Azure AI/Data Architect

We are seeking an Azure-focused AI/Data Architect with deep Databricks experience to design, build, and govern scalable data and AI platforms. This role combines enterprise data architecture, MLOps, and analytics engineering to enable advanced insights and AI solutions across the organization. As a Data Architect in the Global Data Office, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining a reliable and scalable data infrastructure that supports the organization's data collection, storage, transformation, and analysis needs! You will implement robust data orchestration pipelines, along with data gathering, refinement, and processes for improving and validating data to ensure data integrity and accuracy. In this role, you coordinate efforts with business and technology partners to understand and anticipate the necessities for data architecture. You ensure that the data architecture matches the organization's strategic objectives. Your expertise will be vital in crafting an efficient data environment that empowers the organization to bring data-driven insights effectively! Position Responsibilities: Design and implement data integration solutions to facilitate seamless data flow between systems. Architect and oversee data ingestion, transformation, and orchestration using ADF/Synapse pipelines, Databricks Workflows, and event-based patterns Establish data modeling standards (dimensional/Kimball, Data Vault, lakehouse models) and semantic layers for BI/ML consumption Implement governance: data catalogs/lineage, DQ frameworks, security, RBAC/ABAC, and compliance alignment (e.g., Purview, Unity Catalog) Design scalable ML platforms: feature stores, model training/serving, experiment tracking (MLflow), and CI/CD for ML (MLOps) Optimize performance and cost: cluster sizing, autoscaling, storage layout (partitioning/Z-ordering), caching, and query tuning (Spark SQL/PySpark) Define data contracts/APIs and integration patterns for cross-domain interoperability and application consumption Partner with engineering, data science, and business collaborators to translate requirements into technical roadmaps and reference architectures Lead POCs, platform modernization, and migration efforts (on-prem to Azure, batch to streaming, BI to lakehouse) Build standards, templates, and guidelines; mentor teams and conduct architecture reviews Maintain existing integration frameworks and guide each squad Evaluate emerging data technologies and tools to improve data architecture and processes. Monitor and optimize the performance of data systems to ensure efficient data processing Develops, builds, and maintains reliable, efficient and expandable data systems for data collection, storage, transformation, and analysis. Implements data orchestration pipelines, data sourcing, cleansing, augmentation, and quality control processes. Collaborates alongside business and technology partners to gather a clear understanding of current and future data infrastructure requirements. Required Qualifications: 7+ years in data architecture/engineering; 3+ years hands-on with Databricks and Delta Lake Strong Azure expertise: Azure Databricks, Data Factory, Synapse, Event Hubs, Storage (ADLS Gen2), Key Vault, Azure DevOps Proficiency in Spark (Core/SQL), PySpark, and SQL; experience with performance tuning and large-scale data processing Experience designing Medallion Architecture and implementing data governance (Purview/Unity Catalog, DQ frameworks) MLOps/AI platform knowledge: MLflow, feature stores, model lifecycle, and deployment patterns Understanding of security, compliance, and data privacy; implementing least-privilege, encryption, and auditability CI/CD for data and ML, Infrastructure-as-Code (Bicep/Terraform), and automation Good communication, managing relationships, and technical leadership skills Bachelor's Degree: Usually in computer science, information technology, information systems, or a related field. Advanced Degrees: A Master's degree in data science, computer science, or business administration can be advantageous and preferred for senior roles. Several years (typically 5-10) of experience in data management, database design, data warehousing, or a similar field. Experience with ETL tools and processes (e.g., Databricks, Informatica). Knowledge of data integration patterns and standard methodologies. Hands on experiences with technologies like Spark, Hive, Python, Terraform . Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS. Preferred Qualifications Experience with streaming architectures: Kafka/Event Hubs, Structured Streaming, CDC Knowledge of Power BI/semantic models and cross-platform integrations (Synapse SQL, Fabric, Snowflake) Multi-cloud awareness (AWS/GCP) and interoperability patterns Financial services or regulated industry experience (e.g., BCBS 239, SOX, HIPAA) When you join our team: We'll empower you to learn and grow the career you want. We'll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. As part of our global team, we'll support you in shaping the future you want to see. #LI-Hybrid The role being advertised is an existing vacancy. About Manulife and John Hancock Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html. Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law. It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact hr@manulife.com. Referenced Salary Location Toronto, Ontario Working Arrangement Hybrid Salary range is expected to be between $113,000.00 CAD - $163,000.00 CAD Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions. We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement. We're Manulife. And we're on a mission to make decisions easier and lives better. Better is what drives us. It's what inspires us to find new ways to support customers and colleagues in living longer and healthier lives. It's the reason we're dedicated to investing in digital innovation and accelerating a sustainable and economically inclusive future. Joining us means you'll be empowered to learn and grow your career. We'll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. And as part of our global team, you'll help shape the future you want to see – and discover that better can take you anywhere you want to go. We're proud of our accomplishments and recognitions. Recent awards include: 2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner Manulife Named one of Forbes World's Best Employers 2023 Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023 We've been recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2024) Manulife included in Bloomberg's 2023 Gender-Equality Index To receive our latest job opportunities directly to your inbox, create an account or sign in and navigate to the 'Job Alerts' section located in the top right corner of the page. From there, you can sign up to receive job alerts. Our ambition is to be the most digital, customer-centric global company in our industry. Learn more at https://www.manulife.com/.