Principal Data Analytics Architect - IT

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

The Principal Data Analytics Architect will be responsible for leading the design, development, and support of enterprise data solutions leveraging Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft SQL Server, and Power BI. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities to ensure that the Data Team delivers high-quality, scalable, and secure data products that support SunOpta's business strategy.

This leader will oversee daily team operations, mentor team members, manage project priorities, and collaborate with stakeholders across the business to deliver actionable insights. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in data architecture, BI reporting, and modern data platforms, along with proven leadership and communication skills.

Candidates will need to demonstrate initiative, strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work in a team, while also assuming individual responsibility for their work.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Lead and manage the Data & Analytics Team, setting priorities and guiding project execution.
• Architect, develop, and optimize data solutions in Microsoft Fabric and SQL Server.
• Design and implement ETL/ELT pipelines, data models, and data warehouses/lakehouses.
• Oversee the development of advanced dashboards and analytics in Power BI to enable self-service insights.
• Partner with business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Ensure best practices for data governance, security, and compliance are followed.
• Mentor and develop team members, providing technical guidance and career development.
• Research emerging technologies to continuously evolve SunOpta's data and analytics capabilities.
• Create and maintain documentation for data processes, architecture, and standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Minimum Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in data engineering, BI, or analytics roles.
• 3+ years of leadership or team lead experience.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server (T-SQL, performance tuning, database design).
• Proven experience with Microsoft Fabric (OneLake, Data Factory, Synapse, Power BI integration).
• Advanced expertise in Power BI including DAX, Power Query, and data modeling.
• Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data governance frameworks (e.g., security, cataloging, lineage).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure preferred).
• Knowledge of APIs, data integrations, and real-time data streaming.
• Experience managing Agile or Scrum-based teams.
• Microsoft certifications in Data Engineering, BI, or Azure.

Additional Considerations:

• This position will be at the Headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN.
• Travel Expectation: Up to 10% including travel to Canada.
• Must be available for escalations during an on-call rotation: nights, weekends, and holidays; occasional travel to out-of-town locations will be required.
• Work Environment: Approximately 90% of the work is performed in an office environment; 10% of work may involve being in an agricultural/manufacturing environment.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED