Chief Data Architect

Chief Data Architect - 11 months - Belgium

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About the Role

RELYzIT Talent is seeking a visionary Chief Data Architect (Freelance) to lead a sector-wide data transformation for our client in Belgium. This is a unique opportunity to architect and implement a robust data governance framework and sectoral data architecture, directly impacting the future of public utilities and water management. You will be at the heart of a mission that elevates data as a strategic asset, driving interoperability, transparency, and operational excellence across multiple organizations.

Why This Role Matters

Our client is uniting public water operators to transform how data is managed, shared, and leveraged for collective value. As Chief Data Architect, you will solve the critical challenge of harmonizing and optimizing sectoral data, ensuring it becomes a catalyst for smarter investments, regulatory compliance, and sustainable public service. Your work will set the standard for data-driven decision-making in the utilities sector, with outcomes that ripple across organizations and communities.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and steer the implementation of a comprehensive data governance framework and sectoral data architecture, in close collaboration with stakeholders from multiple public water operators.


• Develop and present key deliverables, including:
  
  
  
  • Data governance and architecture roadmap
  
  
  • Data dictionary and metadata management
  
  
  • Master Data Repository (MDM) and management rules
  
  
  • Target data model and architecture
  
  
  • Governance framework: policies, roles, standards
  
  
  • Classification scale and ownership principles
  
  
  • Data quality catalog and indicators
  
  
  • Sectoral KPI reference
  
  
  • Mapping of data flows and interoperability
  
  
  • Compliance with NIS2, GDPR, and other regulatory obligations
  
  
  • Register of data decisions and arbitration
  
  
  • Presentation materials for sectoral digital platforms
  
  
  
  


• Ensure all deliverables meet quality, schedule, and governance requirements, maintaining overall consistency and validation.


• Facilitate workshops, animate data communities, and drive change management initiatives to foster data literacy and acculturation across organizations.


• Collaborate with architecture teams, data managers, business referents, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and sector-wide adoption.


• Report to governance bodies, providing strategic insights and updates on progress, risks, and opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in data governance, data architecture, or data management, with a proven track record in multi-entity or public sector environments.


• Expertise in designing and implementing data governance frameworks, MDM, data dictionaries, and quality catalogs.


• Strategic advisory experience with executive management or steering committees.


• Strong facilitation skills: workshop animation, community building, and change management.


• Ability to translate complex data concepts for diverse audiences, driving data literacy and stakeholder alignment.


• Diplomatic, collaborative, and able to navigate multi-organization environments with competing priorities.


• Visionary mindset linking data strategy to public service missions and sectoral impact.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Data Architecture (Expert)


• Data Management & MDM (Expert)


• Stakeholder Management (Expert)


• TOGAF, ArchiMate (Expert)


• Workshop Animation & Training (Expert)


• Data modeling, interoperability (APIs, standards), and asset lifecycle management


• Governance frameworks: DAMA-DMBOK, DCAM, ISO 8000 / ISO 11179


• Regulatory compliance: NIS2, GDPR


• Experience with public utilities, water sector, GIS/geomatics, SAP (master data), SCADA/IoT data, and asset management is highly valued

Language Proficiency

• Professional proficiency in English is required


• French and/or Dutch proficiency is highly appreciated

Other Requirements

• Freelance position with a project duration of 6 to 11 months, extendable if necessary


• Partial remote work; in-person meetings prioritized, with remote consolidation and reporting


• Availability to travel to client and operator sites within Belgium as needed


• Start date: As soon as possible


• Expected workload: 120 days