Data Architect

At Caribou Coffee we create day-making experiences that spark a chain reaction of GOOD!  This is our purpose.  Our team brings this to life by focusing on what’s really important around here – TEAM, GUEST, BUSINESS!  It’s that simple.�� If you’re ready to work somewhere you can be yourself while making an impact on your community, creating life-long relationships, and serving the best coffee around, join our herd!  Apply today and be part of the ‘Bou Crew!

Position Overview:

The Data Architect is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the data infrastructure that powers Caribou Coffee's enterprise analytics capabilities. This role owns the reliability, performance, and scalability of data pipelines and the enterprise data warehouse — ensuring clean, consistent, and timely data flows from source systems to downstream consumers. The Data Architect partners closely with Technology, software vendors, and the Business Intelligence & Data Analytics team to implement and evolve the company's data architecture in alignment with its strategic vision.

Core Responsibilities:

Data Architecture

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable pipelines that ingest data from source systems into the enterprise data warehouse.
• Architect and optimize data warehouse structures for performance, scalability, reliability, and future growth.
• Design integration patterns and data flows between enterprise applications, APIs, and cloud platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend data technologies, tools, and architectural improvements that enhance enterprise capabilities.
• Implement and uphold enterprise data architecture standards and development practices.
• Maintain technical documentation for data architecture and platform standards.
• Establish and manage data retention, archival, backup, and recovery processes to support business continuity and regulatory requirements.
• Provide architectural recommendations and technical expertise to support long-term data platform strategy and scalability.

Cloud Infrastructure, Security, and Governance

• Manage and administer cloud data infrastructure (e.g. Azure, Snowflake, or equivalent platforms) including monitoring, troubleshooting, optimization, and issue resolution.
• Implement and maintain security controls and access management.
• Support data governance initiatives including data cataloging, lineage tracking, and access management in coordination with technology and compliance teams.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD practices for data pipeline deployments, ensuring version control and repeatable processes.

Data Enablement (Business Partnership)

• Collaborate with internal technology teams and software vendors on system integrations, API connections, and source systems changes that impact data flows.
• Partner with the Business Intelligence team to understand downstream reporting needs and design warehouse structures that support them.
• Ensure enterprise data is accurate, reliable, and readily available to support analytics and business operations.
• Provide technical guidance related to data architecture and platform capabilities.

Skills and Requirements:

• Brings the Core Values to life in all that you do: Support One Another, Make Fun Happen, Be Yourself, Take Ownership, Serve with Love.
• Thrives in a performance-driven environment by taking ownership of outcomes, delivering meaningful contributions, and aligning efforts to team and organizational priorities.
• Designs scalable data solutions with a clear understanding of how data flows across systems, processes, and business functions.
• Analyzes complex technical and data challenges, identifies root causes, and implements effective, long-term solutions.
• Builds strong partnerships with technical and non-technical stakeholders to align priorities, solve problems, and achieve shared outcomes.
• Takes responsibility for delivering reliable, high-quality data solutions while ensuring ongoing operational excellence.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 3–5+ years’ experience in data engineering, data warehousing, or a related technical role.
• Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language used for data pipelines (Python, Scala, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with cloud data platforms (Snowflake, Azure Synapse, Databricks, or equivalent).
• Experience building and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines using tools such as Azure Data Factory, dbt, Fivetran, or similar.
• Familiarity with data modeling concepts including dimensional modeling and star/snowflake schemas.
• Strong understanding of data quality principles and experie