Senior Manager - Data & Integration Architecture

We are currently seeking a Senior Manager - Data & Integration Architecture who will be responsible for leading the design, governance, and evolution of integration and data architecture capabilities. The role defines scalable integration patterns, API strategies, event-driven architectures, and enterprise data flows that enable business agility, digital transformation, and AI-driven initiatives across multiple business entities.This position works closely with application teams, cloud engineering, data teams, and business stakeholders to ensure seamless connectivity, trusted data exchange, and alignment with enterprise architecture standards. You will be responsible for defining and maintaining target-state architectures across cloud and hybrid environments, driving integration and data platform modernisation at both a strategic and governance level.Our client based in Dubai, is one of the largest semi-governmental conglomerates in the region. This position is a contract role with an initial duration of 6 months and is renewable.Key Responsibilities:Define and maintain target-state architectures for enterprise integration, APIs, messaging, event streaming, and data platforms across cloud and hybrid environmentsEstablish architecture standards, integration patterns, and governance processes to ensure secure, scalable, and reusable integrations between enterprise applications, SaaS platforms, operational systems, and data platformsDrive API-led connectivity, event-driven architecture, and real-time integration capabilities across digital and operational landscapeSupport strategic initiatives involving customer platforms, ERP systems, digital channels, loyalty platforms, and emerging AI solutionsCollaborate with data engineering teams to design enterprise data flows, master data integration approaches, and data-sharing frameworks that support analytics, reporting, machine learning, and agentic AI use casesParticipate in architecture review boards, evaluate integration technologies and vendors, and oversee solution design reviewsSupport technology modernisation and rationalisation initiatives, ensuring architectural alignment and coherenceEnsure architecture documentation is maintained within LeanIX and related architecture repositories, providing visibility into integrations, interfaces, data flows, and technology dependenciesKnowledge, Skills & Experience:12+ years of overall experience, with proven tenure as a Data Architect, Integration Architect, Enterprise Architect, or Solution Architect within complex enterprise environmentsStrong expertise in enterprise integration technologies including APIs, middleware, ESB/iPaaS platforms, event-driven architectures, messaging systems, and microservicesHands-on experience with integration platforms such as MuleSoft, Boomi, Informatica, Azure Integration Services, or equivalent technologiesStrong knowledge of data architecture concepts including data modelling, master data management, metadata management, data governance, data quality, and modern cloud data platformsHands-on experience with cloud technologies, particularly Azure and/or AWS, along with familiarity with API management, event streaming, and modern data lake or lakehouse architecturesExperience integrating enterprise platforms such as Salesforce, Oracle, Workday, hospitality systems, loyalty platforms, or digital commerce solutions is advantageousKnowledge of AI, machine learning data pipelines, retrieval architectures, and agentic AI integration patterns is a strong advantageExperience in architecture governance, platform selection, and large-scale transformation programmesExcellent stakeholder management, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex architectural decisions to both technical and non-technical audiencesBachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related disciplineTOGAF certification preferredCloud certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect, Azure Integration Services, AWS Solutions Architect, or equivalentData-related certifications such as Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, or Informatica are advantageous