Data Architecture

‘The people we all rely on to make the world go round – they rely on Thales’. In a fast-changing and increasingly unpredictable world full of opportunities, people come to us with big ambitions – to make your life better and more secure. Our employees, who are part of a unique and varied team with many different fields of expertise and a wide range of talents and cultures, develop and deliver outstanding high-tech solutions. Thales employs 80,000 highly talented people in 68 countries. Two thousand of these are based in the Netherlands. We are one of the largest high-tech employers in the field of security and protection.

We help our customers think smarter and act faster in the fields of transport, defence, aerospace, aviation technology and cyberspace, to manage and control their increasingly complex processes and make the best possible business decisions. This is why we play a leading role in digital transformation, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data & Data Analysis, Connectivity, Mobility, Internet of Things, Cyber Security.

In the Netherlands, we are located in four cities: Huizen, Delft, Eindhoven and Hengelo (head office). Together with an extensive ecosystem of knowledge partners, customers and suppliers, we work on radar systems for seagoing vessels, cyber security solutions, transport systems, communications equipment for land forces, cryogenic cooling solutions, R&D for radar technology (in collaboration with TU Delft), as well as R&D for serious gaming. (in collaboration with the University of Twente).

Data Architect

 ‘“You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.”

The Enterprise Information Management team of Thales in the Netherlands is looking for an experienced Data Architect. 

About us

With 80.000 talents working in 68 countries, we are one of the biggest high-tech employers in the field of safety and security. In the Netherlands, where 2.800 employees are based, we are located in four cities: Huizen, Delft, Eindhoven and Hengelo (HQ). Together with an extensive ecosystem of knowledge partners, customers and suppliers, we work on radars for naval vessels, cyber security solutions, communication equipment for land forces, cryogenic cooling solutions and research & development for radar tech (in collaboration with TU Delft).

About the team

The Enterprise Information Management (EIM) team is a central team facilitating data management, business reporting and analytics needs of the Thales Netherlands organisation. The team consists of different data experts who deliver relevant and adequate data and information solutions in close collaboration with business stakeholders.

About the job

Thales in the Netherlands has committed to the objective of becoming a ‘data-driven company’, where facts and unambiguous information are leading in decision making. You will join the team that is the driving force behind the Data valuation of Thales Netherlands. As a Data Architect at Thales, you will embark on a transformative journey, sculpting the future of data-driven excellence, where your visionary leadership will propel our organization into new realms of innovation and strategic success. You will report to the Chief Data Officer and will support the CDO in drafting the NL vision and reaching the objectives.

A day in the life of a Data Architect at Thales is a dynamic blend of strategic thinking, collaborative engagement, and hands-on innovation. You'll start by reviewing the latest data trends and industry advancements, shaping your vision for how data can elevate Thales. Engaging with stakeholders, you'll gather insights into evolving business needs, ensuring alignment between data solutions and organizational goals. Throughout the day, you'll dive into the architectural runway, refining data models, and optimizing the data ecosystem for scalability and performance. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you'll champion data governance, balancing security and accessibility. Your afternoons may be filled with mentoring sessions, guiding the team towards excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. As the day concludes, you'll reflect on how your inspirational leadership and strategic insights have propelled Thales towards new heights of data-driven success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and champion the data architecture strategy aligned with Thales’ business objectives.
• Drive a data-driven culture, ensuring that data is leveraged as a strategic asset across the organization.

• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to understand their data needs and requirements.
• Act as a bridge between technical teams and business leaders, ensuring alignment between data architecture and organizational goals.

• Design and maintain a robust data architecture “runway” that accommodates current needs while being adaptable to future business requirements.
• Implement best practices for data modelling, integration, and governance to ensure scalability, reliability, and performance.

• Establish and enforce data governance policies to ensure data quality, integrity, and security.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement data standards and processes.

• Lead the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies and tools in the data space.
• Drive innovation by proposing and implementing new data-driven solutions that enhance Thales’ capabilities.

• Work collaboratively with data governance managers, data engineers, analysts, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of data solutions.
• Mentor and guide team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Communicate complex data concepts and architectural decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Act as a thought leader by promoting the importance of data architecture within Thales.

• Inspire and motivate team members and stakeholders with a positive and forward-thinking mindset.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best.

About you

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Proven experience as a Data Architect in a large, complex organization.
• In-depth knowledge of data architecture principles, practices, and emerging trends.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience with data governance and compliance.
• Technical proficiency in data modelling, ETL processes, and data warehousing.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data solutions is a plus.
• Inspirational leadership qualities with a passion for driving data-driven decision-making.
• Have a good proficiency in English, both verbally and written.
• Have experience with working agile.