Director of Data Engineering

World Market • Alameda, CA

1d • $210,000 - $250,000

About The Position

We're seeking a Director of Data Engineering to build and lead our data engineering function from the ground up. This is a hands-on role balancing leadership and governance with active involvement in architecture design, data modeling, coding standards, operations, and mentoring engineers. This is a rare opportunity to architect World Market's modern cloud data platform and create the foundation that will power data-driven innovation across our organization. This role is accountable for delivering the data infrastructure, governance, data integrity, and integration capabilities that enable our business to compete in modern retail. You'll architect the data foundation that enables World Market's future. The platform you build and the team you develop will provide data that powers: Omni-channel commerce across 250+ stores and e-commerce sites Unified customer views that drive personalized experiences and digital marketing Analytics that optimize marketing, merchandising, pricing, store ops, and supply chain The enterprise integration layer that connects our entire technology ecosystem Foundation for AI strategy and intelligent workflow (including MCP framework)

Requirements

• 10+ years in data engineering, data architecture, or related technical roles
• 5+ years leading data engineering or platform teams; Omni-channel Retail Experience
• Strong background implementing EDW and operations lifecycle on a cloud data platform
• Prior experience in enterprise integration architecture and API design
• Experience in retail, e-commerce, or similarly complex omni-channel businesses
• Track record of establishing data governance and operational centers of excellence
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Proven ability to manage budgets, optimize cloud costs, and forecast spending
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term vision with pragmatic execution
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building organizational capabilities from scratch
• Strong people leader who can motivate and coach direct-reports and offshore teams
• Excellent communication skills, bilingual in both Technical and Business speak
• Collaborative partner who builds trust with IT peers, business stakeholders, and vendors
• Expert understanding of data architecture, data modeling, and dimensional design
• Hands-on proficiency with pipeline engineering tools (dbt, Airflow, Fivetran,)
• Deep knowledge of cloud operations with hyperscaler platforms (Azure preferred)
• Strong SQL and Python skills and understanding of database optimization
• Experience with both batch and real-time/streaming data integration patterns
• Understanding of API design, microservices, and event-driven architectures
• Familiarity with Analytics Engineering, evolving AI strategies, and MLOps principles

Responsibilities

• Data Architecture: Define and execute the cloud data platform strategy (Snowflake, Azure Fabric, BigQuery); build an enterprise data lake with standardized zones; migrate from legacy batch to modern API event-driven integrations.
• Data Governance: Set up data ownership, quality, security, and compliance frameworks; implement cataloging, lineage, access controls, and work with Legal and Security on privacy and regulations.
• Data Engineering: Lead offshore engineering, design data pipelines for varied platforms, enforce best practices (CI/CD, testing, observability), and standardize tools like dbt, Airflow, and Fivetran.
• Enterprise Integrations: Manage integration strategy, shift from batch files to APIs and event-driven patterns, partner with teams, set standards, and oversee vendors.
• Data Operations: Define SLAs, create runbooks and incident response plans, monitor systems, optimize costs, and ensure disaster recovery.
• Analytics Enablement: Build analytics infrastructure, deliver ready-to-use models and semantic layers, unify sources, set standards, and establish MLOps foundations.

Benefits

• Work life balance is a priority.
• Up to 30% employee discount and product sample sales!
• A fun and supportive work environment where you feel welcomed and safe.
• A culture of inclusion that empowers you to be your best authentic self.
• Opportunities to make an impact through your passions.
• Wellness Programs including virtual fitness classes, personal health advocates, coaches, gym discounts and more.
• Accrued Vacation, Sick Time and Personal Holidays.
• Eligible employees offered Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, 401(k) Savings Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director