Data Governance Lead/Architect

N-iX is a global software development company connecting over 2,400+ tech professionals. This Data Governance Lead/Architect role involves creating and executing a cross-functional enterprise data program, supporting data needs across tax, finance, and operations. It requires strong leadership, deep technical skills in ETL, data modeling, SQL, MDM, and leveraging platforms like Databricks. The lead will ensure data initiatives drive business value and compliance, acting as a liaison with business leaders.

Must Have

• Define and execute data governance strategy and roadmap.
• Lead enterprise ontologies and knowledge graph development.
• Integrate structured and unstructured data into semantic layer.
• Oversee data cataloging, MDM, and metadata management.
• Facilitate cross-departmental initiatives for common data language.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent.
• 10+ years in data management/governance, proven leadership.
• 5+ years hands-on in ontology engineering, knowledge graph development.
• Advanced proficiency in RDF, OWL, and SPARQL.
• Practical experience with Stardog, Metaphacts, or GraphDB.
• Proficiency in Collibra, Informatica, Topbraid EDG, Erwin, or LeanIX.
• Proficiency in SQL and familiarity with Python for automation.
• Strong understanding of integrating relational, NoSQL, semi-structured data.
• Experience with cloud environments, Azure preferred.
• Demonstrated success in transforming data practices and leading teams.

Good to Have

• Experience with reasoning engines, inference rules, schema harmonization.
• Familiarity with Google Knowledge Graph tools.
• Domain modeling experience in cloud infrastructure, software, or asset management.
• Certifications in Azure or semantic technologies.

Perks & Benefits

• Flexible working format - remote, office-based or flexible
• A competitive salary and good compensation package
• Personalized career growth
• Professional development tools (mentorship program, tech talks and trainings, centers of excellence, and more)
• Active tech communities with regular knowledge sharing
• Education reimbursement
• Memorable anniversary presents
• Corporate events and team buildings
• Other location-specific benefits

N-iX is a global software development company founded in 2002, connecting over 2,400+ tech professionals across 40+ countries. We deliver innovative technology solutions in cloud computing, data analytics, AI, embedded software,IoT, and more to global industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies. Join us to create technology that drives real change for businesses and people across the world.

The Data Governance Lead/Architect will be responsible for creating and executing a cross-functional enterprise data program that supports overlapping data needs across tax, finance, and operations. This role requires strong leadership, deep hands-on technical skills (ETL, data modeling, SQL, MDM), and the ability to leverage platforms like Databricks for enterprise data solutions. A critical aspect is acting as a liaison with key business leaders to ensure data initiatives directly drive business value and compliance. Working hours: US business hours till 4 PM ET.

Responsibilities:

• Define and execute a forward-thinking data governance strategy and roadmap. Build a scalable, adaptive framework that ensures compliance while facilitating the adoption of AI and GenAI technologies.
• Lead the end-to-end development of enterprise ontologies and knowledge graphs, including schema design, reasoning rules, and alignment. Create scalable semantic models using RDF/OWL/SPARQL.
• Integrate structured and unstructured sources into the semantic layer through schema mapping and harmonization. Conduct ontology validations, entity reconciliation, and SPARQL-based quality checks.
• Oversee data cataloging, provenance, master data management (MDM), and metadata management. Establish standards for versioning control and change management.
• Facilitate cross-departmental initiatives to establish a common data language. Provide insights on data investments and promote best practices across technical and functional teams.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent.
• 10+ years in data management/governance with a proven record in leadership roles.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in ontology engineering and knowledge graph development. Advanced proficiency in RDF, OWL, and SPARQL
• Practical experience with Stardog, Metaphacts, or GraphDB
• Proficiency in platforms such as Collibra, Informatica, Topbraid EDG, Erwin, or LeanIX.
• Proficiency in SQL and familiarity with Python for automation.
• Strong understanding of integrating relational, NoSQL, and semi-structured data. Experience with cloud environments (Azure preferred).
• Demonstrated success in transforming data practices within large, complex organizations and leading cross-functional teams.

Will be a plus:

• Experience with reasoning engines, inference rules, and schema harmonization.
• Familiarity with Google Knowledge Graph tools (Schema Tool, Critique, Cider).
• Domain modeling experience in cloud infrastructure, software, or asset management.
• Certifications in Azure or semantic technologies (Stardog, Metaphacts).

We offer*:

• Flexible working format - remote, office-based or flexible
• A competitive salary and good compensation package
• Personalized career growth
• Professional development tools (mentorship program, tech talks and trainings, centers of excellence, and more)
• Active tech communities with regular knowledge sharing
• Education reimbursement
• Memorable anniversary presents
• Corporate events and team buildings
• Other location-specific benefits

*not applicable for freelancers