Data Architect

Context

Technical context:

• DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT AT THE VLM
• Technical context:
• Bring your own laptop & license(s) incl. Copilot

Methodologies:

• Agile
• SCRUM
• XP

Technologies:

• .NET 4.8 / .NET 10
• C#
• ASP.NET Core
• Angular
• Typescript
• NgRx
• Visual Studio 2026.NET
• Framework 4.8
• MS SQL Server 2022
• Entity Framework Core
• Dapper
• Serilog
• MassTransit
• RabbitMQ
• IIS
• FluentValidation
• REST
• GraphQL
• Windows Communication Foundation
• ElasticSearch

Development environment:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2022
• IIS
• Azure DevOps Server
• MS SQL Server 2022
• MS SQL Server 2025 Reporting Services
• MS SQL Server 2025 Integration Services

Tools:

• Azure DevOps Server
• MS Sharepoint 2022
• SonarQube
• ArcGIS Server
• ADFS
• Application Insights / Azure Monitor
• GitHub Copilot

IDE:

• Visual Studio Professional
• VS Code
• Jetbrains Rider

Data Platform (specific):

• MS Fabric
• MS PowerBI
• MS Azure DevOps
• MS SQL Server
• Python
• SQL
• Spark

• Demonstrable experience as a data architect in multiple projects with complex data architecture issues
• Demonstrable experience in translating conceptual information models into logical data models
• Demonstrable experience in setting up and developing data strategy and data architecture
• Demonstrable experience in working with data standards
• Demonstrable experience in Data Management
• Demonstrable experience with programming languages and scripting languages
• Language requirement: Dutch at European CEFR - level C2.

• The candidate is engaged as a senior data architect, partly also a solution architect in the context of this. the further development of the VLM's data platform. For the specific range of tasks, please refer to the appendix.
• The senior data architect works together with all employees involved in implementations in the data platform (business and ICT), if necessary the ICT architecture department and the operations department, to give the correct interpretation to the tasks from the range of tasks mentioned in the appendix. Choices and decisions are always made in coordination with and in consultation with the above-mentioned actors.
• An additional starting point is that towards concrete implementations, an attempt must be made to have them carried out and managed independently by the internal team as much as possible.
• Together or in consultation with the VLM project leader of the data platform, the senior data architect ensures sufficient consultation with the various stakeholders and regular feedback on progress via project and steering groups.
• The end result of this assignment is the tool- and data-technical completion and improvement in all its aspects (see also tasks in the appendix) of the current data platform, including the implementation of a number of end-to-end solutions within the framework of 1 or more data domains.
• Finally, the senior data architect can be asked to share knowledge about technical specializations about which he or she has extensive knowledge through feedback sessions.
• Additional detailed information regarding the exact content of the assignment can be obtained on request.

Business context:

• Our organization aims to build a robust and standardized data platform with Microsoft Fabric on Azure. In a first process (first half of 2026), an initial Fabric environment was successfully set up, data from an on-premise SQL Server was migrated to the cloud and stored in Delta tables, and an initial reporting solution was realized in Power BI. However, this process took place without a clear methodology, architectural vision or governance framework. In the meantime, we have started the further professionalization of the initial implementation in order to evolve into a sustainable, scalable and manageable solution.
• As we continue to build out the platform, we want to take a standardized approach and explore additional opportunities within the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem. To this end, we wish to appoint a senior data architect who will guide the organization in the further development of the data platform and in making strategic, architectural and technical choices. The focus is on developing a future-proof vision and applying best practices around platform architecture, data engineering, analytics, governance and operational management. Governance includes helping to define ownership of data, roles and responsibilities, access management, data quality, metadata management and lifecycle management of data products. The consultant acts primarily as a coach, advisor and sparring partner for the internal employees. Where necessary, he or she can also actively contribute to concrete implementations. Knowledge transfer and strengthening internal expertise are an essential part of the assignment. In addition, we expect a proactive attitude and advice on improvements that further maturity of the VLM data platform. Final choices and decisions are always made in consultation with the VLM employees and stakeholders involved.
• An important pillar within this development is the self-service principle, in which business users, analysts and data engineers are given access to data and analytical capabilities in a controlled and secure manner. This requires a well-thought-out design of Microsoft Fabric, with attention to data governance, access management, metadata and data cataloging, workspace management and monitoring. This includes defining and implementing a target architecture for the data platform, including guidelines for data storage, data modeling, data integration, analytics, security, deployment, and operations management. We expect support in developing a secure and efficient self-service data environment in which users can work autonomously without compromising governance, security or manageability. This includes developing a governance approach for Power BI, including agreements around workspaces, semantic models, reports, apps, access control, and publishing processes. In addition, the Fabric environment must be set up in such a way that different user groups can work together safely and in a controlled manner, supported by clear agreements on workspaces, access management and resource management.
• The intended result of this assignment is to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable and manageable data platform with elaborated architecture principles, governance guidelines, operational standards and one or more implemented data domains according to these principles.