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 Institution
Overview
We’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 doing
* Define and own the data architecture strategy across multiple domains
* Work closely with senior stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable data solutions
* Lead the design of modern data platforms (cloud, hybrid, and on-prem where required)
* Set standards around data modelling, governance, and integration
* Guide engineering teams on best practices and architectural direction
* Oversee data flows across critical banking systems, ensuring performance and reliability
* Contribute to data governance frameworks, including quality, lineage, and security
* Support ongoing transformation initiatives, including modernisation of legacy environments
What they’re looking for
* Proven experience as a Data Architect in complex, enterprise environments (ideally within financial services)
* Strong background in data modelling, integration, and architecture frameworks
* Experience working with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS or GCP) in a data context
* Solid understanding of data governance, security, and regulatory considerations
* Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
* Strong stakeholder management skills – comfortable engaging with senior business and IT leaders
* Experience leading or mentoring teams is a plus
Tech environment (indicative)
* Modern data platforms (cloud-based and hybrid)
* ETL / ELT pipelines
* Data warehousing / lakehouse concepts
* API and event-driven architectures
Why this role?
* Long-term programme within a stable, high-profile banking environment
* Opportunity to shape architecture decisions at scale
* Hybrid setup with flexibility
* Strong day rate aligned to market