Lead Data Architect (Contract)Location: Brussels (2 days on-site / 3 days remote)Duration: 12 months (long-term engagement)Rate: Competitive (market-aligned)Client: Leading Banking InstitutionOverviewWe're supporting a major banking client in Brussels looking to bring in a Lead Data Architect to play a key role in shaping and evolving their data landscape. This is a hands-on leadership position, working across business and technology to define architecture, guide delivery teams, and ensure data is being used effectively, securely, and at scale.What you'll be doingDefine and own the data architecture strategy across multiple domainsWork closely with senior stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable data solutionsLead the design of modern data platforms (cloud, hybrid, and on-prem where required)Set standards around data modelling, governance, and integrationGuide engineering teams on best practices and architectural directionOversee data flows across critical banking systems, ensuring performance and reliabilityContribute to data governance frameworks, including quality, lineage, and securitySupport ongoing transformation initiatives, including modernisation of legacy environmentsWhat they're looking forProven experience as a Data Architect in complex, enterprise environments (ideally within financial services)Strong background in data modelling, integration, and architecture frameworksExperience working with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS or GCP) in a data contextSolid understanding of data governance, security, and regulatory considerationsAbility to operate at both strategic and hands-on levelsStrong stakeholder management skills – comfortable engaging with senior business and IT leadersExperience leading or mentoring teams is a plusTech environment (indicative)Modern data platforms (cloud-based and hybrid)ETL / ELT pipelinesData warehousing / lakehouse conceptsAPI and event-driven architecturesWhy this role?Long-term programme within a stable, high-profile banking environmentOpportunity to shape architecture decisions at scaleHybrid setup with flexibilityStrong day rate aligned to market