Director - Digital FAAS - Data & AI - Baghdad

Job Title: Director
Department: FaaS - Digital Finance - Data & AI
Reports To: Partner – Data & AI Practice

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of enterprise-wide data architectures, driving our clients' digital and AI transformation initiatives. Based in Baghdad, you will work with C-suite leaders and technical teams to architect scalable, secure, and business-aligned data ecosystems across industries including government, financial services, energy, and retail.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Data Architecture Strategy:
• Define enterprise and solution-level data architecture strategies.
• Design modern data platforms (data lakes, warehouses, lakehouses) on cloud (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Champion data mesh, data fabric, or other advanced architectural patterns.
• Engage with Business & Technology Stakeholders:
• Collaborate with business units to understand their data needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Support data governance, security, lineage, and catalog initiatives in partnership with Data Officers and CDOs.
• Architecture Delivery & Oversight:
• Guide design of scalable data pipelines (batch/real-time), master data management, and analytics layers.
• Oversee data platform modernization and cloud migration programs.
• Provide architectural governance and quality assurance throughout project lifecycle.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building:
• Mentor and manage a team of data engineers and solution architects.
• Contribute to internal knowledge assets, accelerators, and reusable frameworks.
• Client Engagement & Business Development:
• Support pre-sales and proposal activities by shaping data architecture solutions.
• Build trusted relationships with client executives and technology teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or information management.
• Proven experience with:
• Cloud-native data platforms (e.g., Azure Synapse, Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery)
• ETL/ELT tools (e.g., Informatica, Talend, dbt)
• Data governance tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation, Purview)
• Big data and streaming technologies (e.g., Kafka, Spark)
• Strong knowledge of data modeling, API management, security/privacy frameworks (e.g., GDPR, NDMO).
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex consulting or enterprise environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in cloud (Azure, AWS, or GCP) architecture or data engineering.
• Experience working in the GCC region with clients in public sector, banking, or oil & gas.
• Familiarity with AI/ML lifecycle and integration of data platforms with analytics/ML pipelines.

What We Offer

• Competitive tax-free salary and performance bonus
• Exposure to cutting-edge data transformation projects in the region
• Fast-paced, collaborative, and diverse working environment
• Opportunities for leadership growth and continuous learnin