Director of Data Engineering

About WFS

Join our Worldwide Flight Services family and contribute to the timely delivery of cargo shipment, luggage, business to customer delivery, and on-time flights while operating safely and securely.  We perform at the highest level for our customers every day, and strive to be an exceptional leader in our industry with our teams of cargo, passenger, ramp handling, and technical service experts in 164 airport locations, 18 countries, and on 5 continents.  Are you ready to take off on your next career with us?

Job Summary

The Director of Data Engineering is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of the organization's data infrastructure and engineering initiatives within the Americas region. This role will drive the implementation of scalable and reliable data platforms, ensuring data accessibility, integrity, and security across the enterprise. The Director will lead a team of skilled data engineers and architects, fostering innovation and collaboration to enable data-driven decision-making and drive business value. The role will collaborate closely with the Global Digital & Data team to align strategies and leverage best practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the data engineering strategy for the Americas region, aligning it with broader business objectives, technology roadmaps, and the Global Digital & Data team's vision.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and the Global Digital & Data team to understand data requirements and translate them into robust data architectures and solutions.
• Establish data governance standards, policies, and best practices to ensure data quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance, in alignment with global standards.
• Oversee the design and implementation of data models, schemas, and metadata management processes, leveraging Microsoft technologies and best practices.
• Lead the development and maintenance of a scalable, secure, and high-performance data platform for the Americas region, leveraging Azure cloud technologies, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, and other approved tools and solutions.
• Ensure the efficient and reliable operation of data pipelines, ETL processes, and data integration mechanisms, utilizing Microsoft technologies and frameworks.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within the team, in collaboration with the Global Digital & Data team.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and facilitate knowledge transfer between the data engineering team, other teams, business units, and the Global Digital & Data team.
• Manage project resources, risks, and dependencies, ensuring successful project outcomes in coordination with the Global Digital & Data team.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and technology enhancements, and lead their implementation in coordination with the Global Digital & Data team

 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or related roles, with a strong technical background.
• Proven experience in leading and managing data engineering teams and complex projects.
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft data engineering technologies, tools, and platforms (e.g., Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, SQL Server, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics).
• Expertise in data modeling, data warehousing, ETL processes, and data integration methodologies, with a focus on Microsoft solutions.
• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, and data security principles and best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities, including experience collaborating with global teams.
• Experience in Agile and DevOps methodologies is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills and proven ability to work effectively with all organizational levels.
• Ability to influence customer's expectations and develop win-win outcomes.
• Ability to forecast program performance and plan accordingly with resources as required.
• Ability to analyze complex systems, problem solve, and plan mitigations
• Advanced proficiency with all MS Office applications.
• Highly organized with good time management skills.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• 0-10% Travel
• MST Travel required.
• Remain in a sta