Head of Data Engineering and Architecture

job Title: Head of Data Engineering & Architecture

About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced data engineering leader who combines recent hands-on technical expertise with the ability to set direction and architectural standards. This role is central to our data transformation journey - building secure, production-ready data pipelines and products that enable advanced analytics and AI at scale.

You’ll be expected to dive into code, challenge best practices, and guide the team in building flexible yet well-governed data solutions. This is not a pure management role - it’s about leading by example in engineering, design, and delivery.

What You’ll Do

• Lead a global team of data engineers and architects in developing scalable, production-ready data pipelines and products.
• Design data products that are flexible but governed, enabling both AI and traditional analytics use cases.
• Define and enforce engineering best practices (version control, CI/CD, testing, deployment, documentation).
• Provide architectural oversight to ensure solutions are robust, secure, and future-proof.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a multinational environment to ensure data is usable, governed, and fit for purpose.
• Balance technical depth with strategic direction, switching easily between design discussions and code reviews.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 4+ years of professional experience in data engineering and architecture, with recent hands-on coding (Python strongly preferred).
• Proven experience implementing software and data engineering best practices - Git or equivalent version control, CI/CD pipelines, testing, and code review.
• Proven experience delivering data products in a multinational or distributed environment.
• Proven experience with data mesh concepts - able to design and implement data products that are both flexible and governed.
• Proven ability to provide architectural guidance while still contributing at the technical level.
• Cloud experience required (Azure a strong plus); experience with modern data platforms (e.g. Databricks) a big advantage.
• Strong communication skills and ability to connect business needs with scalable technical solutions.