Principal Technical Data Architect

About the role:

The Principal Technical Data Architect is a highly experienced technical leader with a proven ability to design, document, implement and govern complex, scalable, and auditable solutions across cloud, data, and integration platforms. This role is jointly embedded across the Department of Health (DH) and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and plays a critical part in shaping the future of data architecture across both portfolios.

To be successful in this role, the architect must demonstrate deep expertise in cloud-native data engineering (particularly Azure), pragmatic problem-solving skills, and a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and team development. The role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to translate business needs into robust, secure, and future-ready data architectures.

The Principal Technical Data Architect will:

• ; Deliver solution blueprints and standards that align with the enterprise information and data management strategy, promoting architecture principles that drive business value, cost efficiencies, and continuous improvement. Lead the development and application of enterprise data architectures, including evaluation of emerging technologies and alignment with strategic priorities.
• ; Provide architectural advice for the overall change portfolio including business cases and project/enhancement requests by examining against current and target architectures
• ; Define the information/data architecture framework, reference architectures, models, standards, principles, metadata, security, reference data and master data.
• ; Undertake high level research to identify innovation opportunities and future trends in data, data management, AI and all aspects of data architecture.

Please refer to position description for further information on role.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

The Department of Health is seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Technical Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of data architecture that underpins critical health systems and services across Victoria. This senior role plays a key part in shaping the Department's data strategy, ensuring robust, scalable, and future-focused data environments that support evidence-based decision-making and digital transformation.

As the Principal Technical Data Architect, you will think strategically and holistically, translating complex business and policy objectives into actionable architecture and engineering outcomes. You will apply systems thinking to understand the interdependencies between departments, platforms, and data ecosystems, diagnosing challenges and opportunities to drive sustainable improvements in data management and integration.

Your strong analytical and problem-solving abilities will enable you to assess complex data challenges, identify workable solutions, and implement practical, high-value outcomes. You will work collaboratively with technical experts, business leaders, and stakeholders to design solutions that enhance data quality, security, and accessibility across the organisation.

This role also requires a high level of influence and negotiation. You will build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups, gain buy-in for new approaches, and use your expertise to guide and align decision-making at all levels of the organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the Department's data architecture at a strategic level, supporting the delivery of better health outcomes for all Victorians.

If you are a forward-thinking data architecture professional with the strategic vision, technical depth, and interpersonal skills to lead transformative change, we encourage you to apply.

Join us in building the data foundations for a healthier, more connected future.

Mandatory

• Strong command of Azure services including Data Factory, Databricks, Monitor, and networking/security configurations
• Demonstrated ability to design modular, componentised systems with a focus on auditability and traceability
• Advanced proficiency in designing and developing .NET applications, including service agents, serverless functions, and bespoke web tools.
• Experience building responsive front-end applications using React.JS and modern web frameworks, hosted in Azure or SharePoint
• Experience developing dynamic, data-driven solutions that reduce operational overhead and improve maintainability
• Designed and implemented solutions to support hosting and integrated Language Models (LMs) and Large Language Models (LLMs) into analytics platforms
• Architected environments for secure, scalable AI model deployment and inference, enabling advanced analytics and decision support
• Lead the design of high-isolation environments for sensitive data access and FOI-compliant data extraction
• Strong understanding of integration patterns across proprietary platforms (e.g. Power Platform, Salesforce) and APIs (REST, SDMX, HL7)
• Proven ability to produce and maintain comprehensive architecture documentation, including naming conventions, reference models, and governance artefacts.
• Experience with HL7 data standards and integration platforms such as Mirth and Mulesoft will be highly regarded
• A relevant tertiary qualification, such as a degree in Information Systems, Data Science, or Computer Science
• Industry recognised certifications and/or training related to architecture, e.g. FEAF, TOGAF, Azure Data Engineer, or equivalent cloud and governance frameworks.

On a personal level, the candidate will be an analytical and innovative thinker who approaches complexity with creativity and accountability. They will take initiative to drive meaningful outcomes, build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation, and foster collaboration through clear communication, integrity, and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the `Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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