Director of Data Strategy and Operations

Director of Data Strategy and Operations

Role Overview:

Join our young but well-founded startup, where we're pioneering innovative SAAS-cloud, deep learning-based products.

We are growing and looking for Director of Data Strategy and Operations

This role operates as a director-level leader outside the data department, focusing on driving data strategy across the organization while maintaining a deep technical skill set. The individual will work across teams to advance data-driven initiatives and collaborate to understand and shape its strategic vision.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Cross-Functional Data Leadership:

• Lead strategic data projects and foster a data-driven culture across multiple departments, identifying key data opportunities to improve operations and business performance.
• Act as a key partner for non-technical teams, translating complex data requirements into actionable insights and supporting cross-departmental data accessibility.

1. Technical and Operational Oversight:

• Your deep technical expertise in data engineering, analytics, and cloud computing will guide data initiatives across departments and ensure data integrity, scalability, and performance. You will oversee data workflows, architecture, and integrations, focusing on optimizing data pipelines and ensuring efficient cross-functional data use.
• I'd like you to maintain a comprehensive knowledge of data projects, operations, and technical needs.
• Could you collaborate with data department leadership to align on data governance, performance metrics, and strategic goals that support both departmental and organizational objectives?

1. Data Governance and Quality:

• Establish and implement data governance frameworks and compliance policies to ensure data quality, security, and privacy standards across all departments.
• Partner with the data team to implement best practices in data handling and optimize workflows for enhanced efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications:

1. Experience:

• At least 10 years in data-focused roles with significant experience in data engineering, data architecture, and analytics.
• At least 5 years working in multi-departmental roles where data initiatives were aligned with broader business strategies.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership or strategic role with hands-on experience in data engineering, cloud computing, and analytics.

2. Technical Skills:

• Programming:

○ Extensive experience, at least 5 years, with Python and advanced SQL proficiency.

○ Extensive experience, at least 1 year, with Scala or Java.

• Data Engineering: Strong background in data structures, algorithms, and data processing frameworks (Apache Spark, Apache Beam).
• Cloud Computing: At least 2 years of hands-on experience with cloud platforms (GCP preferred but Azure or AWS acceptable), with expertise in tools like BigQuery.
• Data Tools: Proficiency with pandas or similar data manipulation libraries and familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD practices (e.g., GitLab, GitHub).
• Data Governance: Deep understanding of data governance and compliance best practices.

3. Leadership and Succession Potential:

• Proven experience leading data initiatives and mentoring technical teams, with a collaborative leadership style that encourages cross-functional engagement.
• Strategic vision with the ability to manage complex projects and influence technical and non-technical teams.
• Capability and readiness to transition into the head of data role, with familiarity with Agile methodologies (Scrum).

4. Preferred:

• BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Data engineering or cloud platform certifications (e.g., GCP Data Engineer).
• Familiarity with advanced data science and machine learning techniques, particularly their application in business contexts.