Senior Director, Data Platform & Engineering

Reporting to the Chief Data and AI Officer, the Senior Director, Data Platform and Engineering is responsible for leading the development and execution of the firm’s data strategy, ensuring the highest standards of data quality, security, and performance. This role involves developing scalable data platforms and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance customer value and operational efficiency. The Senior Director will also ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and drive innovation through the strategic use of AI and machine learning.

• Formulate and implement a data strategy that aligns with the firm’s goals and product roadmap, ensuring the highest standards of data quality, security, and performance.
• Oversee the design and development of scalable data architectures that enable advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities.
• Ensure the integrity, accessibility, and security of the firm’s data assets by implementing best practices in data governance and compliance, including adherence to data privacy regulations like GDPR.
• Lead the development and continuous evolution of scalable, robust, and business-aligned data platforms, driving the adoption of modern tools and technologies, including cloud-native services, distributed computing, and real-time data processing.
• Forge strong partnerships with cross-functional teams, including AI, product management, operations, customer care, platform, and architecture teams, to create integrated roadmaps and align on the strategic vision.
• Effectively communicate complex data concepts and strategies to executive leadership and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the firm’s broader vision and goals.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies, translating them into actionable initiatives to drive innovation and maintain the firm’s market leadership.
• Foster strong partnerships with technology vendors, negotiate technical contracts, and manage financial aspects of data engineering initiatives to ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Implement firm-wide data quality frameworks to ensure high-quality data across all data engineering pipelines and data warehousing models.
• Build and optimize the organizational structure of the global data engineering practice, aligning it with core business functions and global growth objectives.
• Hires, develops, coaches, and supervises direct reports. Conducts annual performance reviews. 

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in data engineering
• A minimum of 7 years in a leadership
• In-depth knowledge of AI, machine learning, and big data architecture, including tools such as Spark, Kafka, and architectures like Data Lake or Lakehouse
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing, cross-functional data engineering teams in a dynamic environment
• Proven experience in building and scaling data platforms in a cloud environment such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, with a focus on scalability, security, and performance

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer