Data Platform Lead

Position Title: Data Platform Lead

Job Purpose

The Data Platform Lead is responsible for overseeing the design, administration, optimization, and operational management of the organization's data platforms and supporting technologies. This role ensures the availability, security, scalability, and performance of data management, governance, privacy, and analytics solutions.

The Data Platform Lead collaborates closely with Data Modelers, Database Administrators (DBAs), Data Engineers, Analytics teams, and business stakeholders to ensure efficient data processing, integration, storage, access, and utilization across the organization. The role also drives modernization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives to support enterprise-wide data management objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Data Platform Management

• Lead the administration, management, and continuous enhancement of the organization's data platform ecosystem.
• Ensure alignment of data platforms with enterprise data strategy, governance policies, and business objectives.
• Manage and support data lakes, data warehouses, reporting platforms, business intelligence systems, and content management solutions.

Infrastructure Performance & Optimization

• Ensure data platforms are secure, scalable, reliable, and optimized for performance.
• Oversee platform monitoring, capacity planning, performance tuning, and optimization activities.
• Define and implement platform standards, operational procedures, and best practices.

Data Operations & Integration

• Collaborate with Data Engineers, Data Modelers, and DBAs to design, implement, and maintain efficient data pipelines and storage architectures.
• Support data integration initiatives and ensure smooth connectivity between enterprise applications and data platforms.
• Manage backup, recovery, high-availability configurations, and disaster recovery procedures.

Governance, Security & Compliance

• Implement and enforce data management policies related to platform administration, access control, and security.
• Ensure compliance with organizational data governance, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Support auditing activities and maintain appropriate security and access controls.

Monitoring & Incident Management

• Implement and maintain logging, monitoring, alerting, and observability solutions.
• Manage incident response, root cause analysis, and problem resolution activities.
• Ensure platform availability and reliability through proactive monitoring and preventive maintenance.

Modernization & Automation

• Drive automation, standardization, and modernization initiatives across data infrastructure and operational processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance platform capabilities.
• Lead the adoption of emerging technologies and best practices within data platform operations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with business users, analytics teams, and technology stakeholders to enable effective data access and utilization.
• Provide technical guidance and support for platform-related initiatives and projects.
• Communicate platform performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to management.

Performance Management

• Define, track, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for data platform operations.
• Ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are achieved for data availability, processing performance, system uptime, and reliability.
• Establish continuous improvement measures to enhance platform service quality.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Management, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• Relevant professional certifications in cloud technologies, database administration, data management, or platform engineering are preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of experience managing and supporting enterprise data platforms, including data lakes, data warehouses, analytics platforms, or business intelligence systems.
• Experience managing cloud and on-premises data environments.
• Proven experience in platform operations, performance optimization, monitoring, and incident management.
• Experience with data backup, recovery processes, and disaster recovery planning.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in data platform administration, engineering, or architecture.
• Experience with cloud and hybrid data platforms such as:
  • Microsoft Azure
  • AWS
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Snowflake
  • SQL Server
  • Databricks
• Proficiency in ETL/ELT tools, data integration, and workflow orchestration.
• Strong understanding of database administration, data modeling, and performance tuning.
• Knowledge of data governance, data security, privacy, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience with platform monitoring, logging, alerting, and observability tools.

Leadership & Management Skills

• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex technical initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Soft Skills

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence decision-making and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong customer-service orientation and business acumen.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Data platform availability and uptime.
• Data processing performance and throughput.
• SLA compliance for data services.
• Incident response and resolution time.
• Platform performance optimization metrics.
• Data quality and accessibility metrics.
• Automation adoption and operational efficiency improvements.
• Successful delivery of platform modernization initiatives.