Data Architect

We’re Vancity, a member-owned credit union built on the principles of inclusion and social justice. Since 1946, our relentless commitment to these values has helped us challenge the status quo and break down barriers. We’ve made bold commitments to become net-zero by 2040 across all mortgages and loans, and we’re advancing meaningful strategies in Indigenous banking and financial resilience for our members.

As the largest private-sector Living Wage Employer in Canada, we’re proud to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s Top Employers. If you’re ready to join a team of 2,300 purpose-driven individuals, access competitive rewards and benefits, and be part of a greater movement, we invite you to apply.

Your Role in Supporting Our Members

At Vancity, we are embarking on a significant transformation to migrate our data and analytics platforms to Azure Cloud. This migration will leverage cutting‑edge technologies, including Azure Databricks, Unity Catalog, Apache Spark, Python, Purview, CI/CD pipelines, and most importantly, Data Governance frameworks. As part of this initiative, we are seeking an experienced Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of a cloud‑native data ecosystem that enables efficient, scalable, secure, and compliant data management.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a major transformation in a leading Canadian financial institution, working alongside cross‑functional teams to innovate and deliver world‑class data solutions while ensuring robust data governance practices are in place.

This is a permanent, full‑time role that will enjoy hybrid‑working arrangements. For candidates

with the right skillset and experience, we are open to candidates based out of BC and Ontario.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Cloud Data Architecture Design: Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of data solutions within Azure Cloud, using technologies such as Azure Databricks, Apache Spark, Unity Catalog, and Purview. Build architectures that are secure, scalable, compliant, and cost‑efficient, with an emphasis on data governance at every stage.
• Data Governance Framework: Work in conjunction with the Data Governance team to implement and enforce robust data governance frameworks across the data lifecycle, ensuring that all data processes align with regulatory requirements (e.g., PIPEDA, OSFI, FINTRAC), internal policies, and industry best practices. Utilize Unity Catalog & Purview for cataloging, lineage, and compliance tracking to ensure data integrity, traceability, and accessibility.
• Data Pipeline Architecture & CI/CD Integration: Architect automated, scalable, and governance‑compliant data pipelines using Apache Spark and Databricks Notebooks. Implement CI/CD practices to ensure seamless deployment, version control, testing, and monitoring of data workflows.
• Cloud Migration Strategy: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to plan and execute the migration of existing data infrastructure to Azure Cloud, ensuring that governance, security, and compliance are maintained throughout the migration process.
• Data Access & Security Management: Leverage Unity Catalog to define, enforce, and monitor data access policies, ensuring that data is available only to authorized users and teams. Work closely with security and compliance teams to integrate security controls and encryption mechanisms into the architecture.
• Databricks & Spark Implementation: Design, implement, and manage data pipelines using Databricks Notebooks and Apache Spark for batch and real‑time data processing. Ensure the architecture scales and performs optimally while maintaining data governance standards.
• Data Quality and Lineage: Work with the data engineering and analytics teams to implement strong data quality checks and ensure that data lineage is fully traceable through Purview and other tools, enabling both technical and business users to trust the data being processed and consumed.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Partner with data engineering, data science, business intelligence, and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of cloud data architecture and governance frameworks into the broader enterprise ecosystem. Lead by example and mentor junior team members on best practices related to cloud data governance and architecture.
• Automation and Optimization: Implement best practices for automating data pipeline deployments and monitoring using CI/CD pipelines. Continuously optimize data workflows and query performance while ensuring compliance with governance policies.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Document all data models, architecture, and best practices. Share knowledge with team members and stakeholders to promote a culture of learning, transparency, and continuous improvement in data governance practices. Contribute to the documentation of data governance processes.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or a related field, with significant hands‑on experience in cloud‑based solutions.
• Expertise in Azure Cloud, with significant experience in Azure Databricks, Apache Spark, Unity Catalog, and Purview for data governance and security.
• Proven experience designing and implementing data governance frameworks that ensure data is properly classified, accessible, and compliant with security and privacy regulations.
• Hands‑on experience in developing and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated data workflows and deployments.
• Experience with data cataloging, metadata management, and data lineage in a cloud environment, especially using Purview.
• Preferred certifications: Azure Data Engineer Associate or Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, Databricks Certified Associate Developer or Data Engineer certification.
• Experience influencing senior leadership and driving data strategy at the enterprise level
• Experience in the financial services industry and familiarity with the regulatory environment governing financial data would be an asset.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Python & PySpark for data engineering, scripting, and automation within Databricks Notebooks and Azure.
• Strong experience with Apache Spark for distributed data processing in both batch and streaming contexts.
• Expertise in data governance, including data classification, metadata management, access controls, and compliance management using Purview and Unity Catalog.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, Git, and Jenkins for deploying and managing data pipelines and workflows.

You’ll Thrive Here If You Are:

• A strong communicator: You have the strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with cross‑functional teams, including data engineering, business intelligence, compliance, and security teams.
• An analytical problem‑solver: You have excellent problem‑solving skills, with a focus on designing scalable and compliant data solutions. You're also able to work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and lead complex data transformation projects.
• A leader: You have the ability to mentor and guide junior team members on best practices for cloud data governance, architecture, and engineering.

What You’ll Earn

This role offers a salary range of $130,900 - $157,000. The base pay offered may vary depending on factors such as relevant qualifications, skills, previous experience, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards package, employees may also be eligible for our annual incentive program, subject to program eligibility requirements.

Vancity Talent Programs

Vancity supports an inclusive hiring process for candidates who self‑identify as Indigenous, Black, or Trans. With special permission from the BC Human Rights Commissioner, this initiative provides access to career development opportunities, prioritized job screening, and feedback. Any information you choose to share will be stored securely and used only for recruitment and career development connected to this initiative, in line with the BC Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). For details, please see our dedicated Talent Programs job posting.

This role is an open vacancy, and our hiring process is grounded in fairness, transparency, and inclusion. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier‑free and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require any accommodations or support at any stage of the recruitment process (including the application stage), we encourage you to let us know by contacting our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@vancity.com. We’re here to work with you to ensure your needs are met promptly and effectively. All requests will be handled with the utmost respect and confidentiality, so you can participate fully in the process.

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