Driving strategic initiatives and managing data architecture teams, the Head of Data Architecture is a critical leadership role responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the data architectural strategy across the Enterprise Technology organization. This role involves ensuring the function's objectives align with broader business goals and requires excellent communication skills for internal and external negotiation. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of industry trends, competitor offerings, and a strong conceptual and practical grounding in data architecture, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication skills. This position entails full management responsibility for teams, budgeting, planning, and strategy, significantly impacting the organization's strategic direction and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage data architecture teams, fostering a high-performance culture
Formulate and execute the data architecture functional strategy, determining the most effective implementation approaches
Oversee strategy and planning for the data architecture domain, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives
Provide significant contributions to the future strategic direction of data architecture within the business
Exercise full management responsibility for teams, encompassing performance evaluations, compensation, hiring, disciplinary actions, and budget approvals
Engage in and lead diverse, cross-disciplinary data initiatives, collaborating across various functions
Operate effectively within a functional organization, valuing deep expertise and supporting a motivated, productive team
Promote transparency as a foundational element for trust
Provide supportive leadership, valuing all perspectives, and focusing on the 'how' before the 'what' in data architectural problem-solving
Amplify the contributions of team members and learn from both successes and failures, fostering continuous growth
Actively seek new challenges to push personal and team boundaries
Prioritize attracting, retaining, and enabling top data talent
Drive innovation at the business level through data architecture, leveraging technology to create strategic advantage
Emphasize robust infrastructure management and proactive maintenance to minimize surprises
Champion the maximized use of AI within data architecture to automate routine tasks and free up intellectual capacity for more complex work
Challenge conventional thinking and avoid merely digitizing existing processes; instead, rethink and redesign with AI capabilities
Promote and celebrate re-use of architectural components and patterns to enhance efficiency and consistency
Challenge existing data architecture standards and methodologies, driving continuous improvement and innovation
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Embrace change with optimism, curiosity, and resilience, adapting data strategies to evolving technological landscapes
Promote an environment of open communication and candor, welcoming constructive challenge from team members and stakeholders
Foster a culture of learning from experiences, adapting architectural practices, and enhancing overall data system robustness
Prioritize the collective good of the organization in all data architectural decisions, ensuring enterprise-wide benefits
Strive for unparalleled excellence in client data solutions, robust data controls, and operational efficiency within the data architecture domain
Simplify, standardize, and clarify complex data architectural designs and processes to enhance clarity and maintainability
Ensure the implementation of strong risk management practices and appropriate controls in all data architecture deliverables
Focus on identifying and rectifying root causes of data issues to build long-term value and stability in data platforms
Uphold the highest ethical standards and integrity in all architectural endeavors, ensuring compliance and trustworthiness
Value and integrate diverse perspectives in data architecture design and implementation to consistently surpass stakeholder expectations
Actively break down organizational silos and foster collaboration to deliver cohesive data solutions across Citi
Measure the efficacy of data architecture initiatives through the lens of business and client stakeholders
Invest in the growth and development of data professionals from all backgrounds, promoting an inclusive environment
Demonstrate empathy for colleagues, clients, and communities, ensuring data solutions are designed with broader impact in mind
Perform other job duties and functions as assigned
Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards
Requirements
15+ years relevant experience
In-depth understanding of how data architecture contributes to achieving overall functional objectives
A strong understanding of the industry, direct competitors' data products, and services to contribute to commercial objectives
Thorough understanding of the strategic direction of the data architecture function within the relevant part of the business
Solid conceptual and practical grounding in data architecture principles, methodologies, and related subject areas
Excellent communication skills, with proven ability to negotiate internally at senior levels and engage externally when necessary
Demonstrated ability to manage and lead teams, including responsibilities for performance, budget, and planning
Self-starter with ability to take the initiative and master new tasks quickly
Bachelor’s/University degree or equivalent experience, potentially Masters degree and managerial experience
Benefits
Discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards
Medical, dental & vision coverage
401(k)
Life, accident, and disability insurance
Wellness programs
Paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays
Important Details
Application deadline: Sep 17, 2026
Automated Processing and AI
We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening
If you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi
All our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals
Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making
