Data Functional Analyst

About the Role

Oliver James is partnering with a leading enterprise organization migrating its core legacy systems from Adabas (Mainframe) to PostgreSQL.

We are seeking a Data Functional Analyst to bridge the gap between legacy business logic and modern database architecture. Working directly alongside Data Engineers and DBAs, you will define data mappings and ensure a seamless, high-integrity migration.

Key Responsibilities

• Legacy Data Analysis & Mapping: Deep-dive into Mainframe data structures and define accurate functional target mappings to PostgreSQL relational schemaq.
• Technical & Functional Guidance: Act as the primary functional advisor for Data Engineers and DBAs, writing clear functional specifications to guide ETL/ELT pipeline development and schema design.
• Data Quality & Reconciliation: Design data validation strategies, define test scenarios, and execute cross-database reconciliation checks (Mainframe legacy vs. PostgreSQL) to guarantee 100% data integrity and consistency.
• Data Lineage & Documentation: Maintain comprehensive data dictionaries, mapping rulebooks, and lineage documentation throughout the migration lifecycle.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the functional point of contact for resolving legacy data ambiguities and translating complex business rules for the technical delivery team.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Functional Data Expertise: 3 years of experience as a Data Functional Analyst, Business Data Analyst, or Data Consultant on large-scale data transformation projects.
• Database & SQL Skills: Strong, mandatory expertise in PostgreSQL and advanced proficiency in SQL and relational data modelling concepts.
• Mainframe Experience: Solid functional understanding of Mainframe database environments (knowledge of Adabas is nice to have, but not mandatory).
• Migration Track Record: Hands-on experience working on complex legacy-to-relational data migration projects.
• Language Skills:
  • Fluent English (written and spoken).
  • Professional fluency in French and/or Dutch (essential for local team and business stakeholder collaboration).
• Communication & Mindset: Excellent analytical skills, rigorous attention to detail, and the ability to articulate complex functional rules clearly to technical teams.