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Lead Data Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Data Architect provides strategic and hands-on leadership across divisional data initiatives, guiding delivery teams in building scalable data solutions within a modern cloud-based data ...

Lead Data Architect - Remote

Omaha, NE · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Lead Data Architect - Remote Apply now Job no: 504770 Work type: Full Time Regular Location: Remote Categories: Information Technology At Mutual of Omaha, data isn't just infrastructure, it's the ...

Lead Data Architect Work Location : Hybrid Summary * 13+ years Experience * Skilled with: Oracle, Postgres, AWS, SQL, Scripting * 60% Completing / Managing customer data requests for new software ...

We are seeking a Lead Data Architect to drive the design and implementation of our enterprise data architecture with a focus on Azure Data Lake, Databricks, and Lakehouse architecture. This role will ...

Architect Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC) semantic models (subject areas) and dashboards * Lead design of Oracle APEX low-code applications for workflow automation and data interaction * Define reusable ...

Architect Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC) semantic models (subject areas) and dashboards * Lead design of Oracle APEX low-code applications for workflow automation and data interaction * Define reusable ...

They are seeking a seasoned Data Architect to enhance their data capabilities and contribute to ... to lead projects independently and deliver outcomes in fast-paced environments • Clear ...

Optiver Chicago is seeking a seasoned Data Architect to support and advance the data capabilities ... Proven ability to lead projects independently and deliver outcomes in fast-paced environments

Lead Data Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$173K/yr

Partner closely with Data Engineering, Platform, and Enterprise Architecture teams to deliver solutions that are scalable, secure, well-governed, and compliant. * Lead proofs of concept (PoCs) and ...

Lead Data Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K/yr

Optiver Chicago is seeking a seasoned Data Architect to support and advance the data capabilities ... Proven ability to lead projects independently and deliver outcomes in fast-paced environments

Lead Data Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$173K/yr

Partner closely with Data Engineering, Platform, and Enterprise Architecture teams to deliver solutions that are scalable, secure, wellgoverned, and compliant. * Lead proofs of concept (PoCs) and ...

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Lead Data Architect information

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$30

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How much do lead data architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead data architect in the United States is $70.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.58 and $78.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do data architects make?

Data architects typically earn a median annual salary between $100,000 and $150,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles with advanced skills in cloud platforms and data modeling can exceed $160,000 annually.

How does a Lead Data Architect typically collaborate with other IT and business teams during large-scale data projects?

A Lead Data Architect works closely with cross-functional teams, including data engineers, business analysts, and stakeholders, to ensure that data solutions align with organizational goals. They often facilitate discussions to translate business requirements into technical specifications and establish data governance standards. Regular collaboration is essential for designing scalable data architectures, troubleshooting integration challenges, and ensuring data security. This role also involves mentoring junior team members and coordinating with project managers to deliver projects on time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Data Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Data Architect, you need deep expertise in data modeling, database design, and data governance, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of tools like SQL, NoSQL databases, ETL platforms, and cloud data services (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), along with certifications such as CDMP or AWS Certified Data Analytics, is highly valued. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders effectively. These competencies ensure robust, scalable data architectures that support organizational goals and reliable decision-making.

What does a Lead Data Architect do?

A Lead Data Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing an organization’s data architecture. This includes creating data models, defining data flows, and ensuring that data is stored securely and efficiently across systems. They work closely with stakeholders to align data solutions with business goals and oversee the work of other data professionals. Additionally, they ensure data governance and compliance with relevant regulations.

What is the difference between Lead Data Architect vs Data Engineer?

AspectLead Data ArchitectData Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field; certifications like AWS Certified Data Analytics or Microsoft Certified: Azure Data EngineerBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; certifications like Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer or similar
Work EnvironmentDesigns data architecture, oversees data strategy, collaborates with stakeholders, often in leadership rolesBuilds, maintains, and optimizes data pipelines and infrastructure, working closely with data teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for data strategy and architecture planningCommonly employed in data engineering teams for data processing and pipeline development

The main difference is that a Lead Data Architect focuses on designing and overseeing the overall data architecture and strategy, while a Data Engineer implements and maintains the data pipelines and infrastructure. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different functions within data teams.

More about Lead Data Architect jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Data Architect jobs? Cities with the most Lead Data Architect job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Data Architect jobs? The top employers for Lead Data Architect jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Data Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Data Architect jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Data Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,772 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Lead Data Architect

Markel International

Richmond, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

What part will you play? If you're looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you've found it.

