Head of Data Engineering & Platforms

About the Role
Here is a forward-thinking, AI-first organisation building the infrastructure for the future of our industry. This senior leadership role sits at the heart of our data and AI transformation.

"This is a challenging and complex role, from a technical pov, not a people pov".

As Head of Data Platforms & Engineering, you will architect and deliver the next-generation data foundation that powers cutting-edge AI capabilities across the business. You’ll lead the convergence of large-scale data platforms and advanced AI, working alongside strong AI engineering talent to create production systems that are truly state-of-the-art. Seriously.

This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of deep technical architecture, people leadership, and strategic innovation in a scaling, tech-forward environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and operate enterprise-scale data lakes and lakehouse platforms (with heavy Databricks usage) that serve as the backbone for advanced analytics and AI.
• Drive leading-edge Data + AI integration — building robust platforms that enable real-time AI, MLOps, feature stores, generative AI applications, and intelligent automation.
• Lead a small, elite team of data and platform engineers. Hire, mentor, and develop talent while navigating rapid growth and continuous evolution.
• Partner with AI specialists and business leaders to co-create data and AI strategies that deliver transformative business outcomes.
• Champion modern data practices, including governance, observability, real-time processing, and cost-efficient scaling of AI workloads.
• Stay at the forefront of Data + AI technologies and help position the organisation as an innovation leader.

About You

• A genuine data lakes and platforms fanatic with strong hands-on Databricks experience and a track record building production systems at scale.
• Passionate about the future of AI and experienced in building the data platforms that make advanced AI (including generative and agentic systems) possible and reliable in production.
• A strong people manager who excels at building high-performing teams and leading them through periods of rapid change and ambitious growth.
• Able to bridge deep technical work with business strategy and stakeholder engagement in a genuinely AI-forward culture.
• 8+ years in data/platform engineering with 3+ years in leadership, ideally in organisations that are pushing the boundaries of Data + AI.

What We Offer

• The chance to shape truly leading-edge Data + AI platforms in a company that is all-in on artificial intelligence as a core competitive advantage.
• Work at the forefront of modern data lakehouse and AI technologies in a dynamic, future-focused environment.
• Competitive package and the opportunity to make a visible impact in a scaling organisation that values both innovation and culture.

For more information, please contact Usama or Jason.

*****@blackroc.co 
*****@blackroc.co

At BLACKROC Recruitment, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experiences.
  
If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the above-mentioned BLACKROC Consultant.