Principal Consultant - Data Architecture & Strategy

About the Role

Join Fusion5 as a Principal Consultant within our New Zealand Data & Analytics team, located in Christchurch, Canterbury. This senior consulting position calls for a seasoned professional who excels at data architecture and strategy, working closely with clients to elevate their data capabilities through strategic insight and technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive data engagements with some of New Zealand's top organisations, delivering architecture and strategy expertise.
• Design and implement modern data architectures across operational and analytical scenarios, including lakehouse/medallion patterns and dimensional modelling.
• Conduct discovery phases and data maturity assessments to develop actionable data strategies and roadmaps for clients.
• Contribute hands-on to platform development using Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Databricks, and Snowflake technologies.
• Embed data governance frameworks, master data management, metadata management, and data quality into solution designs.
• Act as a champion for practical AI adoption, guiding clients and the team to leverage AI effectively on robust data foundations.
• Oversee data migration initiatives, including CRM and ERP migrations within broader transformation projects alongside Business Applications teams.
• Support presales activities by estimating scopes, crafting proposals and RFPs, and communicating trade-offs to clients.
• Mentor junior consultants and seniors, fostering the growth of team standards, knowledge bases, and reusable assets.

Candidate Profile

• At least 8 years’ experience in data architecture, senior data engineering, or data consulting, including leadership on complex or high-value projects.
• Proficient in logical and physical data modelling, dimensional modelling per Kimball methodology, and lakehouse/medallion architecture designs.
• Strong practical experience using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Fabric platforms for data ingestion, transformation, and warehousing complemented by advanced SQL, Python, and ETL/ELT capabilities.
• Expertise in leading discovery and data strategy exercises with senior-level business and technical stakeholders.
• Knowledgeable about implementing data governance, master data management, metadata management, and data quality principles.
• Comfortable applying AI techniques day-to-day and passionate about promoting AI integration in solutions and delivery practices.
• Experienced in presales and solution shaping including project scoping, estimation, and client presentations.
• Skilled in consulting abilities such as senior stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, and articulate communication.
• Adept at mentoring professionals and enhancing team standards and workflows.
• Must hold legal entitlement to work in New Zealand and able to service clients nationwide.

Preferred Expertise

• Hands-on experience with Databricks and/or Snowflake platforms.
• Knowledge of Power BI and semantic modelling techniques.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Purview, dbt tool, and AI solution implementations on the Microsoft stack (including Copilot, Azure OpenAI, and Fabric Data Agents).

Benefits

• Engaged, collaborative workplace culture valuing teamwork and mutual support.
• Attractive salary package, flexible working options, and emphasis on work-life harmony.
• Additional leave benefits such as birthday leave and volunteer days plus social events to foster team spirit.
• Clear career advancement pathways encouraging professional growth within the practice.

Additional Information

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence client outcomes and the evolution of our practice as part of a reputable trans-Tasman firm dedicated to delivering impactful technology solutions.