Cloud Data Architect – Microsoft Fabric Data Lakehouse

*The Opportunity.*

We are looking for a talented Cloud Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of a modern data lakehouse on the Microsoft Fabric platform for a prominent Philippine water utilities company. This is a senior-level role where you will be responsible for defining the architecture and guiding the team through the technical implementation of the data lakehouse that will serve as the backbone for enterprise analytics, business intelligence, and regulatory reporting.

As a Cloud Data Architect, you will work with data engineers, data governance teams, and business stakeholders to design a scalable, secure, and compliant cloud architecture that can efficiently handle operational and transactional data from various sources, including billing, metering, customer care, and SCADA systems.

*The Role.*

• Lead the design and architecture of the Microsoft Fabric-based data lakehouse solution, aligning with the company's goals, data governance policies, and compliance requirements.
• Define the data architecture strategy, including the integration of Microsoft OneLake, Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse, Power BI, and other tools within the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem.
• Develop scalable and optimized data models for both structured and unstructured data, including business data from operational systems like billing, metering, customer care, and SCADA.
• Ensure data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance, especially with Philippine Data Privacy Act, LWUA, and other sector-specific regulations.
• Design and implement data governance policies in coordination with the data governance lead, ensuring data quality, consistency, and traceability across the lakehouse.
• Oversee cloud architecture and resource management, optimizing for cost, performance, and scalability on Microsoft Azure.
• Lead the design of data pipelines, integrating with existing systems such as SAP IS-U, SCADA, IoT, and operational data sources.
• Collaborate closely with data engineers, business analysts, and stakeholders to ensure the solution meets business needs and integrates seamlessly with analytics tools and business intelligence platforms.
• Evaluate new cloud technologies, tools, and best practices, recommending improvements to enhance the performance and security of the data lakehouse.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior architects and engineers, ensuring high-quality design and implementation practices.

*The Expertise.*

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in cloud data architecture, with at least 3+ years focused on Microsoft Azure and cloud data platforms.
• Extensive experience in Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake, Power BI, and other Microsoft ecosystem tools.
• Strong understanding of data lakehouse architectures (e.g., Delta Lake, OneLake) and their applications in real-world business scenarios.
• Proven track record in designing scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud data architectures.
• Experience with data integration and ETL/ELT processes, including integration with SAP IS-U, SCADA, IoT, or other operational systems.
• Deep understanding of data governance, data quality management, and compliance frameworks (especially for water utilities and regulated environments).
• Solid experience in cloud security, data encryption, and identity management (e.g., Azure Active Directory).
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and experience working in cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or other relevant Microsoft certifications.
• Experience working in the water utilities sector, energy/utilities, or public sector projects.
• Expertise in data governance tools like Microsoft Purview for metadata management and policy enforcement.
• Knowledge of DevOps principles, including CI/CD pipelines for data and infrastructure automation.
• Familiarity with advanced analytics, machine learning models, or AI applications that could be integrated into the data lakehouse in the future.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent collaboration skills, working cross-functionally with technical, business, and compliance teams.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for optimization and risk mitigation.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment, delivering high-quality solutions on time and within scope.

Other Relevant Details

• Contract Length: 12 months
• Location: Quezon City
• Work Set-Up: Hybrid

About us.

Thakral One is a consulting and technology services company headquartered in Singapore, with a pan-Asian presence. We focus primarily around technology-driven consulting, adoption of value-added bespoke solutions, enabling enhanced decision support through data analytics, and embracing possibilities in the cloud. We are heavily inclined towards building capabilities collaboratively with clients and believe strongly in improving grounded and practical outcomes. This approach is possible through our partnership with leading global technology providers and internal R&D teams. Our clients come from Financial Services, Banking, Telco, Government, Healthcare, and Consumer-oriented organisations.

Philippines