The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you'll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We're always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realize our potential, we can help others reach theirs. Join us and play your part in something special! The Lead Data Architect provides strategic and hands-on leadership across divisional data initiatives, guiding delivery teams in building scalable data solutions within a modern cloud-based data ecosystem. This role balances high-level architecture with practical execution, ensuring data solutions align with business needs, performance requirements, and long-term architecture goals.

Key Responsibilities

  • As part of a data architecture organization, provide architectural guidance to two or three concurrent data delivery teams (typically 4-5 engineers per team) across data initiatives
  • Design and evolve data architecture across a Databricks-first lakehouse in a broader Azure ecosystem, understanding both target state and appropriate trade-offs
  • Partner with engineering teams to support their detailed solutions and implementation through design reviews, guidance, and targeted hands-on contribution where needed
  • Specify data solutions that meet non-functional requirements (NFRs) such as scalability, performance, and reliability
  • Perform technology evaluations in support of the teams, with appropriate recommendations and reasoning
  • Assess technical challenges and problems, provide options, and make recommendations
  • Guide ingestion and integration strategies, including API-based data exchange
  • Lead without direct reporting authority, influencing teams through expertise and collaboration

Required Experience & Qualifications

  • ~7-10 years of progressive experience in data engineering, pipeline development, and data architecture roles developing Data Lakes and Data Warehouses
  • Background progressing from developer through at least team lead
  • Strong experience designing and working with the full lifecycle of data-centric architectures
  • Hands-on experience with cloud development in Databricks
  • Experience with structured and unstructured data (e.g., JSON, files, media)
  • Understanding of both relational and non-relational solutions
  • Understanding of APIs and data integration patterns
  • Strong communication and stakeholder influence skills (written + verbal)
  • Know when to make independent decisions and when to circle back to the broader team with appropriate questions
  • Work within a new domain by identifying gaps in knowledge and actively seeking answers

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Guidewire Insurance Suite data
  • Azure Solutions Architect certification (nice-to-have)
  • Experience working in Property & Casualty insurance data domains
  • An understanding of London and international markets would be a plus

Role Expectations

  • With support from the team, a typical candidate ramps to a high degree of independence within the first six months

US Work Authorization

US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

Who we are:

Markel Group (NYSE - MKL) a fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory and investment operations around the world.

We're all about people | We win together | We strive for better

We enjoy the everyday | We think further

What's in it for you:

In keeping with the values of the Markel Style, we strive to support our employees in living their lives to the fullest at home and at work.

  • We offer competitive benefit programs that help meet our diverse and changing environment as well as support our employees' needs at all stages of life.

  • All full-time employees have the option to select from multiple health, dental and vision insurance plan options and optional life, disability, and AD&D insurance.

  • We also offer a 401(k) with employer match contributions, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, PTO, corporate holidays and floating holidays, parental leave.

Are you ready to play your part?

Choose 'Apply Now' to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

Caution: Employment scams

Markel is aware of employment-related scams where scammers will impersonate recruiters by sending fake job offers to those actively seeking employment in order to steal personal information. Frequently, the scammer will reach out to individuals who have posted their resume online. These "job offers" include convincing offer letters and frequently ask for confidential personal information. Therefore, for your safety, please note that:

  • All legitimate job postings with Markel will be posted on Markel Careers. No other URL should be trusted for job postings.

  • All legitimate communications with Markel recruiters will come from Markel.com email addresses.

We would also ask that you please report any job employment scams related to Markel to rarecruiting@markel.com.

Markel is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic. This includes race; color; sex; religion; creed; national origin or place of birth; ancestry; age; disability; affectional or sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; genetic information, sickle cell trait, or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait; refusal to submit to genetic tests or make genetic test results available; medical condition; citizenship status; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, or family responsibilities; military or veteran status, including unfavorable discharge from military service; personal appearance, height, or weight; matriculation or political affiliation; expunged juvenile records; arrest and court records where prohibited by applicable law; status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence; public assistance status; order of protection status; status as a smoker or nonsmoker; membership or activity in local commissions; the use or nonuse of lawful products off employer premises during non-work hours; declining to attend meetings or participate in communications about religious or political matters; or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Should you require any accommodation through the application process, please send an e-mail to therarecruiting@markel.com.

No agencies please.