture, or Enterprise Data Management, 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 and analytical thinker.
• Strong communicator and collaborator.
• Influential without relying on formal authority.
• Passionate about data and architecture excellence.

• Committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, global environment.

For Switzerland the base salary range for this position is between CHF 128,000 and CHF 192,000 (for a full-time role). The specific salary offered considers:

• the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role,
• the applicant’s own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialisation, skills and experience.

In the situation where you do not meet all the requirements or you significantly exceed these, the offered salary may be below or above the advertised range.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for additional rewards and benefits including an attractive performance-based bonus

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

Swiss Re is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, pregnancy, sexual orientations, marital status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Decisions on employment are based solely on an individual's qualifications for the position.

During the recruitment process, reasonable accommodation for disabilities are available upon request. If contacted for an interview, please inform the Recruiter/HR Professional of the accommodation needed.