ZS Associates—Enterprise Architect

Job description

Description: ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS. ZS’s Architecture & Engineering Expertise Center hosts passionate tech professionals with focus on deep technology skills, incubation of new technologies, build and manage assets, cater to architecture skills needed for client projects. This track is about bringing and nurturing deep technical talent within ZS to engage with technical IT clients and de-risk large scale technology programs that are increasingly under scrutiny for technical, and architectural best practices. In this role, you will be aligned to with global clients across Travel, Hospitality, Retail, Financial Services, QSR, and Agri‑Tech to drive revenue growth, operational excellence, and personalized engagement using data, analytics, and technology. We help organizations move from traditional systems to intelligent, adaptive, and GenAI‑enabled ecosystems that deliver measurable business outcomes. As an Enterprise Data & AI Architect at ZS, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering large-scale data modernization and AI transformation programs for global clients. This role sits at the intersection of business strategy, enterprise data architecture, cloud platforms, and GenAI innovation. You will define target-state architectures and transformation roadmaps, design governance-driven and cloud-native data platforms, and guide cross-functional engineering teams through execution. The role requires strong experience in enterprise data ecosystems, AI/GenAI enablement, cloud-native design, and client-facing technical leadership. What you’ll do : - Define, own, and evolve the enterprise-wide Data & AI architecture vision, spanning data ingestion, integration, governance, analytics, cloud platforms, and AI/GenAI capabilities (across AWS, Azure, GCP). - Build modern, agentic based data architecture for structured and unstructured data. - Build knowledge management layer , MCP consumption end points for modern data consumption practices - Lead the development of future-state architecture blueprints that balance innovation, scalability, security, performance, and business value. - Establish scalable architecture standards, reference frameworks, integration patterns, and best practices that enable enterprise-wide adoption of data, analytics, and AI solutions. - Partner with executive stakeholders to shape enterprise data modernization and AI transformation roadmaps, aligning technology investments with strategic business objectives. - Drive modernization initiatives across Azure, AWS, and GCP environments, including cloud-native platform adoption, legacy system transformation, and next-generation data platform implementation. - Guide architectural decisions related to data engineering, integration, platform services, DevOps, and AI workloads to ensure long-term sustainability and operational excellence. - Establish and oversee enterprise-wide data governance, metadata management, privacy, security, and compliance frameworks. - Ensure enterprise platforms meet regulatory, security, and operational requirements while maintaining flexibility for innovation and growth. - Lead the evaluation, design, and integration of advanced AI capabilities, including Generative AI, Agentic AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), intelligent assistants, automation agents, and synthetic data solutions. - Collaborate with innovation and engineering teams to translate emerging AI technologies into scalable enterprise solutions that deliver measurable business impact. - Promote human-in-the-loop approaches and governance-driven AI deployment models to maximize adoption and trust. - Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and client leadership teams, shaping technology strategy and articulating a compelling Data & AI transformation vision. - Lead solution architecture and technical governance across complex engagements, ensuring architectural integrity from strategy and design through implementation and production deployment. - Support business development efforts through opportunity shaping, executive presentations, solution proposals, and thought leadership. - Build, mentor, and lead high-performing global architecture and engineering teams across multiple geographies. - Foster engineering excellence through the development of reusable assets, documentation standards, architectural accelerators, and Centers of Excellence (CoE). - Drive a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and technical excellence across Data, Cloud, and AI disciplines What you’ll bring : - Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Engineering. - 10–14 years in technology consulting or delivery with a strong focus on one or more industries: hospitality, airlines, retail, Hi-tech, manufacturing. - Understanding of core commercial/operational systems in chosen sectors – hospitality, airlines, retail, Hi-tech, manufacturing (e.g., PMS, CRS, POS, FMS, CRM, loyalty systems in hospitality). - Strong hands‑on understanding of cloud‑native architectures, microservices, data engineering, and integration frameworks. - Deep understanding of building knowledge layer on structured/ unstructured data - Demonstrated experience leading multi‑disciplinary global teams through architecture design, delivery governance, and client relationship management. - Hands-on experience with enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, and familiarity with methodologies like C4, UML, and RUP 4+1 is preferred. - Proven ability to bridge business and technology—from defining business drivers and KPIs to mapping enabling platforms and execution plans. - Experience working with US or global enterprise clients; familiarity with large transformation or modernization programs preferred. - Exposure to AI/ML or GenAI‑enabled automation use cases is an advantage. - Excellent communication, presentation, and client engagement skills—comfortable at both strategic and technical levels. - Prior experience in a professional services/consulting environment preferred. - Client How you’ll grow: - Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways - Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities - Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions Perks & Benefits: At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in India, visit ZS India office locations | Where we work | ZS. Hybrid working model: We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections. Travel: Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures. Considering applying? At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive. If you’re eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply. ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law. To complete your application: Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered. NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE. Find Out More At: www.zs.com Responsibilities: ZS’s Architecture & Engineering Expertise Center hosts passionate tech professionals with focus on deep technology skills, incubation of new technologies, build and manage assets, cater to architecture skills needed for client projects. This track is about bringing and nurturing deep technical talent within ZS to engage with technical IT clients and de-risk large scale technology programs that are increasingly under scrutiny for technical, and architectural best practices. In this role, you will be aligned to with global clients across Travel, Hospitality, Retail, Financial Services, QSR, and Agri‑Tech to drive revenue growth, operational excellence, and personalized engagement using data, analytics, and technology. We help organizations move from traditional systems to intelligent, adaptive, and GenAI‑enabled ecosystems that deliver measurable business outcomes. As an Enterprise Data & AI Architect at ZS, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering large-scale data modernization and AI transformation programs for global clients. This role sits at the intersection of business strategy, enterprise data architecture, cloud platforms, and GenAI innovation. You will define target-state architectures and transformation roadmaps, design governance-driven and cloud-native data platforms, and guide cross-functional engineering teams through execution. The role requires strong experience in enterprise data ecosystems, AI/GenAI enablement, cloud-native design, and client-facing technical leadership. What you’ll do : - Define, own, and evolve the enterprise-wide Data & AI architecture vision, spanning data ingestion, integration, governance, analytics, cloud platforms, and AI/GenAI capabilities (across AWS, Azure, GCP). - Build modern, agentic based data architecture for structured and unstructured data. - Build knowledge management layer , MCP consumption end points for modern data consumption practices - Lead the development of future-state architecture blueprints that balance innovation, scalability, security, performance, and business value. - Establish scalable architecture standards, reference frameworks, integration patterns, and best practices that enable enterprise-wide adoption of data, analytics, and AI solutions. - Partner with executive stakeholders to shape enterprise data modernization and AI transformation roadmaps, aligning technology investments with strategic business objectives. - Drive modernization initiatives across Azure, AWS, and GCP environments, including cloud-native platform adoption, legacy system transformation, and next-generation data platform implementation. - Guide architectural decisions related to data engineering, integration, platform services, DevOps, and AI workloads to ensure long-term sustainability and operational excellence. - Establish and oversee enterprise-wide data governance, metadata management, privacy, security, and compliance frameworks. - Ensure enterprise platforms meet regulatory, security, and operational requirements while maintaining flexibility for innovation and growth. - Lead the evaluation, design, and integration of advanced AI capabilities, including Generative AI, Agentic AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), intelligent assistants, automation agents, and synthetic data solutions. - Collaborate with innovation and engineering teams to translate emerging AI technologies into scalable enterprise solutions that deliver measurable business impact. - Promote human-in-the-loop approaches and governance-driven AI deployment models to maximize adoption and trust. - Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and client leadership teams, shaping technology strategy and articulating a compelling Data & AI transformation vision. - Lead solution architecture and technical governance across complex engagements, ensuring architectural integrity from strategy and design through implementation and production deployment. - Support business development efforts through opportunity shaping, executive presentations, solution proposals, and thought leadership. - Build, mentor, and lead high-performing global architecture and engineering teams across multiple geographies. - Foster engineering excellence through the development of reusable assets, documentation standards, architectural accelerators, and Centers of Excellence (CoE). - Drive a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and technical excellence across Data, Cloud, and AI disciplines What you’ll bring : - Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Engineering. - 10–14 years in technology consulting or delivery with a strong focus on one or more industries: hospitality, airlines, retail, Hi-tech, manufacturing. - Understanding of core commercial/operational systems in chosen sectors – hospitality, airlines, retail, Hi-tech, manufacturing (e.g., PMS, CRS, POS, FMS, CRM, loyalty systems in hospitality). - Strong hands‑on understanding of cloud‑native architectures, microservices, data engineering, and integration frameworks. - Deep understanding of building knowledge layer on structured/ unstructured data - Demonstrated experience leading multi‑disciplinary global teams through architecture design, delivery governance, and client relationship management. - Hands-on experience with enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, and familiarity with methodologies like C4, UML, and RUP 4+1 is preferred. - Proven ability to bridge business and technology—from defining business drivers and KPIs to mapping enabling platforms and execution plans. - Experience working with US or global enterprise clients; familiarity with large transformation or modernization programs preferred. - Exposure to AI/ML or GenAI‑enabled automation use cases is an advantage. - Excellent communication, presentation, and client engagement skills—comfortable at both strategic and technical levels. - Prior experience in a professional services/consulting environment preferred. - Client