Data Architect
Also known as: Enterprise Data Architect · Information Architect
Designs the coherence of data, models and platforms in an organisation and sets standards that build teams adhere to.
The data architect determines how data flows through the organisation, where the source of truth sits and which models and definitions are leading. Unlike the data engineer, this role does not build, and unlike the data steward it addresses structure rather than day to day quality and ownership. Selection gets stuck on platform depth, while the real criterion is whether someone makes choices that last five years and can be explained to teams that want something else in the short term.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical reasoning Knockout | N5 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Sees in complex number series which assumptions determine the outcome and sets the calculation logic that others in the organisation follow. |
| Curiosity and exploring Competency (50-framework): Learning Ability | N4 | Big Fifty, 15PF, Motivation | Personality questionnaire | Gathers information on new methods outside the own team and brings findings into the work meeting unprompted. |
| Dealing with ambiguity Competency (50-framework): Flexibility | N4 | Big Fifty, Mental Resilience (4C), Competency Check | Situational Judgement Test | Formulates explicit assumptions when information is missing, proceeds on that basis and revises the approach once new data arrives. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Numerical reasoning | N5 | 5 | yes | Cognitive ability test |
| V | Systems thinking | N5 | 5 | no | Work sample test |
| K | Basic statistical interpretation | N5 | 5 | yes | Knowledge test |
| V | Data modelling | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Critical thinking and source evaluation | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Visual communication and data storytelling | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Stakeholder management | N5 | 4 | no | Assessment centre |
| V | Assessing data quality | N5 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Software design and architecture | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Data governance and ownership | N4 | 4 | no | Structured interview |
See all 26 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
Structured interview
Behavioral interview with a fixed structure
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Motivation
Drivers and sources of motivation
Mental Resilience (4C)
Mental Resilience According to the 4C Model
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