Head of Data Architecture

Head of Data Architecture

Full-Time 90000 - 120000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Qh4 Consulting

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead enterprise data architecture and establish standards across a global investment management firm.
  • Company: Join a leading global fund manager committed to transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, engaging work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Opportunity to build a lasting legacy in a dynamic, high-stakes environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of data governance in a complex financial landscape.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in enterprise data architecture and governance in financial services.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 € per year.

We are partnering with a leading global fund manager on a genuinely transformational hire. This is not a data platform or engineering role - it is a pure enterprise data architecture appointment, created to fill a real gap at the heart of a complex, global investment management business. The organisation has sophisticated data capabilities but lacks the architectural coherence to maximise them. Data sits in fiefdoms. Standards are inconsistent. Governance is fragmented. This person will change that.

The Role

Reporting into senior technology and data leadership, you will be the authoritative voice on how data is structured, governed and used across the enterprise. Your first task will be to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state, people, processes, platforms and data structures, and from that, define and own a clear, credible end-state architecture. Beyond the initial review, you will:

  • Establish enterprise-wide data architecture standards, principles and patterns
  • Drive standardisation and harmonisation across historically siloed data domains
  • Define the operating model for data teams and lay the groundwork for a data office function
  • Build out and lead a distributed architecture team over time
  • Create governance frameworks and ways of working that stick
  • Engage and influence at the most senior levels, this role carries real weight

About You

You are a seasoned enterprise data architect not a platform engineer, not a data scientist. You understand data structures at enterprise scale and have done this before in large, complex financial services or investment management environments. You will bring:

  • Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, data modelling and governance
  • A track record of bringing order to fragmented, federated data landscapes
  • Experience setting up data architecture functions, standards and operating models
  • The credibility and gravitas to influence C-suite and senior business stakeholders
  • A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset — strategy is only as good as its execution

Why This Role

This is a rare mandate. The organisation is committed, the leadership is engaged and the gap is real. For the right person, this is the opportunity to build something lasting at one of the world's leading buy-side institutions.

Head of Data Architecture employer: Qh4 Consulting

As a leading global fund manager, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to drive meaningful change. With a strong commitment to professional development, we offer unparalleled growth opportunities and the chance to shape the future of data architecture within a complex investment management environment. Join us in a role where your expertise will not only be valued but will also have a lasting impact on our organisation's success.

Qh4 Consulting

Contact Detail:

Qh4 Consulting Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Data Architecture

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the investment management space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Data Architecture role. Personal referrals can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by diving deep into the company’s data landscape. Understand their current challenges and think about how you can bring order to their fragmented data architecture. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! This role is all about influencing senior stakeholders, so be ready to discuss your past experiences in building teams and establishing governance frameworks that stick. We want to see that you can lead the charge!

Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Architecture

Enterprise Data Architecture
Data Modelling
Data Governance
Standardisation and Harmonisation
Operating Model Definition
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Data Architecture. Highlight your experience in enterprise data architecture and governance, and don’t forget to mention any previous successes in harmonising fragmented data landscapes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this transformational role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders and established data standards in past roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role requires someone who can engage and influence at the highest levels. Make sure to include examples of how you've built and led teams, especially in complex environments like financial services or investment management.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Qh4 Consulting

Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enterprise data architecture. Be ready to discuss specific frameworks, standards, and governance models you've implemented in the past. This role is all about bringing coherence to fragmented data landscapes, so showcasing your expertise here will be crucial.

Prepare for Strategic Conversations

Since this position involves engaging with C-suite and senior stakeholders, practice articulating your vision for data architecture clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence decision-making at the highest levels and prepare examples of how you've successfully done this in previous roles.

Showcase Your Pragmatic Approach

The organisation is looking for someone with a delivery-focused mindset. Be prepared to discuss how you've turned strategies into actionable plans in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve had to balance ideal solutions with practical execution, especially in complex environments.

Understand the Current Landscape

Research the company’s existing data capabilities and challenges. Familiarise yourself with their current data governance issues and think about how you would approach the initial assessment. Showing that you understand their specific context will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle the role head-on.