Engineering Manager: Data Architecture & Governance at Woolworths

Introduction

• The Engineering Manager: Data Architecture & Governance is responsible for defining and implementing the organisation’s data architecture strategy while ensuring the effective implementation of data governance policies and frameworks defined by the data governance team.
• This role ensures that data is managed, structured, and utilised effectively across the business while maintaining compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
• The Engineering Manager will oversee the design, integration, and optimisation of data systems, ensuring scalability, security, and accessibility.
• The role involves leading a team of Data Architects, working closely with IT, business units, and security teams to establish and implement data governance practices that enhance data quality, lifecycle management, and decision-making capabilities.
• The Engineering Manager ensures alignment with the organisation’s data governance policies and frameworks, driving consistency and adherence across all data initiatives.

Job description

• Develop and maintain a scalable, secure, and high-performing data architecture that aligns with business and technology strategies.
• Ensure compliance with data governance, security, and privacy regulations by implementing the organisation’s data governance policies.
• Oversee the design and implementation of enterprise data models, frameworks, and policies to support data-driven decision-making.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of Data Architects.
• Define and enforce data standards, metadata management, and data lineage practices in alignment with the organisation’s governance policies.
• Collaborate with IT, security, and business teams to implement data governance initiatives and ensure operational and strategic objectives are met.
• Establish and drive data quality and stewardship programs to maintain high data integrity in accordance with governance policies.
• Enable data lifecycle management and retention strategies, ensuring effective data cataloguing and classification.
• Support the integration of on-premise and cloud data solutions to enable seamless interoperability between systems.
• Provide strategic direction on emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the organisation’s data capabilities while ensuring governance compliance.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in data architecture, data governance, or a related field.
• At least 2 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Strong proficiency in data modeling, database design, and data warehousing.
• Experience with enterprise data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA DMBOK).
• Knowledge of SQL, NoSQL, and cloud-based data solutions (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Understanding of ETL processes, metadata management, and data cataloguing.
• Experience with data security, compliance, and regulatory frameworks (GDPR, POPIA, etc.).
• Ability to lead and mentor technical teams while collaborating with business stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills to translate technical concepts into business language.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills to drive long-term data initiatives.

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align data architecture strategies with organisational goals.
• Collaboration & Communication: Works effectively across business, IT, and governance teams.
• Innovation-Driven: Keeps up with emerging data trends, best practices, and governance methodologies.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies and resolves complex data challenges.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-evolving data landscape, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Cultural Fit: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to fostering a data-driven culture.

Apply by: 7 July 2025