Engineering Manager: Data Architecture & Governance
Listing reference: woolw_001266
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 7 July 2025
Position summary
Industry: FMCG & Supply Management
Job category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Western Cape
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
The Engineering Manager: Data Architecture & Governance is responsible for defining and implementing the organisation’s data architecture strategy while ensuring the effective implementation of data governance policies and frameworks defined by the data governance team. This role ensures that data is managed, structured, and utilised effectively across the business while maintaining compliance with industry regulations and internal policies. The Engineering Manager will oversee the design, integration, and optimisation of data systems, ensuring scalability, security, and accessibility.The role involves leading a team of Data Architects, working closely with IT, business units, and security teams to establish and implement data governance practices that enhance data quality, lifecycle management, and decision-making capabilities. The Engineering Manager ensures alignment with the organisation’s data governance policies and frameworks, driving consistency and adherence across all data initiatives.
Job description
- Develop and maintain a scalable, secure, and high-performing data architecture that aligns with business and technology strategies.
- Ensure compliance with data governance, security, and privacy regulations by implementing the organisation’s data governance policies.
- Oversee the design and implementation of enterprise data models, frameworks, and policies to support data-driven decision-making.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team of Data Architects.
- Define and enforce data standards, metadata management, and data lineage practices in alignment with the organisation’s governance policies.
- Collaborate with IT, security, and business teams to implement data governance initiatives and ensure operational and strategic objectives are met.
- Establish and drive data quality and stewardship programs to maintain high data integrity in accordance with governance policies.
- Enable data lifecycle management and retention strategies, ensuring effective data cataloguing and classification.
- Support the integration of on-premise and cloud data solutions to enable seamless interoperability between systems.
- Provide strategic direction on emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the organisation’s data capabilities while ensuring governance compliance.
Minimum requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Management, or a related field.
- Minimum 6 years of experience in data architecture, data governance, or a related field.
- At least 2 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
- Strong proficiency in data modeling, database design, and data warehousing.
- Experience with enterprise data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA DMBOK).
- Knowledge of SQL, NoSQL, and cloud-based data solutions (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Understanding of ETL processes, metadata management, and data cataloguing.
- Experience with data security, compliance, and regulatory frameworks (GDPR, POPIA, etc.).
- Ability to lead and mentor technical teams while collaborating with business stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills to translate technical concepts into business language.
- Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills to drive long-term data initiatives.
ADDITIONAL CRITERIA
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align data architecture strategies with organisational goals.
- Collaboration & Communication: Works effectively across business, IT, and governance teams.
- Innovation-Driven: Keeps up with emerging data trends, best practices, and governance methodologies.
- Problem-Solving: Identifies and resolves complex data challenges.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-evolving data landscape, adjusting strategies as needed.
- Cultural Fit: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to fostering a data-driven culture.
