Enterprise Architect Consultant in Sacramento, California - #71709 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 71709

Enterprise Architect Consultant
Our client is seeking an experienced Enterprise Architect Consultant to lead hands-on enterprise architecture execution while designing and launching a modern EA Office within a centralized Strategy & Governance function. This role blends tactical solution architecture with organizational design, governance model development, AI enablement, and process automation. The ideal candidate brings deep enterprise architecture expertise, strong executive presence, and proven experience embedding AI and automation into IT governance and portfolio delivery frameworks.

This role is a hybrid model in Sacramento, California.

Enterprise Architect Consultant Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise and solution architecture execution, including development of architectural direction, decision records, standards enforcement, and long-term technology roadmaps aligned to business strategy.
• Design and stand up an integrated EA Office, defining operating model, decision rights, engagement frameworks, service catalog, and governance structures in alignment with PMO and business relationship functions.
• Chair and operationalize architecture governance processes, including Architecture Review Board facilitation, exception management, technical debt tracking, and compliance oversight.
• Establish and maintain enterprise standards across cloud, data, integration, security, and AI domains, ensuring scalability, interoperability, and cost optimization.
• Build and integrate shared services capabilities, including structured intake and triage processes, AI and data architecture guardrails, financial analytics support, and governance automation.
• Develop and implement AI enablement strategies within governance and project delivery workflows, including Copilot utilization, automation of stage gates, and intelligent reporting dashboards.
• Create and oversee enterprise data architecture practices, including metadata management, lineage, MDM frameworks, migration strategies, reusable pipelines, and AI model governance controls.
• Implement tooling ecosystems to support architecture operations, including artifact repositories, dashboards, workflow automation, and documentation governance.
• Design unified dashboards that integrate portfolio, financial, risk, and architectural compliance data to support executive decision-making.
• Evaluate vendors, software acquisition requests, and technology proposals to ensure security alignment, lifecycle governance, and enterprise standards compliance.
• Partner with executive leadership, technical teams, and business stakeholders to align IT capabilities with strategic priorities and transformation goals.
• Develop foundational EA artifacts, including charters, playbooks, RACI models, governance policies, and capability maps.
• Drive change management efforts to support adoption of the EA Office, including training, communication plans, onboarding materials, and stakeholder engagement.

Enterprise Architect Consultant Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive IT experience, including enterprise architecture, infrastructure, data management, and business systems leadership.
• 15+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, data migration strategy, and large-scale data governance initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing enterprise governance frameworks supporting technology procurement, cybersecurity, AI, integrations, and portfolio management.
• Proven track record implementing AI and automation within IT governance, PMO processes, or enterprise delivery models.
• Strong experience with cloud architecture, enterprise integration patterns, identity and access management, and distributed systems design.
• Deep knowledge of enterprise data management, SQL-based systems, ETL/ELT patterns, and AI/ML lifecycle governance.
• Experience defining and operationalizing Architecture Review Boards, standards stewardship, and exception handling processes.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI) and workflow automation tools.
• Familiarity with Copilot enablement strategies, prompt governance, and enterprise AI guardrails.
• Experience with DevOps and backlog management tools such as Azure DevOps or Jira.
• Experience with enterprise data catalog and lineage tools (e.g., Microsoft Purview or equivalent).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technical Sciences required.
• Relevant certifications such as TOGAF, ITIL, COBIT, Azure, or SAFe preferred.
• Master’s degree in Engineering or Technical Sciences preferred.
• Exceptional executive communication skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and facilitate cross-functional alignment.
• Strong systems thinking, analytical problem-solving, and organizational design capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead workshops, coach teams, and drive enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.

Compensation: $120-$160/hr. (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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