Interim Data Migration Architect

Data Migration Architect (Salesforce, SQL) - Fixed Term Contract

Location: UK (Reading)
Type: Contractor / Hybrid

Role overview:

We are looking for an experienced contractor to lead the analysis, design and execution of a data migration from one Salesforce instance (source org) to another (target org), using Microsoft SQL Server as the staging and transformation layer. You will own the end-to-end migration data workstream: profiling source data, mapping objects and fields, building transformation logic, loading and reconciling data, and supporting cutover.

This is a hands on, delivery focused role. The right person will combine strong Salesforce data model knowledge with proven, real world experience of moving data between orgs safely and accurately. The role can be filled at Data Analyst or Data Architect level depending on the candidate's experience; architect-level candidates will additionally be expected to shape the overall migration approach and standards.

Main Duties / Responsibilities:

• Define and document the data migration approach, scope, and sequencing for moving data between Salesforce orgs, including cutover and rollback considerations.
• Analyse and profile source Salesforce data to assess volumes, quality, duplication, and dependencies across standard and custom objects.
• Produce object level and field level mapping documents between source and target orgs, covering data types, picklist values, record types, required fields, and validation rules.
• Design and maintain SQL Server staging databases and schemas to extract, cleanse, transform, and stage Salesforce data ahead of loading.
• Write, optimise, and test T SQL (stored procedures, views, ETL logic) to implement transformation and data cleansing rules.
• Manage the migration of parent/child relationships and record ownership, preserving referential integrity through ID cross referencing (source ID to target ID) and correct load order.
• Extract and load data using appropriate tooling (e.g., Salesforce Data Loader, Bulk API, SSIS, Azure Data Factory, dbAmp, or equivalent) and manage error handling and re runs.
• Plan and run multiple migration cycles (development, test/UAT, and production dress rehearsals) and execute the production cutover.
• Design and run reconciliation and validation checks (record counts, field level comparisons, sampling) and produce sign off evidence for business stakeholders.
• Work with Salesforce administrators, developers, business analysts, and data owners to resolve data quality issues and agree transformation rules.
• Identify and manage migration risks and issues, including data volume limits, API limits, automation and trigger impacts, and sharing/ownership considerations.
• Ensure the handling of personal data complies with GDPR and internal data governance and security standards.
• Produce clear documentation and a handover pack (mapping specifications, scripts, runbooks, lessons learned) so the migration can be supported after your engagement ends.

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven, hands on experience delivering data migrations between Salesforce orgs or from other systems into Salesforce, ideally including at least one full production cutover.
• Strong working knowledge of the Salesforce data model, including standard objects (e.g., Account, Contact, Lead, Opportunity, Case, User) and custom objects, relationships (lookup and master detail), record types, and field types.
• Strong SQL Server and T SQL skills, including stored procedures, joins across large data sets, performance tuning, and data quality checks.
• Experience with data extraction and loading tools for Salesforce (e.g., Data Loader, Bulk API, SSIS, Azure Data Factory, Informatica, Talend, Boomi, dbAmp, or similar).
• Solid experience in data profiling, cleansing, deduplication, and mapping, with a methodical approach to reconciliation and audit trails.
• Understanding of Salesforce migration considerations such as ownership and sharing, validation rules, triggers/flows, API limits, and managing record IDs across orgs.
• Awareness of data privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR) and secure handling of customer data.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical data concepts for business stakeholders and to work independently in a fast paced delivery environment.

Desirable skillsets:

• Salesforce certifications (e.g., Salesforce Certified Data Architecture and Management Designer, Administrator, or Platform App Builder).
• Experience with multi org consolidation or Salesforce org merge/split projects.
• Experience with Salesforce Sales Cloud and/or Service Cloud in an automotive or retail environment.
• Familiarity with Salesforce attachments, files, and content migration (ContentVersion, ContentDocumentLink).
• Experience using Power BI or similar tools to present reconciliation and migration progress reporting.
• Working knowledge of Agile delivery and tools such as Jira and Confluence.