Data Architect

Can you turn a messy business problem into a data strategy that actually moves the needle? Do you want to be in the room where decisions get made, shaping the conversation, framing the trade-offs and connecting technical possibility to real business value? At InterWorks, we’re looking for a Data Architect who leads with outcomes, earns trust quickly and backs it up with deep technical credibility.

This is a senior, client-facing role for someone who has done the hands-on data work and wants the strategic, value-focused side of consulting. You’ll own the most important client relationships, shape solutions before a line of code is written and guide organizations from “we have a data problem” to “here’s the business case, here’s the roadmap, here’s the value we’ll unlock.” Success in this role shows up in business conversations, trusted advisory and the technical outcomes you help clients achieve.

This role is based in our Melbourne, Australia office. Remote work or telecommuting outside this location isn’t available for this position. Salary range commensurate with experience and qualifications.

What You’ll Do

• Lead business value conversations with senior stakeholders, uncovering the real problem, framing opportunities in commercial terms and connecting data initiatives to measurable outcomes.

• Own the data solution design process from start to finish, translating ambiguous business needs into clear, pragmatic architectures and roadmaps clients can act on with confidence.

• Act as a trusted advisor and the senior point of contact across your engagements, building long-term relationships that grow accounts and earn repeat work.

• Guide clients through complex data challenges, balancing strategy, governance and delivery realities to recommend the right solution, not just the most technical one.

• Provide architectural direction across the full stack: cloud data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks and similar), the cloud infrastructure that supports them (compute, storage, networking, security and cost) and the AI capabilities layered on top.

• Architect and advise on AI and GenAI solutions, from RAG and LLM-powered applications to ML pipelines, and help clients separate genuine value from hype while planning for governance, security and responsible use.

• Design cloud infrastructure architectures that are scalable, secure and cost-optimised, and translate infrastructure trade-offs into terms business stakeholders can act on.

• Mentor and elevate consultants and engineers, raising the bar on how the team connects technical work to business impact.

• Roll up your sleeves to deliver work alongside our team of AI, IT, data, analytics and strategy experts.

What You’ll Need

Must-Haves

• 5+ years of experience across data architecture, data consulting or solution delivery, including significant time in senior client-facing or advisory roles.

• A proven record of leading business value conversations and translating commercial objectives into data strategies and solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to design solutions and architectures that solve business problems, not just technical ones, and to explain the trade-offs clearly.

• Strong communication, facilitation and stakeholder management skills, able to hold the room with executives and technical teams alike.

• A solid technical foundation: high proficiency in SQL, strong data modelling skills and a working command of modern cloud data platform architecture.

• Hands-on experience architecting on major cloud providers (Azure and/or AWS), including the infrastructure that underpins data platforms: compute, storage, networking, security and cost management.

• A working command of AI and GenAI in an enterprise context (e.g., LLMs, RAG, ML pipelines) and a credible point of view on where it creates real business value versus hype.

• Experience with data governance, compliance standards and enterprise data strategy, extending to AI governance and responsible use.

• Proven experience with data lakehouse architecture, including the storage and processing of semi-structured and unstructured file types.

• Understanding of pipeline, infrastructure and cost monitoring and optimisation, and the ability to frame these as business value.

• Confidence leading workshops and discovery sessions to gather requirements, refine direction and build consensus.

• Adaptability and a problem-solving mindset in fast-paced and ambiguous situations.

What We’d Like You to Have

• Experience growing accounts and identifying new opportunities within existing clients.

• Familiarity with BI and visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and how they drive decision-making.

• Familiarity with modern data warehouses and cloud platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks).

• ETL tool experience (e.g., dbt, Matillion, Informatica, Fivetran).

• Cloud certifications (e.g., Azure or AWS solutions/data/AI specialties).

• Hands-on experience delivering AI/GenAI solutions in production and proven support for data science initiatives.

• A degree in computer science, IT, a business discipline or a related field (preferred).

What We Offer

• Health Benefits: We take care of our people. That includes a strong health insurance subsidy through BUPA so you and your family are covered.

• Wellness Benefits: We want you to stay healthy. Employees get an annual allowance to spend on gym memberships, sports activities or workout apps.

• Work-Life Balance: We offer a life balance allowance so you can relax and recharge, whether with family or on your own.

• Tech Choice: Windows or Mac? 13-inch or 15-inch? Lightweight or heavy-duty? You choose what works best for you. We also contribute toward standing desk equipment.

• Professional Growth: We invest in our people, with ongoing training, certifications and professional development to keep your skills sharp and your career moving forward.

• Community Impact: InterWorkers like to use their skills for good. Beyond our pro bono consulting work, we support colleagues’ individual charitable passions with dedicated volunteer time off.

• Superannuation: Compulsory superannuation contributions are paid on top of your base salary, in accordance with Australian legislation.