Data Architect (Data Migration Specialist, 2 year contract) - ESF Centre

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation journey. We are seeking a visionary Data Architect (Data Migration Specialist) to lead the consolidation of data from 22 schools into a unified, high-performance database.

This role is the cornerstone of our migration strategy. You will be responsible for designing the "blueprint" that transitions our legacy systems into a scalable, modern architecture. Your mission is to ensure that data flows seamlessly to schools, staff, students, and parents, while powering downstream systems and preparing ESF for the next frontier of educational technology, including Generative AI.  Because we operate as a lean team, this is not a back-office role. We need a transformation partner who is comfortable with people and ready to engage directly with school communities.  

Main Responsibilities:
 

Data Migration & Strategy

• Project Leadership: Lead the complex data migration exercise for 22 schools, ensuring a seamless transition from legacy silos into a single, unified database.
• Data Quality & Cleaning: Collaborate closely with data cleaning vendors to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and readiness of data before it enters the new system.
• Mapping & ETL: Develop detailed data mapping and implement robust ETL processes for effective data transformation during the consolidation of 22 school systems.
• Governance & Strategy: Oversee a foundation-wide data strategy and governance framework aligned with organisational goals and compliance standards.
   

Architecture & Technical Operations

• Scalable Architecture: Oversee and design the data blueprint to ensure it is robust and scalable, meeting the rapidly changing needs of a large-scale educational organisation.
• Interoperability: Ensure seamless data integration and interoperability across all systems by collaborating with application teams and business units to ensure everyone gets the data they need.
• Downstream Flow: Oversee the architecture to ensure correct data flows reliably to downstream systems supporting various school functionalities.
• Technical Support: Provide expert technical support for databases and SQL optimisation; resolve complex database issues in coordination with administrators.
• Audits: Conduct regular data audits to maintain strict data quality, governance, and privacy standards.
   

Partnership & School Support

• Transformation Partnership (School Support): Act as a hands-on partner to schools during the transition. You will support staff, students, and parents through the transition, providing technical clarity and troubleshooting with a service-oriented mindset.
• Reporting & Analytics: Create data analytics frameworks to translate business needs into actionable insights and support ongoing operational reporting.
• AI Innovation: Select and implement appropriate data tools and technologies, leveraging AI to improve processes and educational outcomes.
   

Requirements:

1. Education & Experience

• Academic Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; advanced degrees or relevant professional certifications are a plus.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience leading large-scale data migration projects (experience with multi-site or 20+ unit consolidations is highly preferred).
• Industry Context: Knowledge of educational operations (K-12 or Higher Ed) and data governance frameworks is highly advantageous.
• Experience working within a Professional Services organisation or a large-scale enterprise environment is highly advantageous.
   

2. Technical Mastery

• Core Stack: Proficiency with ETL tools, data warehousing, data modelling, and expert-level SQL.
• Database Expertise: Deep expertise in database design, management, optimisation, and troubleshooting to ensure secure and reliable operations.
   

3. Partnership & Strategic Leadership

• Transformation Partnership: A strong commitment to user-centric service. You will act as a hands-on partner to schools during the transition, supporting staff, students, and parents.
• Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Strong experience managing technical vendors across diverse project scopes and excellent skills in coordinating with internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Communication & Coordination: Exceptional communication and project coordination skills; the ability to provide "technical clarity" to non-technical audiences.
• Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning and innovation, specifically in leveraging new technologies.

In this role, you are more than a coder or an architect—you are a facilitator of change. You will be successful if you can navigate the technical complexities of a 22-school migration while ensuring that both teachers in the classroom and parents at home feel supported and empowered by the data at their fingertips.

Minimum typical education:  University degree in Computer Science or related disciplines

Minimum typical experience: Over 10 years of professional experience in data architecture, enterprise-level data migration, and systems integration, with a proven track record of leading complex consolidation projects in multi-site organisations.

Typical reporting relationship: Learning Management Systems Lead 

Period: Contract (2 years)

Project Focus: Enterprise System Migration & Data Consolidation

Location:  ESF Centre / Onsite at Schools (Hong Kong) 

Closing Date: Thursday 5th February 2026 at 11:59 PM HKT

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

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The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools. 

www.esf.edu.hk