Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer at DEPT®/DATA

Reporting to: Head of Data/AI

DEPT®/DATA

DEPT®/AI has a single mission: to make the best work in the industry using Data & AI to enhance everything we do. This role sits within our Data & AI practice, which has deep expertise in leveraging AI. The team includes data strategists, consultants, data scientists and analysts that work alongside DEPT® teams around the world across different services – from commerce, to full-funnel media, content engineering to internal operations. You will be solving some of the hardest and most challenging problems facing some of the best loved brands in the world – and doing this alongside an experienced team.

This role is part of our EMEA Data craft team, an integrated craft across Europe driving data engineering, data science, and AI initiatives. We combine our expertise in data architecture, analytics, and AI to deliver exceptional data-driven solutions that build lasting relationships with our clients like Footlocker, Nikon, Rituals, and Philips.

Role Overview

The Lead Data Engineer is responsible for building and leading our data engineering capabilities across EMEA and setting technical standards. This senior technical leadership role will drive the strategic vision for our data engineering practice, deliver complex client solutions, and grow the data engineering team to support our expanding client base. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable, efficient data architectures that power our AI and data analytics solutions.

This role requires a technically excellent, strategic thinker with proven experience in leading data engineering teams and implementing enterprise-scale data solutions.

Job Purpose

As part of the EMEA Data craft team, you will be responsible for shaping and executing our data engineering strategy, delivering technical excellence on complex client projects, and building a high-performing team of data engineers.

To be successful in this role, you must combine deep technical expertise with strong business acumen and leadership skills. You'll work closely with clients to understand their business challenges and translate these into robust data engineering solutions. You'll guide technical decision-making, establish best practices, and ensure our data engineering capabilities remain at the cutting edge of industry standards.

An entrepreneurial spirit with a bias for action, excellent communication skills, and the ability to bridge the gap between technical solutions and business stakeholders is essential to succeed in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of our data engineering proposition and capabilities
• Set technical standards and best practices for data engineering across EMEA
• Guide and mentor data engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation
• Design and implement scalable, reliable data architectures and pipelines for enterprise clients
• Serve as the technical authority on client engagements, providing expert guidance
• Build and grow a high-performing data engineering team
• Work closely with the broader Data & AI practice to deliver integrated solutions
• Support business development efforts through technical expertise in client pitches
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and methodologies in the data engineering space

What We Are Looking For

• Extensive experience in data engineering with a proven track record of leading complex data initiatives
• Strong technical leadership experience, with the ability to guide and develop engineering teams
• Deep expertise in designing and implementing data architectures, data pipelines, and ETL processes
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure) and their data-specific services
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and data orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, DBT)
• Experience with modern data warehouse technologies (BigQuery, Snowflake, Redshift, etc.)
• Strong understanding of data modeling, data governance, and data quality principles
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for business stakeholders
• Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute technical roadmaps
• Experience working in an agency or consulting environment is highly advantageous
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

We Offer:

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2-3 days from the office, depending on location) and the opportunity to work from abroad for 13 weeks a year.
• 24 vacation days per year and the possibility to buy an unlimited number of extra vacation days.
• DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and DEPT®/YOU Special Programs. Develop your skills with courses and programs tailored to your needs.
• Stay happy and healthy with a contribution to your health through the OpenUp platform, gym and wellness discounts, and healthy lunches at the office.
• Get a discount on your lease bike and ride in style. You can also enjoy hassle free-commutes with an NS Business Card.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021, has been named a Great Place To Work since 2022 in the Netherlands and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big, small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with all of them. And we celebrate all of our successes together!

Who Are We?

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating. Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.