Head of Data Solutions

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Role Description

This role will be responsible for developing and maintaining data platform for internal analytics in Sanoma Learning.

• Report to Head of Data and AI in Operations
• Work closely with Head of Internal analytics and cross-functional teams, including product owners, project managers, privacy champions, TechOps, architects, analytics leaders in our operating companies, and key leaders in Operations
• Manage a team of data engineers (including tech lead, scrum master, architect and potentially other roles)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Data Solutions team in Data and AI domain in developing a unified data platform that supports business needs
• Manage various analytical and other data-related needs with flexible and compliant data solutions
• Ensure continuous development by facilitating the data solution development process (scrum) and priorities
• Develop and maintain a scalable and efficient data infrastructure that enables the collection, storage, processing of large volumes of data (current tool: Snowflake)
• Collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless integration and functionality of data solutions
• Lead a team of data engineers, providing guidance and support to achieve project goals and deliver high-quality results
• Support data engineering tech lead in developing team’s data engineering competence
• Facilitate the development and execution of SL’s data-driven strategy, aligning it with business objectives and foreseen future needs
• Manage data tools (e.g., Snowflake, DBT) and discussions with vendors and data-related third parties
• Oversee data governance at Sanoma Learning
• Support the advancement of SL AI topics by considering suitable supporting data structures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Advanced degree or MBA is a plus
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3-5 years in a leadership role overseeing data-related teams, initiatives, or platforms
• Proven track record in leading and delivering scalable and robust data platforms
• Experience managing cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment of technical solutions with business objectives and operational priorities
• Familiarity with modern data engineering and analytics tools, such as DBT, Apache Airflow, ETL/ELT frameworks, orchestration tools, SQL, and Python
• Experience in establishing and overseeing data governance frameworks, data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), and data security standards
• Background in agile project management methodologies and proven experience facilitating iterative development processes
• Experience in managing vendor relationships and procurement processes related to data infrastructure and engineering services

Skills

• Strong business and strategic mindset, with the ability to align data engineering solutions to organizational goals
• Proven ability to lead and develop diverse teams, fostering high performance, motivation, and growth
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership
• Good technical understanding of data architecture, data modeling principles, and best practices for data management
• Familiarity with modern data visualization and BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to support business insights
• Strategic and innovative thinking, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization of data-driven initiatives

Personal Attributes

• Data-driven decision-making approach
• Proactive and positive “can-do” attitude, demonstrating initiative and resilience
• Strong organizational skills, adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Self-motivated, consistently seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation
• Passionate about opportunities in Data and AI space