Data Architect

Vaco
$145,000.00 - $160,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, North Carolina, Charlotte
Feb 01, 2026
Location: Charlotte / Gastonia / NC area Work Model: Hybrid, 3 days onsite Employment Type: Full-time Role Overview We are hiring a Senior Enterprise Data Architect to play a foundational role in a large-scale digital and data transformation. This is a high-impact individual contributor role for someone who can define enterprise data strategy, establish pragmatic governance, design enterprise data models, and execute hands-on in a lean environment. This is not a data engineering, ETL, or BI reporting role. We are looking for an experienced architect who can operate independently, set direction, and still deliver meaningful outcomes without relying on a large team or heavy structure. Data is central to both internal decision-making and externally facing digital products. This role will shape how data is modeled, governed, integrated, and used across the organization. What You'll Do Define and own the enterprise data strategy and target-state architecture Design and maintain enterprise data models, including conceptual, logical, and physical models Establish and implement data governance practices such as ownership, stewardship, data quality, lineage, and cataloging Translate strategy into practical execution plans and deliver hands-on as an individual contributor Architect data integration across enterprise platforms, digital solutions, and analytics environments Partner closely with product, engineering, analytics, security, and business stakeholders Support multiple initiatives simultaneously and keep data architecture aligned across them Act as a trusted thought partner to senior leaders on data, analytics, and AI enablement Mentor others informally and help raise overall data literacy Help lay the groundwork for future team growth as the organization matures What We're Looking For Required 7+ years of experience in data architecture, enterprise data strategy, or related roles, with clear progression into enterprise-level responsibilities Proven experience defining and implementing enterprise data strategies Strong data modeling expertise across conceptual, logical, and physical layers Hands-on experience implementing data governance in real-world environments, not just frameworks Ability to operate effectively as an individual contributor in a lean, evolving organization Strong communication skills and the ability to influence without direct authority Comfort working in ambiguity and prioritizing outcomes over tasks Strongly Preferred Experience with cloud-based data platforms Experience integrating data across ERP, CRM, and other enterprise systems Exposure to building data foundations that support digital products and analytics Background in complex or transformation-driven environments Nice to Have Exposure to operational, industrial, or time-series data Experience modernizing immature or fragmented data environments Experience working across both IT and digital or product organizations Who This Role Is Not For Data engineers or developers focused primarily on pipelines or reporting BI or visualization specialists Architects who require large teams or mature governance organizations to be effective Candidates who prefer narrowly defined tasks over outcome-driven work Work Model and Location Strong preference for candidates based in Charlotte Metro, Fort Mill, Gastonia, or the broader NC Piedmont region Hybrid schedule with three days onsite per week Remote candidates considered only if truly exceptional Why This Role This role offers the opportunity to shape enterprise data foundations at a pivotal moment of transformation. You will have visibility, influence, and the chance to build something durable that supports both operational excellence and future digital growth. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.