Head of Data Architecture - Hybrid Work Environment

Location Preferences: Buffalo NY, Wilmington DE, Bridgeport CT

Functional Title: Head of Data Architecture

About the Team

At Enterprise Data and Analytics @ M&T, we are on a mission to unleash the power of data to support decision-making. Our team builds enduring data products, provides platforms for accessing and deriving insights from data, ensures confidence in decision-making with robust data governance, delivers actionable insights via data science, and innovatively solves business problems through data. We prioritize urgency in building scalable data analytic products and innovative solutions for our customers while valuing downtime to unplug and recharge. We embrace diversity as a key driver of innovation.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Data Architect to join our team and lead the design, development, and implementation of robust data architecture solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of data management principles, proven experience in designing scalable data architectures, and the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful outcomes. The role of the Head of Data Architecture involves driving thought leadership and execution capability as we advance M&T's data journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable, high-performance data architectures that meet business requirements.
• Build, lead, and manage a team of architectural specialists to achieve these objectives.
• Establish and enforce best practices for data modeling, database design, and data integration.
• Provide thought leadership in Data Model selection, enhancement, and implementation.
• Partner with Enterprise Data Management to define data standards, policies, and procedures ensuring data integrity, security, and availability.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to translate data requirements into technical solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior members of the data architecture team.
• Work closely with data engineers and developers to implement and optimize data pipelines and ETL processes.
• Effectively communicate technical concepts and recommendations to stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies to lead partnerships with delivery teams and domain leadership on data architecture areas including business, application, data, Cloud/infrastructure, security, integration, operations, and support.
• Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points and addressing issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

About You

You are a leader, capable of navigating ambiguity and using your existing expertise and informal influence to drive consensus and progress.

Key Skillsets and Experience

• Data Modeling: Proficiency in designing conceptual, logical, and physical data models using industry-standard techniques and tools.
• Database Management: Extensive experience with relational and non-relational databases, including SQL, NoSQL, and distributed database systems.
• Data Integration: Expertise in designing and implementing data integration solutions, including ETL processes, data pipelines, and data warehousing.
• Big Data Technologies: Familiarity with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and Hive for processing and analyzing large volumes of data.
• Cloud Platforms: Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, and services like S3, Redshift, BigQuery, and Azure Data Lake.
• Data Governance: Knowledge of data governance principles and practices, including data quality, metadata management, and data lineage.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex data-related issues and propose effective solutions.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor junior team members, and drive projects to successful completion.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively communicating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of relevant work experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 13 years of higher education and/or relevant work experience <