Director, Enterprise Data Architecture (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area)

Director, Enterprise Data Architecture

Confidential Search |

Ashton North is conducting a confidential search for a Director of Enterprise Data Architecture for a global technology organization undergoing significant technology and data transformation.

This is not a traditional data architecture or support role. We are looking for a senior leader who can define enterprise data strategy, modernize the data environment, strengthen governance and data quality, and influence how data is leveraged across the organization.

The position will primarily focus on internal enterprise data capabilities while also partnering with Product, Engineering, AI, Cyber Security, and technology leadership as data becomes increasingly important to next-generation customer-facing products.

What You'll Own

• Enterprise data architecture, strategy, and modernization

• Modern cloud data platforms, including Lakehouse, warehouse, ETL/ELT, streaming, and integration architectures

• Data governance, quality, lineage, metadata, accessibility, and security

• Data architecture supporting analytics, AI, machine learning, and automation

• Cross-functional data transformation across a complex global organization

• Collaboration with Product and Engineering around future data-enabled products and solutions

• Measurable improvements in data quality, accessibility, adoption, automation, and business value

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, data engineering, or data platforms

• 7+ years managing corporate teams or major enterprise transformation initiatives, please note not seeking individuals who been managing consulting engagements

• Experience with modern cloud data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, or comparable technologies

• Experience with enterprise data governance, quality, metadata, lineage, security, and integration

• Proven success leading enterprise-scale data transformation with measurable business outcomes

• Experience enabling analytics, AI, or machine learning through modern data architecture

• Strong executive presence and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language

• Ability to influence executives, business leaders, Product teams, and highly technical stakeholders

• Strong work tenure in a corporate non-consulting environment

The Leadership Profile

We are looking for someone who can walk into an evolving environment, understand what is working, identify what needs to change, establish a strategy, and bring people along with them.

You should be equally comfortable discussing architecture with technical teams and explaining the business impact of a data strategy to senior executives.

Location: Eastern Time Zone strongly preferred. Central Time Zone candidates may also be considered.

This is a confidential search being conducted by Ashton North. Additional information regarding the organization and opportunity will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.