Data Operations and Development Lead

Overview

Data Operations and Development Lead. Department: Information Technology. Location: Remote - With quarterly travel to DC. Role Type: 6-month contract with extension. Public Trust Required.

This organization is a global technology, engineering, and science solutions provider delivering mission IT, security, software, engineering, and operations services to government and regulated customers. The role involves leading a team of data specialists to deliver reports, dashboards, and advanced analytics for a Federal Government client, and aligning data initiatives with business processes that have nationwide impact.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with business stakeholders to understand ongoing and future data needs.
• Build relationships at all levels of the organization and develop a deep understanding of the business context.
• Prioritize and manage day-to-day activities, task prioritization, team utilization, and data deliveries, using Agile project and task management.
• Lead data analytics team members to drive full data lifecycle activities, including new platform, data engineering, and reporting capabilities.
• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure stakeholder commitments are met.
• Lead migration from legacy data warehouse and BI platform to the cloud-native Azure platform.
• Contribute hands-on with SQL and related technologies to facilitate data analysis, troubleshooting, data quality checks, and demonstrations.
• Establish and coordinate Agile development and operations, including Program Increment Planning.
• Manage design, development, deployment, and operation of Microsoft Azure-based data solutions.
• Coordinate support from infrastructure, vendors, and government service providers.
• Promote continuous learning and propose new approaches to meet client needs.
• Drive best practices in cloud data infrastructure, data architecture, data quality assurance, data security, data standards, data management, data governance, data engineering, performance optimization, reporting, and analytics.
• Collaborate with the client to maintain a technical roadmap, incorporating latest tools and technologies such as Generative AI.
• Ensure project knowledge management and documentation; manage training and knowledge transfer to the client data management team and users.

Required Experience/Skills

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 12+ years of experience.
• 8+ years of experience leading a Microsoft Azure cloud-based data analytics team.
• Strong communication skills; ability to lead a team of Data Specialists including Business Analysts, Data Architects, Data Modelers, Data Engineers, Azure Cloud Administrators, and Report Developers.
• Experience delivering enterprise-scale cloud data solutions (reports, dashboards, visualization, data extracts, ad hoc queries).
• Experience using Agile processes (Kanban/Scrum) to drive daily platform operations and new development.
• Experience implementing Azure-native data engineering, data lakehouse, data warehouse, data models, and related data services.
• Experience with data architecture, data quality, data security, data standards, data governance, and data engineering best practices.
• Experience delivering solutions using Azure services such as ADLS, ADF, Synapse Analytics, Apache Spark.
• Experience with Microsoft BI stack (Power BI, SQL Server, SSAS, SSRS, SSIS).
• Ability to use data query and reporting tools such as SSMS, Power BI, and SQL query tools.
• Ability to articulate Azure-based integrated architecture, including access to external data sources (AWS and on-premises).
• Understanding of AI/ML and Generative AI applications to data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; detail-oriented with good multi-tasking and follow-through.
• Ability to obtain a government-issued Public Trust clearance.

Nice-to-Haves

• Power BI and Microsoft Azure data analytics certifications.
• Experience delivering GenAI and AI/ML outcomes.

Education

At least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Pay Summary

• Pay rate up to $78/hr W2, depending on experience