Lead Data Architect

About the role

Our data estate combines modern cloud platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric on Azure, Power BI) with on-prem SQL Server databases we are modernizing. Each platform has an expert domain architect. What we need now is the architect who makes them work together as one coherent, AI-ready ecosystem.

As Lead Data Architect, you will shape our warehouse and lakehouse architecture, data models, pipelines and standards, aligned to the Hydro Data Strategy. You will lead through expertise, judgement and trust rather than hierarchy, with a clear mandate for cross-platform decisions.

What you will be doing

• Architect and optimize warehouse and lakehouse solutions on Snowflake, Databricks and Azure, integrated with on-prem databases, for analytical, regulatory and operational workloads
• Lead conceptual, logical and physical data modelling standards, using dimensional and data vault methods, and champion canonical models and metadata standards for data product reuse
• Work with BI and Analytics teams to define semantic and business layers that enable self-service analytics
• Define patterns for ingestion, pipelines, orchestration and automation, and set pragmatic standards for CI/CD, infrastructure as code, testing and observability
• Make our data environments AI/ML-ready, working with data scientists and ML engineers on feature data, versioning, reproducibility and provisioning for training and inference
• Define and enforce D&A architecture standards through proportionate design reviews, so solutions meet security, regulatory and Enterprise Architecture requirements
• Help teams decide when to use our standard technologies and when a new path is justified, and advise on prioritizing updates to existing systems
• Lead by example in design sessions, mentor architects and engineers, and keep teams informed of relevant architecture trends

How decisions work

Domain architects decide within their platforms. You decide on cross-platform patterns and D&A modelling standards within an agreed mandate. Enterprise-wide standards, exceptions and technology adoption follow Enterprise Architecture governance and the D&A Manager. Data strategy, policy and business definitions sit with Data Governance. You will be expected to recommend clearly and escalate well.

What you bring

• 10+ years in data engineering, data warehousing or data platforms, including 4+ years as an architect or principal engineer
• Deep expertise in warehouse and lakehouse architecture on modern cloud platforms (at least two of Snowflake, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric)
• Strong data modelling: conceptual, logical and physical; dimensional and data vault; canonical models and semantic layers
• SQL Server architecture and performance expertise, and experience modernizing on-prem estates to the cloud
• Solid grounding in ingestion (batch, CDC, streaming), orchestration and DataOps practice
• Experience making data environments ready for AI/ML: feature data, versioning, reproducibility
• Exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to influence leaders, architects and engineers without formal authority
• Experience in a large, multinational or matrix organisation, ideally alongside an Enterprise Architecture function

Nice to have

• Streaming platforms, catalog tooling (Unity Catalog, Purview) and MLOps tooling (MLflow, feature stores)
• FinOps awareness for consumption-priced platforms; AWS experience

What we offer you

• Working at the world’s only fully integrated aluminum and leading renewable energy company
• Diverse, global teams
• Flexible work environment/home office
• We provide you the freedom to be creative and to learn from experts
• Possibility to grow with the company, gain new certificates
• Attractive benefit package

Hydro Global Business Services (GBS) is an organizational area that operates as an internal service provider for the Hydro group. Its ultimate purpose is to deliver relevant IT, financial and HR business services to all business areas within the company.

Equal opportunities

At Hydro, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives, and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We review every application fairly and strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone to grow and succeed.

Apply before: 11/30/2026

Why Hydro?

Are you looking to make a real impact? For over a century, our people have been the driving force in solving some of the world’s most pressing issues - and we hope you’ll join us in solving the next century’s. Whether you’re working to close the loop at one of our recycling facilities or ensuring efficient renewable energy processes to decarbonize aluminium production, your contributions make an impact in our shared purpose of propelling our industries and the world into a greener future.

A job where you make a difference

A key part of succeeding in this mission involves encouraging a collegial environment where our differences are acknowledged as our greatest competitive advantage.

Your diverse perspective makes us stronger. Our global diversity, inclusion and belonging program enables us to cultivate a high-performing and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued.

Your career journey is unique. We strive to provide you with the support needed to achieve your full potential. With our global reach, inclusive culture, and cutting-edge technology you’ll have the opportunity to build a career that aligns with your strengths and passions.

Join our global community of over 30,000 people with a presence in 40 countries and united by the values of Care, Courage and Collaboration. At Hydro, you have the chance to make a difference in the industries that matter. Explore our world and the heart of our operations.

About Hydro

• Hydro is a leading aluminium and renewable energy company committed to a sustainable future
• Founded: 1905
• Number of employees: 32,000
• Company presence in around 40 countries worldwide
• President and CEO: Eivind Kallevik

Learn more about Hydro