The Data Platform Lead is responsible for the end-to-end ownership of a large enterprise data platform within a complex, operational environment. Reporting into the Enterprise Data & Analytics function, this role carries accountability for the technical strategy, operational performance, cost management, and ongoing evolution of a Databricks-led Azure ecosystem.

This is not a pure engineering role. It is a platform ownership position requiring strong technical depth combined with stakeholder leadership. The platform is established & operating, we need someone to own, stabilise, optimise, and to ensure consistent, measurable business value.

Responsibilities:

• Own and execute the technical roadmap for the enterprise data platform aligned to business priorities
• Oversee day-to-day operational health across data lakes, warehouses, ingestion pipelines, transformation layers, and analytics environments
• Define, monitor, and enforce SLAs covering uptime, performance, incident management, data quality, and cost control
• Manage the relationship with the managed service provider, driving accountability, transparency, and delivery outcomes
• Act as the primary liaison between IT, architecture, business stakeholders, and operational teams
• Drive cost optimisation across Azure and Databricks through forecasting, monitoring, and resource management
• Establish and refine DevOps practices to support a hub-and-spoke operating model
• Strengthen governance capabilities including metadata, security, retention, and data quality frameworks
• Provide performance and cost reporting dashboards to senior stakeholders, understanding of Kimball highly desired
• Identify and implement improvements including automation, self-service enablement, and AI use case opportunities

Requirements:

• Strong experience in enterprise engineering and analytics platform environments
• Strong production experience with Databricks in Azure-based architectures
• Understands the design and how to operating modern lakehouse architectures including ELT pipelines and medallion patterns
• Demonstrated ownership of platform reliability, scalability, security, and cost management
• Experience operating within complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to translate business requirements into sustainable platform solutions
• Comfortable taking accountability for platform outcomes rather than purely technical delivery

This role won't suit someone who wants a hands on position! If you are a Data Engineering Lead or Principal Consultant looking to get off the tools fully, or maybe an Analytics Manager who wants more platform ownership, it may be a fit.

Applicants must be based in Sydney & have Permanent Residency or Citizenship.