Data Delivery Director

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Data Delivery Director to spearhead enterprise-scale data engineering initiatives for clients in the Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and Manufacturing sectors. This pivotal role involves leading and overseeing global delivery teams, ensuring the highest standards of program execution, and serving as a strategic advisor to senior stakeholders. The objective is to drive significant business value through data-led strategies across critical domains including merchandising, supply chain, customer insights, and digital commerce.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and govern extensive Retail and CPG data engineering and analytics programs across multiple client portfolios.
• Manage all facets of end-to-end program delivery, including scope definition, timeline adherence, quality assurance, risk management, financial oversight, and margin optimization.
• Build, scale, and manage global delivery teams comprising over 200 data engineers, architects, and delivery leaders.
• Drive program excellence across various engagement models, including managed services, fixed-price, and outcome-based projects.
• Oversee Profit & Loss (P&L), margins, and team utilization.
• Establish robust program governance frameworks, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and operational metrics.
• Act as the primary client-facing delivery lead, engaging with C-suite executives, Retail IT leaders, and business stakeholders.
• Ensure seamless alignment between data architecture, engineering execution, and overarching Retail business objectives.
• Proactively identify and manage program risks, dependencies, escalations, and stakeholder expectations for large-scale programs.
• Champion engineering best practices, automation, and operational maturity within data delivery teams.
• Collaborate with sales and presales teams to shape and define delivery strategies for major Retail and CPG deals.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 20 years of overall IT experience, with at least 10 years in senior leadership positions.
• Substantial delivery leadership experience in Data Software Engineering and managing enterprise data platforms.
• Proven track record of delivering solutions utilizing PySpark, Python-based data engineering, Databricks, Lakehouse architectures, Snowflake, and Power BI.
• Proficiency in analytical and reporting solutions, including AI/ML, SQL, and large-scale analytical data processing.
• A strong background in open-source data frameworks and distributed processing technologies.
• Hands-on experience with AWS and Azure cloud platforms within large Retail data environments.
• Deep understanding of batch and streaming data pipelines, data quality management, performance optimization, and data governance principles.
• Demonstrated experience managing Retail and CPG data delivery programs encompassing merchandising, category analytics, supply chain, inventory management, demand forecasting, customer analytics, loyalty programs, omnichannel commerce, pricing and promotions strategy, and store operations analytics.
• Proven ability to translate complex Retail business needs into scalable and effective data engineering solutions.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed, Retail industry-focused data delivery teams.
• A history of successfully leading large enterprise delivery engagements with full ownership of delivery and financial outcomes.
• Extensive experience in managed services transitions, stabilization, and steady-state delivery operations.
• Strong background in managing fixed-price and milestone-based delivery models.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor senior leaders and cultivate high-performing, domain-specific delivery organizations.
• Active involvement in presales activities, including RFP/RFI responses and contributions to large deal pursuits.
• Capability to define robust delivery models, create accurate estimates, develop staffing plans, and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to clearly articulate delivery approaches and instill confidence in Retail and CPG clients regarding execution capabilities.