Chief Data Architect

Chief Data Architect

Come join the newly created Enterprise Data Architecture function in the Chief Technology Office (CTO)!

Vanguard aims to become an AI-driven organization and achieving this ambition requires AI-ready data. The establishment of this new department is crucial for driving our maturity and transformation into a data driven organization. This new group will be responsible for defining aligning and governing enterprise-wide data architecture strategies that enable IT business and client outcomes. It is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team at the ground floor of a journey that will partner across operational and analytical teams spanning all IT subdivisions. Together we will enhance our data and analytics capabilities through strategic thought leadership world class architecture strong platform engineering applied technology research effective communication change management operating model optimization project planning and enablement. This role will play a key role in elevating the maturity of Vanguards Enterprise Architecture practice by helping effectively connect our strategy to world class execution.

As a Chief Data Architect you will be:

Responsible as a senior enterprise lead in developing complex data architecture across the organization providing expertise and resolving difficult problems in data architecture projects by analyzing business needs and managing the quality of deliverables created. You will drive alignment on data architecture principles foster cross-functional collaboration and ensure that data capabilities are scalable and aligned with enterprise goals.

Responsibilities:

• Define data domains subdomains and key data subject areas across Vanguard.
• Design and evolve enterprise-level semantic data models including logical and conceptual models ontologies and domain definitions.
• Lead the standardization of metadata practices across domains enabling discoverability lineage and governance.
• Partner with product data and engineering teams to define domain-driven data contracts that support AI analytics and operational needs.
• Architect and implement reusable taxonomy and ontology frameworks that align business meaning with technical implementation.
• Enable scalable and interoperable semantic layers across data platforms (e.g. Lakehouse Knowledge Graphs Data Warehouses).
• Collaborate with governance AI/ML and metadata teams to support computational governance and automated metadata enrichment.
• Provide strategic guidance on data modeling techniques (3NF dimensional Data Vault RDF/OWL) and drive adoption of best practices.

Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in data modeling (conceptual logical physical) ontology engineering and metadata architecture.
• Proficient in tools such as Collibra Alation Atlan FINOS Legend Erwin Lucidchart AtScale Stardog TopBraid Protégé or other semantic/metadata platforms.
• Knowledge of semantic web standards (RDF OWL SKOS SPARQL) and their practical application in enterprise data ecosystems.
• Familiarity with domain-driven design data mesh principles and knowledge graph architecture.
• Experience integrating business glossaries taxonomies and metadata systems into data platforms and AI pipelines.
• Ability to bridge business needs with technical architecture using clear model-driven communication.
• Strong collaboration skills working cross-functionally with data product owners engineers data scientists and governance teams.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

About Vanguard

At Vanguard we dont just have a missionwere on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning collaboration and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.