Lead Data Engineer

Who we are:

Hi, we’re SambaSafety and we offer the industry’s most comprehensive driver monitoring software. Our mission is promoting safer communities by reducing risk through data insights. Companies trust SambaSafety to keep their employees safe on the roads, price and reduce risk, help protect their brand, their bottom line, and our global community. 

We’ve built an inclusive, supportive, and exceptional culture where every employee is empowered in their role. Don’t take our word for it;  we’ve been recognized as a Top Workplace  by The Denver Post, Albuquerque Journal, Sacramento Bee, and Built In Colorado. And our employees rate SambaSafety as top-notch, with a rock solid Top Rating on Glassdoor.

What You’ll Do:

The Data Engineering Lead is responsible for all the organization’s data. This includes defining the data governance framework and protecting and managing the company’s data assets.  This role’s primary focus is on creating and executing data engineering and data requirements to manage the product platform in a SaaS organization.  This entails the establishment of data pipelines and data architecture to enable the mining and creation of new data products. This role is responsible for spanning data operations, data quality management, driving business value through data analytics, and ensuring data governance and security.

• Data Strategy & Vision: Develop and execute SambaSafety’s data analytics strategy, transforming data into a strategic asset to drive top-line growth, operational efficiencies, and better business outcomes. Ensure alignment with business goals (OKRs) to support innovation and cost-saving initiatives
• Data Governance & Compliance: Establish and enforce robust data governance frameworks to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and security. Ensure compliance with data regulations and encounter standards and promote best practices in data stewardship enterprise wide
• Data Engineering & Infrastructure: Oversee the design, integration, implementation, and optimization of data infrastructure, including both in-house and cloud-based solutions (e.g., AWS,). Ensure data platforms are scalable, secure, and support advanced analytics and AI initiatives
• Reporting & Business Intelligence: Enhance Samba’s reporting and BI capabilities, ensuring that data is accessible, relevant, and actionable for stakeholders across the organization. Develop and implement KPI dashboards to track performance and measure the impact of analytics initiatives
• Advanced Analytics & AI: Lead the development and application of predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI to provide actionable insights that drive operational efficiency, top line growth, and cost reduction. Utilize advanced analytics to solve critical business challenges
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead an established EDT team and build, lead, and mentor a high-performing data engineering, analytics, and data science team. This role has 3 direct reports and teams under each direct.  Foster a collaborative, innovative environment focused on continuous learning and professional development to drive excellence.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Alignment: Act as the primary liaison between data analytics teams and executive leadership team (ELT). Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to align data strategies with business objectives and maximize the value of data initiatives
• Value Realization & Impact Measurement: Define and track metrics to assess the impact of data analytics initiatives on business performance. Identify opportunities to generate revenue, enhance efficiencies, and strengthen Samba’s competitive position through data-driven insights

 Required Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in data engineering, data management, reporting and BI, analytics, data science, AI or related fields, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale data initiatives and analytics teams, ideally in insurance or transportation industries.
• Experience managing data architecture, data engineering, BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), and data science to support predictive analytics and reporting functions
• Proven expertise in data architecture, data engineering, and data pipelines.  Proficiency in AWS services, Airflow, and Snowflake which are part of our current tech stack.
• Industry Expertise: Strong SaaS background in insurance or transportation. Demonstrated proficiency in advanced analytics (e.g., machine learning, AI), data management, and cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS)
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of data regulations, including GDPR & FCRA, with hands-on experience ensuring compliance in data-intensive environments.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to apply advanced analytics and predictive modeling to solve complex business challenges and improving cost efficiency
• Executive Leadership & Influence: Proven experience in building and leading high-performing analytics teams, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Skilled in influencing senior leaders and aligning cross-functional teams to execute on a shared data strategy
• Stakeholder Management & Business Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with executive leadership, internal departments, and external partners. Ability to translate complex data insights into actionable business recommendations that resonate with stakeholders
• Innovation & Change Management: Strong ability to lead transformation projects, drive innovation in data practices, and champion the adoption of cutting-edge analytics and AI solutions. Skilled in creating scalable, reusable data products and tools that support business objectives
• Results Orientation: Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable outcomes through data and analytics initiatives, with a focus on generating business value, improving efficiency, and enhancing Samba’s market competitiveness
• Operational Support Expertise: In-depth understanding of Tier 1 support within data operations, with the ability to ensure real-time support and efficient incident resolution protocols. Skilled in implementing proactive measures for issue identification, escalation, and resolution, maintaining high system reliability, stakeholder satisfaction, and smooth data flows to support analytic insights
• Career Growth: Potential and desire to develop into a Chief Data Officer or VP of Data Engineering over time.

 Benefits and Perks:

• Flexible and generous Paid Time Off and Paid Volunteer Days
• 401k Employer Match 
• Generous Healthcare Benefits 
• Up to 12 weeks paid time off for maternity leave based on tenure
• Wellness &Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Lots of SambaSafety swag & SambaSafety Events 

Our team of talented and committed safety professionals is exceptional. At SambaSafety we strive to foster an inclusive culture that supports, encourages and celebrates a wide array of diversity. We are committed to create a space where all employees can show up as their authentic selves every day, and we work to advance employee equality, diversity and inclusion.

SambaSafety provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, and expression or genetics.

Come join us to find out for yourself what all the excitement is about!