Senior Functional Data Architect

Who We Are: 

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

The Senior Functional Data Architect will lead the design and implementation of scalable, enterprise-grade data architecture solutions that will help to drive New Balance to be a Top 3 Global Athletic Brand. This role will be instrumental in documenting and optimizing the end-to-end lineage of enterprise data, ensuring data quality, governance, and compliance across systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in data modeling, lineage, and architecture, and will serve as a key liaison between stakeholders and technical teams.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Design and implement robust, scalable data architectures that support enterprise-wide business objectives.

• Document the end-to-end lineage of data across the enterprise to ensure transparency and traceability.

• Assess current data management processes and identify gaps or inefficiencies in data propagation.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive data lineage documentation and metadata standards.

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, global data governance (GDG), and IT teams to translate data requirements into effective architectural solutions.

• Guide technology choices with a forward-looking approach and strategic understanding of how data influences architecture.

• Define and implement a standardized process for managing regular changes to enterprise data, including agile-aligned implementation across downstream systems.

• Establish a governance framework for large-scale changes such as product hierarchy updates.

• Design and implement a communication process to ensure organizational awareness and alignment on data changes.

• Ensure compliance with data governance policies and industry standards.

• Provide functional leadership and mentorship to junior architects and analysts.

• Foster a culture of agile, innovative, and customer-focused within the team.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in data architecture, data modeling, and enterprise data management.

• Proven experience with data lineage tools and metadata management platforms.

• Strong proficiency in SQL and modern data technologies (e.g., Snowflake, Azure Data Factory, Databricks).

• Familiarity with data governance tools such as Alation or Collibra

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., D365 F&O) and product data domains is highly desirable.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices a strong plus

• Knowledge of corporate product lifecycle management, supply chain planning, manufacturing, and fulfillment operations a strong plus

• Excellent communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills

Regular Associate Benefits 

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.